Fall roof maintenance, at a glance
The fall checks that matter most in St. Louis are clear gutters, sound flashing, intact pipe boots and a dry attic, because those fail first once freeze and thaw cycles start. If you would rather stay off the ladder, call (314) 429-6000 and we will inspect the roof for free.
A fall checklist for St. Louis roofs
Some of these you can do from the ground. Others are better left to someone wearing a harness.
- Clean gutters and downspouts after most leaves have dropped, not before.
- Check that downspouts carry water several feet away from the foundation.
- Look for shingles that are missing, lifted or creased after summer storms.
- Check the rubber collars on plumbing vent pipes for cracks.
- Look at chimney and wall flashing for gaps, rust or dried caulk.
- Trim branches that hang over or touch the roof.
- Go into the attic on a cool morning and look for damp insulation, frost or dark stains on the decking.
Why fall timing matters here
St. Louis winters swing above and below freezing many times. Water that gets under a lifted shingle or into a cracked flashing joint freezes, expands and opens the gap a little more each cycle. Clogged gutters hold water at the roof edge, and on cold nights that water can back up under the first rows of shingles.
Small repairs are easier now because shingles are still flexible enough to lift and reseal. In cold weather, shingles get brittle, and seal strips do not bond until it warms up again. If you are already past fall, see our winter roof maintenance guide and our page on ice dams.
What our free fall inspection covers
Roof surface
Shingle condition on every slope, with photos of anything lifted, cracked or worn.
Flashing and penetrations
Chimneys, walls, skylights, vents and pipe boots.
Gutters and drainage
Gutter pitch, fasteners, downspout outlets and signs of overflow on the fascia.
Attic
Ventilation, insulation and signs of moisture or past leaks, when we can get in.
You get the findings in writing. If something needs fixing, we price it. If nothing does, we tell you that and leave.
Fall is also a good time to think about the roof as a whole. If the inspection shows the shingles are near the end of their life, you have the winter to compare estimates, look at colors and plan for a spring replacement instead of making a rushed decision after a leak. Our schedule tends to fill quickly after spring hail, so a plan made in the fall can help you get on the calendar sooner.
Related maintenance services
Roof maintenance
Ongoing upkeep that keeps a roof in service longer.
Gutter guards
Fewer clogs from leaves and seed pods.
Seamless gutters
New gutters formed on site to fit the house.
Attic ventilation
Balanced airflow to cut summer heat and winter moisture.
Roof repair
Fixes for leaks, flashing and missing shingles.
Storm season prep
Getting a roof ready for spring hail and wind.
John Beal Roofing is a third-generation, family-run company that has served St. Louis since 1947, with live phone answering 24 hours a day.
Fall Roof Maintenance in St. Louis questions
When should I clean my gutters in the fall?
Can roof repairs be done in winter?
Do I need to be home for a fall inspection?
Should I get gutter guards?
How much does a fall inspection cost?
Schedule a free fall roof inspection
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Nearby areas we cover
Fall roof inspections across the metro, including:
Get Your Roof Ready for Winter
Book a free fall inspection now, while repairs are still easy to make.