Start With A Safe Visual Check
Walk the perimeter and look up. Use binoculars if you have them. You’re looking for missing, cracked, or cupped shingles. Lifted tabs and exposed nails are red flags. Check ridge caps for cracking. On metal roofs, watch for loose screws and worn washers. If you spot anything concerning, snap photos. That record helps if a storm rolls through later.
Keep Water Moving Off The House
Gutters carry winter rain and meltwater away from your foundation. Hand-clean them after the last round of leaf drop. Flush downspouts and add extensions where water pools near the house. Sagging runs or persistent leaks signal it’s time to talk about gutter installation in Knoxville. Clean valleys too. Leaves and acorns trap moisture right where leaks like to start.
Here’s a quick checklist you can knock out in an hour.
- Clear gutters and downspouts. Verify water flows to ground, not behind fascia.
- Remove small branches and debris from roof planes. Keep valleys open.
- Look at plumbing boots. Replace cracked rubber or brittle skirts.
- Scan sidewall and chimney flashing for gaps or rust. Reseal fastener heads.
- Check attic after a cold night for frost or damp insulation.
A short list like this catches small issues before they become big ones.
Ventilation And Insulation Matter In Winter
Ice at the eaves often starts in the attic. Warm air leaks into that space and melts snow from beneath. Meltwater runs to the cold edge and refreezes. Balance intake at the soffits with exhaust at the ridge. Seal gaps around lights, fans, and chases. Top off insulation to local targets. You’ll reduce ice risk and help your HVAC breathe easier.
When To Call A Pro
If you see soft decking near eaves, popped blisters, or repeat leaks after a thaw, bring in help. Among Knoxville roofing companies, we keep the conversation simple and straight. We’ll inspect, show you what we find, and outline options. If repair won’t make it through the season, we’ll talk replacement timelines that work for your family. You can always reach out to us for fast answers.
Thinking About A New Roof Before Winter
Some roofs are at the end of the road by late fall. We install both shingle and metal systems across East Tennessee. If you’re leaning toward shingles, explore our asphalt roof shingle options. Prefer metal’s longevity and snow-shedding? Take a look at our metal roof choices. We’ll walk you through pros and cons for your home and budget. As one of the roofing contractors Knoxville, TN homeowners trust, we’ll make sure the system fits your goals.
Bottom Line For Your Home
Give your roof a careful look, keep water moving, and fix small problems now. If a closer look turns up bigger issues, we’re here to help. As a Roofer in Knoxville, TN, our goal is a dry, warm house all winter. If you discover damage, contact us and we can get you a free roof replacement estimate.