Your roof is your home’s first defense against Central New York’s harsh weather. Follow this seasonal guide to prevent costly repairs, stop ice dams, and extend your roof’s lifespan with simple, proactive care.
As a Syracuse homeowner, you know our weather is unpredictable. One week it’s lake-effect snow, the next it’s summer hail. This constant change stresses your roof more than homeowners in milder climates. The good news? Regular maintenance can prevent most major roofing problems. Alpha Omega Roofing has served Central New York for over a decade, and we’ve seen how simple care extends a roof’s life by years. Here are five practical tips you can use today.
Safety First: A Critical Reminder
Never climb onto your roof. All visual inspections should be done from the ground using binoculars or by a trained professional. Your safety is more important than any maintenance task.
1. Conduct Bi-Annual Ground Inspections (Spring & Fall)
Twice-a-year inspections catch small problems before they become expensive leaks. Do this in late spring (after snow melts) and early fall (before winter).
- Check for missing, cracked, or curling shingles using binoculars
- Look for dark streaks or moss growth which trap moisture
- Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for rust, cracks, or separation
- Examine roof valleys (where roof planes meet) for debris or damage
- Look for granule loss in gutters or downspouts
Syracuse-Specific Tip: Spring inspection is crucial for finding ice dam damage from winter. Fall inspection ensures your roof is sealed before the first snowfall in Liverpool or Baldwinsville.
2. Keep Gutters & Downspouts Flowing Clean
Clogged gutters cause water backup under roof edges, leading to rot, leaks, and ice dams—the #1 winter roofing problem in Central NY.
- Clean gutters twice yearly: Late fall (after leaves drop) and late spring
- Ensure downspouts extend 5+ feet from your foundation
- Check for proper gutter alignment and secure attachments
- Consider gutter guards to reduce maintenance (but still check them)
3. Monitor Your Attic’s Health
Your attic tells your roof’s hidden story. Check it seasonally for these warning signs:
- Daylight through roof boards: Indicates gaps where water can enter
- Dark stains or mold on wood: Shows past or current moisture
- Rusty nail heads: Signals high humidity or condensation
- Poor ventilation: Stuffy, hot air in summer causes shingles to age prematurely
- Inadequate insulation: Leads to heat loss and ice dam formation
Why This Matters in Syracuse: Proper attic ventilation prevents ice dams by keeping your roof deck cold. Without it, heat escapes, melts snow unevenly, and causes damaging ice buildup at your eaves.
4. Manage Trees & Overhanging Branches
Trees damage roofs in three ways: physical impact, scraping shingles, and dropping debris that clogs gutters.
- Trim branches 10+ feet from your roof to prevent contact
- Remove dead or weakened limbs before storms
- Clear fallen leaves and pine needles from roof valleys and gutters
5. Act Quickly After Severe Weather
Syracuse gets extreme weather. After these events, do a quick visual check:
- High winds: Look for missing shingles or lifted flashing
- Hail storms: Check for dents on gutters and soft metal. Look for excessive granules in gutters
- Heavy snow: Watch for ice dam formation. Use a roof rake from the ground to remove snow from the first 3-4 feet of roof edge
- Heavy rain: Check attics and ceilings for new moisture spots
When to Call a Professional Roofer
If you notice any of these signs, contact a trusted local roofing company immediately:
- Multiple missing or damaged shingles
- Visible sagging in the roof deck
- Water stains on interior ceilings or walls
- Significant granule loss (bald spots on shingles)
- Persistent ice dams despite prevention efforts
Need a Professional Roof Assessment?
Our certified inspectors can identify issues you might miss and provide honest recommendations. We serve homeowners throughout Central New York with quality roofing services.
Schedule your free, no-obligation roof inspection today.
Call Now: (315) 533-2228Serving Syracuse, Camillus, Fayetteville, Cicero, Cortland & all surrounding areas.