Fall Home Prep: Roof and Gutter Tips for Southern Delaware & Eastern Shore Homeowners
A coastal home in Rehoboth Beach, DE receiving some love from the Pro Exteriors team.
The crisp air has officially arrived, and with falling leaves and dropping temperatures, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. As homeowners in Southern Delaware and along Maryland's Eastern Shore, you know that our unique coastal weather means being proactive is key to protecting your investment.
In this first part of our seasonal home prep guide, Pro Exteriors' President, Aaron Rogers, shares essential advice on securing your roof, gutters, windows, and doors from the top down.
1. Roof Inspection: Get Ahead of Winter Damage 🐦
Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. Before the harsh winter weather hits our beautiful region, a thorough inspection is crucial.
What to Look For:
A gutter full of asphalt granules is a tell tale sign of roofing damage.
Penetrations & Flashing: Check the seal around all roof penetrations—like vents, pipes, and your chimney—to ensure the flashing is tight.
Wind Damage: Look for any missing or lifted shingle tabs that could expose the underlying decking or nails. Exposed nails are particularly vulnerable to rust and expansion when water freezes, potentially leading to leaks.
Critter Control: Believe it or not, we sometimes see damage from local wildlife. Check for signs of critters, like turkey buzzards/vultures, that can damage your shingles.
The PRO Tip: Winter is the absolute worst time for roof repairs. Getting ahead of any issues now ensures you don't have to deal with costly emergencies in the freezing cold. If you're uncomfortable climbing on your roof—and we recommend you leave it to the professionals—call a licensed contractor. We know the high-priority, target areas most likely to fail and can inspect your entire roof safely.
2. Gutter and Downspout Health: Protecting Your Foundation 🌊
Clogged gutters and downspouts can result in foundation damage as water spills over.
Clogged gutters are one of the most common and damaging issues we see in the Delmarva region. Especially with the abundance of mature trees near the coast and in towns like Rehoboth Beach or Ocean City, proper gutter function is non-negotiable.
The Danger of Clogged Gutters:
Ice dams can expose underlying weaknesses with your roof during the harshest weather of the year.
Gutters are designed to manage the water coming off your roof and direct it away from your home's foundation.
Foundation Erosion: When gutters are clogged, they overflow, sending water cascading down the side of your house and pooling near the foundation. This can lead to foundation erosion over time.
Ice Damage: Standing water in clogged gutters can freeze, causing unnecessary stress and potentially damaging the gutters themselves.
Rot and Decay: Water backing up behind clogged gutters can seep behind the fascia (the trim board behind the gutter) and eventually rot the sub-fascia and soffit. This can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs.
Ice Dams (Northern Areas): While less common here than further north, severe gutter clogs can contribute to ice dams, where water backs up under the shingles, freezes, and forces its way inside.
Actionable Gutter Steps:
Clean Out Debris: Remove all leaves and gunk from the gutters and downspouts. Remember, the downspouts are where debris often gets trapped, especially if you have underground or pop-up drains.
Inspect Downspouts: The easiest way to check a downspout is to send a garden hose down it. You should see roughly the same volume of water coming out the other end.
Seal Leaks: Check and seal any leaks in your gutter corners and end caps.
Consider Gutter Guards: If your property—or your neighbor’s—has a large number of trees, investing in gutter guards now can save you the time and expense of climbing ladders twice a year.
LeafBlaster Pro Stainless Steel gutter guards provide peace of mind and reduced maintenance for years to come.
3. Windows and Doors: Securing the Envelope 🚪
Once the roof is secure, it's time to ensure your windows and doors are ready to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
Window Maintenance:
Condensation/Fog: If you see condensation or a persistent fog between the panes of glass, it's a tell-tale sign that the seal has failed. Most newer windows have replacement warranties on the glass sash, so call the original manufacturer or a contractor.
Crucial Tip: Check the top frame of your vinyl windows for a small sticker. This contains the manufacturing information and serial number needed for ordering replacement glass!Screens: Inspect your window screens for rips, tears, or dry rot. A damaged screen is an open invitation for pests to seek warmth inside your home.
Door Maintenance:
Doors, especially high-traffic back and side doors, take a lot of abuse.
Weather Stripping: Inspect the weather stripping around the frame and the rubber seal at the bottom of the door (door sweep). Ripped or worn seals are a primary source of air leaks, letting in cold air and potentially rain. Replacement kits are often inexpensive and easy to install yourself.
Functionality: Ensure your door shuts, locks, and sits snugly against the weather stripping without air gaps. You should not be able to see daylight or feel a draft around the edges of a closed door. Adjust the keeper (the plate on the frame) if necessary.
We hope this guide helps you proactively protect your home this season! Remember, a small, inexpensive repair today can prevent a major, costly issue tomorrow. When it comes to home services, waiting almost always costs you more.
Stay tuned for Part Two next week, where we’ll move down the house to discuss preparing your siding, foundation, and other exterior components for the cold.
Need Help Getting Your Home Ready for Winter?
Don't want to risk climbing a ladder or dealing with a failed window seal? Pro Exteriors is the trusted name in roofing, siding, and storm repair across Southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Call us today at 302-664-1700 or visit us online at askproexteriors.com to schedule your pre-winter inspection. Be sure to ask how you can receive free gutter guards!
