How to Prepare Your Roof for Snow & Ice

Essential Fall Tasks to Get Your Roof Winter-Ready

Quad Cities winters are no joke. Heavy snow, sharp freeze-thaw cycles, and ice accumulation can take a major toll on your roof if it isn’t properly prepared.

Whether you have an aging asphalt system or a newer roof, fall is the best time to prepare for the months ahead. Here’s how to winterize your roof and prevent costly damage before the first snowflake falls.

🧹 Clear the Roof & Gutters

Leaves, twigs, and debris sitting on your roof or clogging your gutters can lead to:

• Ice dams that back water up under shingles

• Water overflow that soaks soffits and fascia

• Increased weight load during snowstorms

Clean gutters allow melting snow to flow freely. Use a blower, broom, or hire a professional to safely clear both roof surfaces and downspouts.

🧱 Inspect for Weak Points

Before snow arrives, check your roof for:

• Missing or damaged shingles

• Rusted or cracked flashing

• Exposed nail heads or loose vents

• Sagging or soft spots

Even minor problems can worsen under snow load or ice pressure. Spotting and repairing them now can save you from emergency calls in January.

❄️ Reinforce Ice Protection

Add protection where snow and ice collect the most—along eaves, valleys, and near gutters:

• Install ice & water shield underlayment if doing repairs

• Ensure attic ventilation is properly balanced

• Seal air leaks inside the attic to reduce heat loss

These steps help reduce the chance of ice damming and interior water intrusion.

🧰 Schedule a Professional Inspection

A trained roofing contractor will spot vulnerabilities you might miss from the ground. If your roof is 15+ years old, annual inspections are especially important before winter hits.

📞 Winter-Ready Roof? We’ll Make Sure

At Twin Bridge Roofing and Construction, we specialize in helping Quad Cities homeowners prepare their roofs for the Midwest’s harshest season.

📞 Call (563) 655-4902
🌐 Visit www.roofqc.com to schedule a free winter-readiness inspection

Don’t wait for snow to test your roof—get ahead of it now.