The most important things to do before snow hits include scheduling a professional roof inspection, clearing gutters, improving attic insulation and ventilation, trimming overhanging tree branches, and checking vulnerable areas like flashing, chimneys, and skylights. In Philadelphia, repeated freeze thaw cycles, heavy snow, and sudden winter weather shifts can turn small roofing issues into major roof leaks, ice dams, and costly roof damage if they are not addressed early. In this guide, readers will learn the top winter roof preparation steps to protect the roof, improve drainage, and reduce the risk of seasonal damage before the first major snowfall arrives.
At Spennato Family Roofing, we’ve seen it all, from heavy ice pulling down gutters in Folsom to attic leaks caused by trapped snow melt in Broomall. Our team of expert roofers believes preparation is the best protection. So, before temperatures drop below freezing, let’s walk through the top five things to do before snow hits your roof.
1. Schedule a Comprehensive Roof Inspection
The first of the essential things to do before snow hits is getting your roof professionally inspected. Many homeowners underestimate how small cracks or missing shingles can turn into leaks once snow and ice accumulate. As temperatures rise and fall, moisture seeps into those weak spots, freezes, and expands, causing even bigger damage.
Our Philadelphia roofers recommend scheduling seasonal Roof Inspections every fall. This allows you to document the condition now to prevent seasonal damage. If we find loose flashing or deteriorating shingles, we can fix them before the snow piles up.
A local homeowner in Springfield recently shared how a pre-winter inspection revealed hidden flashing damage from last spring’s hailstorm. Fixing it early saved them from a major attic leak when January’s snow turned to slush.
Why it matters:
- Detects hidden moisture under shingles.
- Reinforce vulnerable roof edges and valleys.
- Ensure gutters, vents, and flashings are secure before the first freeze.
Pro tip from our licensed roofer:“Every year, Philadelphia sees several freeze-thaw cycles where daytime melting and nighttime refreezing can push water under shingles. If you don’t address those entry points now, ice expansion can lift shingles right off the deck.”
2. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts Thoroughly
Another crucial step among the things to do before snow hits your home is gutter cleaning. Gutters are your roof’s drainage system, and in winter, they become your first defense against ice dams. If debris, leaves, or twigs block water flow, melting snow will refreeze inside the gutters, adding dangerous weight and forcing water back under the roofline.
In Philadelphia, where maples and oaks shed heavily in late October, this step is essential. After the last leaf drop, have your gutters cleared and flushed to confirm full drainage. Also, check downspout extensions to make sure they direct water away from your home’s foundation.
Why it matters:
- Prevents ice buildup and roof edge damage.
- Stops meltwater from backing into the fascia.
- Protects siding and walkways from overflows and icy hazards.
Real-world tip:One of our Drexel Hill clients ignored a clogged downspout last winter, thinking the snow would “melt through.” Instead, the refreeze cracked the aluminum gutter seam, requiring a full replacement. A one-hour cleanup could have saved hundreds in repairs.
3. Strengthen Attic Insulation and Ventilation
Proper attic insulation and ventilation belong high on your list of things to do before snow hits. Warm air escaping into your attic can melt snow unevenly, leading to dangerous ice dams. These block proper drainage and can force water under shingles, causing leaks that appear long after the snow melts.
Our roofing team checks for balanced airflow, intake vents at the eaves and exhaust vents at the ridge. If your attic feels stuffy or damp, that’s a red flag. Adding insulation around recessed lights, vent pipes, and attic hatches can also prevent heat loss.
Why it matters:
- Prevents uneven melting and ice dams.
- Reduces heating costs through better energy efficiency.
- Extends the lifespan of your shingles.
Pro insight:According to data from the NOAA, the Philadelphia region experiences an average of 22 inches of snow each winter, often followed by mild thaws. Those rapid temperature shifts put your attic’s insulation and ventilation to the test. A well-balanced system can stop damage before it starts.
4. Trim Overhanging Branches and Remove Debris
Tree maintenance often gets overlooked when listing things to do before snow hits, but it’s critical. Overhanging limbs can drop heavy snow, ice, or even break under weight, damaging your roof or gutters. In neighborhoods like Havertown or Upper Darby, where mature trees line narrow streets, branches often hang directly above rooftops.
Trim any branches within six feet of your roofline, and clear away debris like acorns, pine needles, or moss buildup. These materials trap moisture, accelerating roof deterioration once temperatures dip below freezing.
Why it matters:
- Reduces the risk of punctures or impact damage.
- Improves airflow to help snow slide off naturally.
- Keeps pests and mold from thriving in damp debris.
Local homeowner example:After the 2023 ice storm, a Media resident called us to repair shingle punctures from falling branches. They now trim their trees each October, ensuring nothing hangs over their new GAF-certified roof before winter sets in.
5. Check Flashing, Chimneys, and Skylights
Your roof’s weakest points are where different materials meet, chimneys, skylights, and vent stacks. Checking these areas is one of the smartest things to do before snow hits your roof. Philadelphia’s older rowhomes and suburban Cape Cods often have aging masonry or outdated flashing that can crack during freeze-thaw cycles.
Our experienced roofers inspect metal flashing for rust, sealant gaps, and loose fasteners. Chimney crowns should be watertight, and skylight edges should be checked for worn gaskets. If you’ve noticed any previous ceiling stains near these areas, it’s time for a closer look.
Why it matters:
- Prevents leaks from ice and melting snow.
- Protects attic framing and insulation.
- Keeps interior ceilings safe from water damage.
Local expertise:We recently helped a family in Clifton Heights whose skylight seal failed mid-winter. The problem started as a hairline crack that expanded during the December freeze. Prompt flashing replacement prevented interior drywall repairs and mold growth.
Bonus Step: Plan for Roof Snow Removal
While not always necessary, safe snow removal deserves mention in your things to do before snow hits the checklist. If your roof slope is shallow or shaded, snow may not shed easily, creating excess weight. A single foot of packed snow can weigh 20 pounds per square foot, enough to strain older structures.
Never use metal shovels or walk directly on icy shingles. Instead, use a roof rake with an extendable handle from ground level. If buildup exceeds six inches or you notice sagging, call a professional roofer for safe removal.
Safety tip:Avoid “insurance deadline” promises. Instead, document the condition now to prevent seasonal damage and protect your property through proper maintenance.
Understanding Philadelphia’s Winter Roofing Risks
Living in the greater Philadelphia area means dealing with unpredictable winters. One week it’s sleet and freezing rain; the next, temperatures jump into the 40s. These shifts cause expansion and contraction in roofing materials, especially asphalt shingles.
Local pattern insight:
- Freeze-thaw cycles: Common between December and March, often following coastal storms.
- Ice dams: Typically form on north-facing roofs and shaded valleys.
- Sudden snow melt: Can overwhelm gutters and cause leaks through poorly sealed soffits.
According to NOAA’s Mid-Atlantic Climate Report, the past decade has seen a steady rise in mixed precipitation events. That means heavier ice and slush, two of the most damaging forces to a roof. Understanding this helps prioritize the things to do before snow hits for your specific property.
Why Professional Maintenance Matters
At Spennato Family Roofing, we combine local experience with certified expertise. As a trusted family-run roofing contractor in Delaware County, we know how to prepare Philadelphia roofs for anything winter can throw at them.
Our crew often finds small issues that homeowners miss, like hairline cracks near flashing, or early signs of delamination under shingles. Fixing those now is faster and far less expensive than waiting until snow reveals the damage.
Whether it’s a townhouse in Ridley Park or a colonial home in Media, our advice stays the same: plan early, inspect often, and take care of small details before they turn into big problems.
Conclusion: Prepare Your Roof, Protect Your Home
Now that you know the top things to do before snow hits, you can take smart steps to protect your home before winter weather arrives. From inspections to insulation, each action adds a layer of defense against leaks, ice dams, and long-term roof damage.
Philadelphia’s winter weather is unpredictable, but preparation doesn’t have to be. Spennato Family Roofing is here to help homeowners across the region stay warm, dry, and worry-free all season long.
Visit our office in Philadelphia, PA or call our expert team today. Schedule your pre-snow inspection now and rest easy knowing your roof is ready for whatever the forecast brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start preparing my roof for winter?
We recommend starting your checklist of things to do before snow hits in late September or early October. This timing ensures you can complete any needed repairs before temperatures drop below freezing.
Can I perform my own roof inspection?
While homeowners can look for visible issues like missing shingles or sagging gutters, a professional inspection is safer and more thorough. Schedule your Roof Inspections with certified experts who can spot hidden structural or moisture concerns.
What is the most common winter roofing issue in Philadelphia?
Ice dams are the number-one problem. They form when attic heat melts snow unevenly, causing refreeze at the edges. Good ventilation and insulation help prevent this.
How much snow is too much for my roof?
Most roofs in the region are designed to handle average snow loads. But if snow remains for weeks or exceeds six inches of dense, wet accumulation, contact a roofer to assess weight risks.
Should I clear ice from gutters myself?
No. Attempting to chip or melt ice manually can cause more harm than good. Use heated cables or contact professionals trained in ice-dam prevention.