Preparing Your Roof and Gutters for Indiana’s Winter Freeze

Indiana winters can change fast—mild one week, icy the next. When your roof and gutters aren’t ready, those swings can turn into leaks, ice dams, and costly structural damage. The good news? A few simple maintenance steps this fall can protect your home all winter long.

1. Clear Debris from Your Roof and Gutters

Leaves and twigs trap water in your gutters and along your roofline. When temperatures drop, that trapped water freezes, expands, and starts forcing its way under shingles or splitting gutters.
Tip: After clearing out leaves, run a hose through your gutters to confirm that downspouts drain freely. If water pools or overflows, a professional cleaning or repair may be needed before the first freeze.

2. Inspect Flashing and Seal Around Openings

Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights can loosen or corrode over time. Any gaps allow melted snow to seep into your attic or insulation.
Look for:

• Rusted or bent flashing

• Missing caulking

• Loose nails or cracked sealant

Re-sealing these weak spots before the temperature drops will keep moisture out when ice begins to form.

3. Make Sure Your Attic Is Properly Ventilated

Uneven roof temperatures are one of the biggest causes of ice dams. When warm air from your attic melts the snow at the top of the roof, it refreezes at the eaves. The result: heavy ice buildup and water backing up under shingles.
Proper ventilation keeps temperatures balanced and prevents both condensation and roof rot.

4. Check Shingles and Gutters for Wear

Look closely for curled, cracked, or missing shingles, and check that gutters are firmly attached. Even small issues can worsen under the weight of snow and ice.
If you’re unsure what to look for, consider scheduling a Roof inspection in Lafayette with a local team like Wabash Valley Exteriors to catch small issues before they escalate into major repairs.

5. Add Gutter Guards or Heating Cables

If your home’s gutters tend to freeze, consider gutter guards or heating cables.

• Gutter guards prevent debris from collecting.

• Heating cables melt snow and ice before it has a chance to refreeze and block drainage.
  Both can reduce your risk of overflow and prevent siding and foundation damage.

6. Schedule a Professional Roof & Gutter Inspection

An inspection from a professional roofing company ensures your home’s drainage system and roofing materials are ready for the season. At Wabash Valley Exteriors, we inspect for leaks, check attic ventilation, tighten gutters, and make small repairs that save homeowners thousands down the line.

Taking time to prepare your roof and gutters before the first hard freeze protects your home from leaks, structural issues, and expensive winter repairs.

Call (765) 838-0882 or request a free inspection from Wabash Valley Exteriors to make sure your Lafayette home is ready for whatever winter brings.