Now that fall is upon us in Utah, our minds go to football, to outdoor barbecues, and also to enjoying the fall colors. Fall is definitely a time that we should enjoy. However, our minds should also be thinking about the true purpose for fall: to prepare for the upcoming winter.

Winters in Utah are usually harsh. We can count on cold temperatures, ice, and especially snow. But according to the Farmer’s Almanac, this winter could be especially harsh. In fact, they are predicting such a harsh winter that they are calling it the “Polar Coaster.” Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

Fall Cleanup Checklist:

If you are like me, having a checklist helps to make sure that nothing gets forgotten. This checklist will help to make sure that you, your house, and most especially your roof will make it through winter.

1. Clean up the leaves

Fall leaves are beautiful, but they can also be a problem when winter comes around. Leaves can clog outdoor drains and rain gutters, which can cause water damage to your home. The formation of ice dams on your roof can also be a cause of concern. A little maintenance of raking or mowing up the leaves will help you have peace of mind this winter.

2. Trim overgrown trees

Another thing to do to prepare for winter is to trim overgrown trees. Tree limbs that are touching the side of your house or reaching over your roof can cause significant home or roof damage during a storm. It’s not worth the risk of having a large limb puncturing your roof or siding during a high wind storm.

3. Install heat tape where needed

Another item to add to your list is installing heat tape. Heat tape can help keep ice dams from forming on your roof and causing damage to your home. Heat tape is normally used on North facing slopes and valleys on your roof. Heat tape is a relatively inexpensive solution to protect your home from ice.

4. Schedule a free roof inspection

Having a roofing professional come and inspect your roof will give you peace of mind this winter. A thorough inspection will not only look for signs of wear, but will also identify potential problems that can’t be seen on the surface. If a problem is found, we will provide a free estimate on our services to help you get it fixed.

Conclusion

You’ve heard the quote, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. This is especially true in preparing for the harsh winter months ahead. We hope you have a wonderful fall! We hope you enjoy the beautiful fall colors, the football, and all of the fun things fall has to offer. Yet we hope that you will take our advice to heart so you can enjoy a warm and comfortable winter in the safety of your home.