Spring & Fall Roof Maintenance Checklist for St. Louis County Homes

Spring: Undo the Winter

Missouri winters hit a roof with freeze-thaw cycles, ice at the eaves, and wind. In early spring, clear the gutters of the grit and seed pods that collected over winter, then run a hose to confirm water leaves the downspouts and discharges well away from the foundation.

Check the eaves and the first three feet of roof for lifted or cupped shingles — that band is where ice dams form. Inside, take a flashlight into the attic and look for dark staining on the sheathing or damp insulation near the exterior walls.

Before Storm Season

Late spring is the time to look at every penetration: pipe boots, furnace and bath vents, chimney flashing, and skylight seals. Cracked rubber pipe boots are the single most common leak we repair in St. Charles County, and they are an inexpensive fix before they soak a ceiling.

Trim any limbs within about six feet of the roof. Branches abrade shingles in wind and give squirrels a bridge to the fascia.

Fall: Get Ready for Ice

Clean gutters again after the leaves drop — clogged gutters in November mean ice dams in January. Confirm attic insulation is even and not blocking the soffit vents, because a warm attic melts snow that refreezes at the cold eave.

Reseat any loose ridge cap and re-caulk exposed fasteners on metal accents and flashing. Photograph the roof each fall so you have a clear before-and-after record if a storm hits.

When to Call Instead of Climb

Steep pitch, a second story, wet shingles, or anything you cannot reach safely from a ladder is worth a call. We offer free drone inspections across Ellisville, Wildwood, Chesterfield, St. Charles, and Wentzville — no one has to step on your shingles for you to see the condition of your roof.