Fall Roof Maintenance: How to Get Ready for Winter in Western Massachusetts

As the vibrant fall colors fade and temperatures drop across Western Massachusetts, it’s time to think about preparing your home for winter — starting with your roof. Our region’s heavy snow, ice, and cold winds can quickly turn small roofing issues into major problems. A little maintenance this fall can go a long way toward keeping your home warm, dry, and damage-free all winter long.

Here are the essential fall roof maintenance tasks every Western Mass homeowner should check off their list:


1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts


Fallen leaves and twigs are part of the beauty of autumn in Western Mass, but they don’t belong in your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up onto your roof, leading to leaks, wood rot, and ice dams once the snow arrives.
Tip:
After cleaning, flush your gutters with a hose to ensure water flows freely through the downspouts. Consider installing gutter guards to make future cleanups easier.


2. Inspect Shingles and Flashing


Take a close look at your shingles for curling, cracking, or missing pieces — common issues after hot summers and stormy weather. Also, check around chimneys, vents, and skylights for damaged flashing, which can let water seep in.
If you’re not comfortable climbing onto your roof,
schedule a professional roof inspection in Western Massachusetts with Sexton Roofing. We’ll identify early warning signs and help prevent winter leaks before they start.


3. Check for Moss, Algae, or Debris


In the damp New England climate, moss and algae can take hold on shaded areas of your roof. Over time, they can trap moisture and weaken shingles. Gently remove any buildup or contact a professional for safe, non-damaging cleaning solutions.


4. Inspect Your Attic and Insulation


Proper attic ventilation and insulation are key to preventing ice dams — one of the biggest winter roofing threats in Western Massachusetts. Ice dams form when heat escapes through your roof, melting snow that then refreezes at the edges. Ensuring your attic is well-insulated and ventilated helps maintain a consistent temperature across your roof and reduces energy costs.


5. Trim Overhanging Branches


Snow and ice can weigh down branches, causing them to snap and damage your roof or gutters. Trim back any limbs that hang over your roof to prevent debris buildup and potential impact damage during storms.


6. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection


Even if your roof looks fine from the ground, hidden issues can develop over time — especially with older roofs. Sexton Roofing’s experienced team can inspect your roof, identify small problems, and recommend solutions before winter weather makes repairs more difficult and costly.


Prepare Now, Protect Your Home Later


Taking care of these maintenance steps in the fall means fewer surprises when Western Massachusetts winter storms roll in. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements — make sure it’s ready to handle what the season brings.

If you need a roof inspection or maintenance service in Western Massachusetts, contact Sexton Roofing today. We’re proud to help local homeowners protect what matters most — their homes, families, and peace of mind.


Contact us to schedule your fall roof inspection today!

September 16, 2025
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re probably making a list of projects to boost curb appeal and home value — new paint, landscaping touch-ups, maybe a bathroom update. But what about your roof? At Sexton Roofing & Siding, one of the most common questions we get from homeowners around Western Massachusetts is: “Should I replace my roof before putting my house on the market?” The short answer? It depends. Let’s break down when it makes sense, what buyers are looking for, and whether the investment pays off in the long run. Why Your Roof Matters to Buyers Your roof is one of the first things potential buyers notice — and it can make or break their impression of your home. Even if the interior looks beautiful, an aging or visibly damaged roof raises immediate concerns about potential repairs and extra costs down the road. A new or well-maintained roof signals: The home has been cared for Buyers won’t need to budget for a costly replacement right away Protection from leaks, weather damage, and energy inefficiency In competitive real estate markets like ours in Western Mass, that peace of mind can be a significant selling point. What’s the ROI on a New Roof? According to national real estate data, replacing a roof before selling can offer a return on investment (ROI) of about 55-70%. However, its actual value lies in making your home more marketable and selling it faster. Benefits of replacing your roof before selling : Higher asking price potential More buyer interest and showings Fewer issues flagged during home inspections Smoother negotiations (and fewer last-minute repair credits) Faster closing time In some cases, sellers have recouped even more than average, especially if the old roof was in poor shape or if buyers were deciding between multiple listings. When Should You Replace the Roof Before Selling? Consider a replacement if: Your roof is 20+ years old Shingles are missing, curling, or visibly damaged There’s evidence of leaks or water stains in the attic or ceilings Buyers in your neighborhood expect newer, move-in-ready homes On the other hand, if your roof is in good condition with plenty of life left, a professional inspection and minor repairs may be enough to reassure buyers and satisfy home inspection requirements. Pro Tip: Highlight a New Roof in Your Listing If you do invest in a new roof, make sure your real estate agent features it prominently in your home’s listing description and during showings. “New roof ” is a significant selling point that buyers love to see — and it can help set your property apart in a crowded market. Thinking About Selling? Let’s Check Your Roof First. Before listing your home, it’s worth getting a professional roof inspection to assess its condition and explore your options. At Sexton Roofing & Siding, we offer honest, pressure-free advice to homeowners throughout Western Massachusetts. Whether you need a simple repair, a roof tune-up, or a complete replacement, we’ll help you make the best decision for your home and your budget. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection and get your home market-ready with confidence!
September 5, 2025
A Swift Solution to an Urgent Problem: Full Roof Replacement Success Story
September 5, 2025
Reviving a Classic Home with Expert Roofing and Siding Solutions
Show More
September 16, 2025
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re probably making a list of projects to boost curb appeal and home value — new paint, landscaping touch-ups, maybe a bathroom update. But what about your roof? At Sexton Roofing & Siding, one of the most common questions we get from homeowners around Western Massachusetts is: “Should I replace my roof before putting my house on the market?” The short answer? It depends. Let’s break down when it makes sense, what buyers are looking for, and whether the investment pays off in the long run. Why Your Roof Matters to Buyers Your roof is one of the first things potential buyers notice — and it can make or break their impression of your home. Even if the interior looks beautiful, an aging or visibly damaged roof raises immediate concerns about potential repairs and extra costs down the road. A new or well-maintained roof signals: The home has been cared for Buyers won’t need to budget for a costly replacement right away Protection from leaks, weather damage, and energy inefficiency In competitive real estate markets like ours in Western Mass, that peace of mind can be a significant selling point. What’s the ROI on a New Roof? According to national real estate data, replacing a roof before selling can offer a return on investment (ROI) of about 55-70%. However, its actual value lies in making your home more marketable and selling it faster. Benefits of replacing your roof before selling : Higher asking price potential More buyer interest and showings Fewer issues flagged during home inspections Smoother negotiations (and fewer last-minute repair credits) Faster closing time In some cases, sellers have recouped even more than average, especially if the old roof was in poor shape or if buyers were deciding between multiple listings. When Should You Replace the Roof Before Selling? Consider a replacement if: Your roof is 20+ years old Shingles are missing, curling, or visibly damaged There’s evidence of leaks or water stains in the attic or ceilings Buyers in your neighborhood expect newer, move-in-ready homes On the other hand, if your roof is in good condition with plenty of life left, a professional inspection and minor repairs may be enough to reassure buyers and satisfy home inspection requirements. Pro Tip: Highlight a New Roof in Your Listing If you do invest in a new roof, make sure your real estate agent features it prominently in your home’s listing description and during showings. “New roof ” is a significant selling point that buyers love to see — and it can help set your property apart in a crowded market. Thinking About Selling? Let’s Check Your Roof First. Before listing your home, it’s worth getting a professional roof inspection to assess its condition and explore your options. At Sexton Roofing & Siding, we offer honest, pressure-free advice to homeowners throughout Western Massachusetts. Whether you need a simple repair, a roof tune-up, or a complete replacement, we’ll help you make the best decision for your home and your budget. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection and get your home market-ready with confidence!
September 5, 2025
A Swift Solution to an Urgent Problem: Full Roof Replacement Success Story
Show More