Has your roof taken a beating from summer storms, high winds, and heavy rain?
Before the snow and ice settle in, fall is the best time to give your roof the attention it needs!
With the right roof maintenance and inspection checklist, you can prevent costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and make sure your home is ready for winter.
What is the best time of year to install a roof?
Fall is an ideal time to repair or replace roofs in Edmonton because of the mild temperatures. This fact is true for both roofing crews and the materials they use.
Extreme summer heat can make shingles soft and slippery to handle, while freezing winter temperatures can cause tools to seize up and materials to crack. Fall provides that perfect balance—cool enough for crews to work comfortably, but warm enough for materials to perform as they should. The result is faster installation, fewer delays, and a roof that’s built to last.
Summer storms often leave behind damage from hail, wind, and heavy rain. Deal with this damage before winter sets in by scheduling your project in the fall.
Fall offers more predictable weather (without the extreme temperatures or sudden storms that can slow down roofing work). Taking care of your roof now keeps your home warmer and helps you save on heating bills in the cold months ahead.
Why Fall Roof Maintenance Matters
Your roof has a big job to do every winter in Edmonton: it needs to hold up against heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and ice buildup. That’s why roofing in the fall is a smart step for homeowners to take.
Weathering can cause small issues that often go unnoticed. Loose shingles, cracked flashing, or clogged gutters might seem minor, but they can turn into leaks, drafts, and costly water damage once winter hits.
Taking on an autumn roof project gives you the chance to fix summer storm damage and prepare your home for what’s ahead. Repairing the roof before the snow arrives protects your home from moisture and improves energy efficiency.
With stable weather and mild conditions, fall is the season that gives you great results (both for your roof and your peace of mind).
Read more: Costly Eavestrough Mistakes: Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late
Your Fall Roof Maintenance Checklist
At Knights Roofing, we believe that protection from above starts with understanding what’s going on. Here are the top maintenance tips for Edmonton homeowners with autumn roof projects:
1. Inspect Your Shingles: Look for missing, cracked, curled or blistered shingles. Even a single damaged shingle can allow water to seep in. If you’re not sure what to look for, a professional roof inspection can catch hidden damage.
2. Check Flashing and Skylights: Cracks or loose seals around skylights, vents, and flashing are easy to miss but can quickly turn into leaks under heavy snow.
3. Trim Overhanging Branches: Branches scraping against shingles or breaking off in strong winds can cause serious roof damage. Keep them trimmed back to prevent accidents.
4. Clean gutters and downspouts: Leaves, twigs, and debris can block water flow, leading to overflow, leaks, or ice dams. Gutter cleaning should be done at least twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall.
5. Remove leaves, moss, and algae: Wet leaves and moss trap moisture, which weakens shingles and encourages rot. Professionals use the right tools to clear buildup without damaging your roof.
6. Check for dents, cracks, or broken sections: Hail and wind from summer storms can leave behind damage you won’t notice from the ground. Walk around your home to spot issues, or book a fall roof inspection to be thorough.
7. Inspect your siding and exterior: If you had hailstorms this summer, siding may also be damaged. Cracks or loose panels allow water in, creating bigger issues later.
8. Trim back vegetation near your home: Bushes and plants close to your siding can trap moisture and block airflow. Keeping them trimmed helps protect your exterior and roofline.A solid fall maintenance routine can extend the life of your roof, but sometimes repairs aren’t enough. If your roof is showing major wear, it may be time to replace it.
Can You Replace a Roof in the Fall?
Yes, you can! In many cases, fall is the ideal time to do it.
Shingles need at least 7°C to seal properly. When applied in fall’s cooler climate, they bond securely to your roof, ensuring long-term protection before the snow arrives.
Starting your roof replacement early in the season gives crews enough time to complete the work without rushing against freezing conditions. By acting now, you ensure your home is ready to handle whatever winter brings.
How Often Should I Book Fall Roof Inspections?
Regular inspections are key to catching problems early and avoiding costly repairs. For most Edmonton homeowners, a fall roof inspection should be a yearly habit. This allows professionals to spot cracked shingles, worn flashing, or clogged gutters before snow and ice make them worse.
The type of roof you have also affects how often inspections are needed:
- Asphalt shingles: Once a year
- Flat roofs: Twice a year, spring and fall
- Metal roofs: Every two years, though seasonal gutter cleaning is still recommended
Gutter cleaning in the fall is especially important. Leaves and debris can block water flow, leading to overflow and even ice dams once temperatures drop. Having your gutters cleaned and inspected before winter ensures water drains away from your home, preventing leaks, and foundation damage.
With consistent fall roof inspections, you’ll extend the lifespan of your roof, improve your home’s energy efficiency, and save yourself the stress of emergency winter repairs.
Protect Your Home This Fall
Your roof is your home’s first line of defence against Edmonton’s harsh winters. Taking the time for fall roof maintenance—whether it’s a simple inspection, gutter cleaning, or a full replacement—can save you from expensive repairs and stressful emergencies when the snow sets in.
Don’t leave your roof to chance this season. Book your fall roof inspection and gutter cleaning with Knights Roofing today, and head into winter with the confidence that your home is protected from above.