Preparing Your Allentown Roof for Fall: A Homeowner’s Checklist to Avoid Winter Damage

Leaves, rain, and early freeze–thaw cycles in the Lehigh Valley can turn small roof issues into big winter problems. Use this practical, weekend-friendly checklist to get your Allentown home ready—so you dodge leaks, ice dams, and emergency calls when the first nor’easter hits.

1) Clear gutters and downspouts (the #1 leak preventer)

Clogged gutters push water back under shingles at the eaves and into fascia/soffits—prime ice-dam fuel.

• Scoop debris, then flush with a hose until water runs freely from each downspout.

• Confirm downspout extensions discharge 4–6 ft away from the foundation.

• If your property is heavy with oaks/maples (West End, South Whitehall, Emmaus), plan two cleanings: early fall and late fall after the last big drop.

  Pro help: We offer gutter cleaning if ladders aren’t your thing.

  

2) Walk the exterior from the ground (binocular scan)

You don’t need to climb to spot red flags:

• Shingles: look for missing tabs, lifted corners, widespread curling, or bare spots where granules are gone.

• Valleys & eaves: check for leaf mats that trap moisture.

• Roof-to-wall areas: step flashing should appear uniform (no tar blobs trying to “solve” a flashing problem).

• Ridge line: should be straight—not dipped or wavy (possible decking issues).Snap photos of anything suspicious.

3) Inspect the attic (10-minute check)

A quick attic look tells you more than the roof surface:

• Light leaks: daylight through roof boards = breach.

• Moisture signs: dark wood staining, damp insulation, musty smell.

• Ventilation balance: look for continuous soffit intake (baffles keep insulation from blocking it) and a clear ridge vent for exhaust.

• After heavy rain: re-check for new drips or wet insulation.

4) Chimneys, skylights, and penetrations (usual suspects)

Allentown’s brick chimneys are classic leak points.

• Chimney flashing: step + counter-flashing should be snug to brick—not smeared with failing sealant.

• Skylights: look for cracked lenses, brittle gaskets, or stained drywall below. Older units are best replaced during a re-roof.

• Pipe boots: rubber collars crack with age; if you see gaps, plan a replacement.

5) Trim overhanging branches

Branches shade north slopes (moss/algae), dump debris into valleys, and scrape shingles in wind.

• Maintain 6–10 ft clearance where possible.

• Hire a pro for anything near service drops or steep/second-story roofs.

6) Address moss and algae the right way

• Skip pressure-washing shingles (can strip granules).

• Use gentle, manufacturer-approved cleaning methods or install zinc/copper strips near the ridge to inhibit regrowth.

• Persistent growth usually signals shaded, damp, poorly ventilated conditions—fix the cause, not just the symptom.

7) Eave and valley protection

If your home has had ice dams:

• Verify ice & water shield along eaves/valleys (a pro can confirm).

• Ensure soffit intake isn’t blocked by insulation; add baffles if needed.

• Consider air-sealing attic bypasses (bath fan ducts, can lights) and adding insulation to recommended levels.

8) Sealants and small maintenance items

Sealant is not a cure for bad flashing, but it has its place.

• Re-seal exposed nail heads on vents/flanges.

• Replace brittle storm collars on metal vents.

• Check that bath and kitchen fans vent outdoors, not into the attic.

9) Plan repairs before the first hard freeze

Minor issues are cheaper to fix now:

• Replace a handful of damaged shingles.

• Reset or replace compromised pipe boots.

• Re-flash chimney if you see recurring stains. A small fall repair beats a mid-January ceiling patch.

10) Know when to stop DIY

Don’t climb a steep or wet roof. Call a pro for:

• Anything requiring harness/fall protection

• Chimney/sidewall re-flashing

• Widespread shingle damage

• Evidence of soft/sagging decking

A simple two-day “Fall Roof Ready” plan

Saturday (2–3 hrs): Gutters & downspouts, ground scan with photos, attic check

Sunday (1–2 hrs): Trim minor branches, document issues, schedule any needed repairs/inspection

FAQs

How often should I clean gutters in the Lehigh Valley? At least once in early fall and again after peak leaf drop. Pine-heavy lots may need quarterly checks.

Can I wait until spring to fix a small leak? You can—but winter expands minor leaks into wet insulation, drywall, and potential mold. Quick fall fixes save money.

Will new shingles stop my ice dams? New shingles help, but balanced ventilation + eave protection + attic air-sealing are the real ice-dam killers.

The bottom line

A couple of hours this fall can prevent months of winter headaches. Clear water paths, check the usual suspects, and fix small issues now—so you’re not calling for emergency tarps in February.

Need a professional fall roof/attic check or small repairs in Allentown, Whitehall, Emmaus, Macungie, or nearby?

Call 610-587-2709 or message us to book a same-week visit.

P.S. To keep water flowing and siding spotless, we also offer gutter cleaning and soft/pressure washing as recommended maintenance.