How Fall Leaves Can Damage Your Roof & Gutters

Don’t Let Autumn Debris Turn Into Expensive Repairs

As the trees in the Quad Cities put on their colorful fall display, leaves start piling up—on lawns, driveways… and rooftops. While a few leaves may seem harmless, when they build up on your roof or in your gutters, they can cause serious roofing problems heading into winter.

If ignored, fall debris can lead to moisture buildup, clogged drainage, mold, ice dams, and even premature roof failure. The good news? With a little seasonal maintenance, you can prevent it all.

🍂 Why Leaves on Your Roof Are a Problem

When leaves collect on your roof, especially in valleys or low-pitch areas, they trap moisture. That moisture doesn’t just evaporate—it lingers, creating the perfect breeding ground for:

• Algae and moss

• Shingle rot

• Deteriorating underlayment

Over time, this can cause granule loss, discoloration, and even soft spots beneath the shingles. Left untouched, leaf buildup becomes a long-term threat to your roof’s structure and appearance.

🧹 Gutters Clogged with Leaves? Expect Water Trouble

Your gutters are designed to move water away from your roof and foundation—but they can’t do that if they’re full of leaves, sticks, and shingle grit.

Clogged gutters cause:

• Overflowing rainwater that spills back onto your roof

• Soaked fascia and soffits that begin to rot

• Water pooling around your foundation, risking basement leaks

Fall is the most important time of year to keep your gutters clean and flowing. A single season of neglect can lead to thousands in water damage by spring.

❄️ Ice Dams Start with Fall Debris

Those pretty fall leaves may also be setting you up for one of winter’s worst roofing headaches: ice dams.

When gutters are blocked and attic heat melts snow unevenly, water flows toward the edges of your roof—where it freezes and forms a dam. Behind that dam, water can:

• Soak under your shingles

• Leak into your attic or ceilings

• Cause long-term damage to insulation and drywall

By clearing gutters and valleys in the fall, you help snow and ice drain properly in the winter—and you lower your risk of costly freeze damage.

🛠️ How to Protect Your Roof This Fall

A few simple steps can go a long way in protecting your roof from leaf-related issues:

✔️ Clean your gutters at least twice in the fall—once early, and once after peak leaf drop
✔️ Check for buildup in roof valleys, behind chimneys, and near skylights
✔️ Install gutter guards to reduce debris accumulation
✔️ Trim overhanging branches to minimize leaf fall
✔️ Schedule a fall roof inspection to check for early damage or clogged drainage

Keeping your roof and gutters clear this season will pay off all winter long.

🏠 Ready for a Roof & Gutter Checkup?

At Twin Bridge Roofing and Construction, we help Quad Cities homeowners get ahead of roof damage before snow and ice make things worse. Our team can inspect your entire roofing system, clean your gutters, and make sure you’re fully protected this fall.

📞 Call us at (563) 655-4902
🌐 Or visit www.roofqc.com to schedule your free fall roof and gutter inspection

Fall leaves may be beautiful—but your roof should never be buried under them.