How to prep your roof this fall for a leak-proof winter

Even though fall just arrived, winter is right around the corner — and that means a roofing emergency could be too, if you're not careful. That's why fall is the perfect time for tackling roof chores and prepping for winter weather.

By getting on top of roof maintenance and repairs in the fall, you'll have a better chance of avoiding winter roofing emergencies. From cleaning gutters to making sure your attic is properly insulated, this how-to guide will give you a full list of roof maintenance chores for this fall season.

Top roof maintenance chores for fall

Some of these roof maintenance tips are perfect for a weekend DIY project, but others will require a professional. We'll walk you through the basics of each roof chore and make recommendations for which ones are safe to handle on your own.

Clean your gutters and remove debris from your roof

If you only tackle one roof project this fall, make it cleaning out your gutters.

When gutters get clogged with leaves and other debris, water can't drain from your roof properly, which can quickly lead to water intrusion in your roof. Once this happens, your roof's underlayment can deteriorate, and you'll eventually end up with leaks inside your home. This can also happen if debris builds up on your roof. Things like tree needles and leaves can get underneath shingles and seams, creating entry points for water. Excess tree debris on a roof can also lead to ice dams in winter , which can lead to water intrusion and costly problems.

Gutter cleaning is a great DIY project, as it can be done effectively with a sturdy extension ladder, a pair of utility gloves and a garden hose. If you have a complex roof that requires climbing onto upper stories to clean gutters, consider hiring a professional to reduce risks.

For more on gutter cleaning, see our guide on how often you should clean your gutters .

Trim back tree limbs around your roof

Trimming back tree limbs around your home is another great way to prepare for winter, as this will help keep leaves and tree debris out of your gutters and off of your roof. If you live in an area prone to high winds and severe storms, keeping trees maintained on your property can also significantly reduce the risk of having a tree or tree limb fall on your roof during rough weather.

For smaller tree limbs that aren't hanging directly over your roof, you may be able to trim these safely on your own. However, it's best to leave bigger limbing jobs to a professional arborist. "Trimming tree limbs over your roof is risky, and mistakes can be costly," according to Davey Tree , a tree service company based in Ohio. That's why experts recommend hiring a certified and insured arborist to do the job.

Consider installing gutter guards

Gutter guards can be a handy addition to your roof, helping to keep leaves and other debris out of your gutters. Just make sure the guards you install let water pass through. Otherwise, they may contribute to water intrusion or ice dams during fall and winter weather.

Be aware, though, that gutter guards are an investment. This Old House notes consumers should expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 for professional gutter guard installation, noting that nearly 70% of customers were happy with the investment.

Seal up any animal entry points around your roof

Squirrels might be cute, but you definitely don't want them living in your roof.

Many small animals like squirrels, raccoons and mice seek shelter during fall and winter, and roofs are often how they find their way in. Before the cold weather hits, do a visual inspection of your roof line to spot any obvious holes or entry points where an animal could slip in. If you find any, safely close up these entry points using sturdy, weather- and animal-resistant materials like steel. For holes in hard-to-reach areas, consider calling a licensed roofing contractor in your area for help patching things up.

Unfortunately, animals can also get in through venting and other roof features that can't be closed off. IKO North America, a large roofing manufacturer, has a long list of tips for preventing animal intrusion in your roof , including things like installing metal mesh over chimneys and vents, and using animal repellents.

Get a pre-winter roof inspection

Roof inspections give you an in-depth look at the state of your roof and typically include recommendations for any necessary repairs or potential issues. Since existing roof issues can easily worsen during winter, fall is one of the best times to schedule your annual roof inspection. This way, you can take care of any preventative maintenance and schedule roof repairs before the rough weather arrives.

During an inspection, a licensed roofer or home inspector will examine every aspect of your roof, checking for things like holes or weak points in your roofing materials and signs of leaks or condensation in your attic. Even if you aren't due for any repairs, a roof inspection is a great way to take a pulse on the state of your roof and plan for future maintenance and repairs before things get dire.

Some roofing companies offer free inspections, but others may charge anywhere from $75 to $600, according to data from Forbes . For more on this, see our guide to understanding roof inspection costs .

Schedule roof repairs before winter weather arrives

If you need any roof repairs, don't wait until spring to take care of them. Schedule them as soon as possible so they don't worsen or cause problems during winter. Even a small leak can get significantly worse if it goes unaddressed all winter, and fall is an ideal time for roofing crews to tackle projects in most places, due to milder weather.

At Yahoo Local, we recommend hiring a licensed roofing contractor for your roof repairs, like the ones we feature in our best roofing company guides for cities across the U.S. You can also check out these best national roofing companies to find a contractor that serves your general area.

In some cases, handling small roof repairs yourself may be OK, but there are some specialty roofing tools you'll need to do the job right. That said, there are also plenty of reasons to avoid DIY roof repair , including risk of injury, warranty issues and costly mistakes.

Check attic insulation and ventilation

While easy to overlook, attic insulation and ventilation are two of the most important parts of a well-functioning roof, especially in winter. If your attic isn't properly insulated, you'll spend more money heating your house in the colder months. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that homeowners can save up to 20% on home heating and cooling costs by insulating attics, floors, crawl spaces and basement joists.

"Proper attic insulation can also keep your roof in better condition by helping to prevent ice dams and condensation," according to IKO . Attic ventilation is also important, especially in humid climates, as this helps prevent mold and mildew growth inside your home. Many roofing contractors offer attic insulation and ventilation services alongside standard roofing services.

Schedule a professional roof cleaning

Keeping your roof clean is more important than you think. Not only can it help prevent roof damage throughout the winter by minimizing the buildup of organic growth, but it can also help you hold on to your home insurance policy .

As wetter weather sets in during fall and winter, things like moss, lichen and algae on your roof can run wild. Unfortunately, these green growths can break down your roofing materials and even turn your home into a target for insurance adjusters. In the past year, 25% of homeowners in the U.S. have been dropped from their home insurance, according to a report from ValuePenguin , and poorly maintained roofs are often to blame.

Getting a professional roof cleaning in the fall is a great way to start with a clean slate so that your roof can stay relatively fresh all winter long. Roof cleaning can also be a good DIY project for those who feel up to the task. For tips on tackling this project yourself, see our guide to removing moss from your roof .

Install holiday lighting ahead of time

No one likes hanging holiday lights in sub-zero temperatures. This is why fall is a great time to preemptively install holiday lighting on the exterior of your home. Then, all you have to do is plug everything in when the festive season arrives.

Holiday light installation is another service you might consider hiring out to the professionals. While it's more expensive than doing it yourself, professional holiday lighting is often sturdier and better quality, and you won't have to deal with the risks of climbing up on your roof. Plus, some roofing contractors offer holiday light installation as an added service.

Fall roof chores are all about cleaning and problem prevention

Different roof maintenance chores are ideal for different times of year, and in the fall, it's all about cleaning, preventative maintenance and winter readiness.

If nothing else, make sure to clean out your gutters, remove debris from your roof and trim back any precarious tree limbs in your yard. This will help curb the worst potential roof issues that could arise this winter.

It's also highly recommended to schedule a professional roof inspection in the fall, address any necessary repairs and make sure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. This will help prevent new problems from forming and existing problems from worsening when winter arrives.

Finally, if you want to go the extra mile, consider things like gutter guards, roof cleaning and early holiday light installation. If you manage to tackle everything on this list, you'll have a great shot at having a problem-free winter without any roofing emergencies.

For more tips on roof maintenance throughout the year, check out our complete checklist for year-round roof maintenance .

Check out these Yahoo Local-approved U.S. roofers

Best California roofers

Fresno / Los Angeles / San Jose / San Diego

Best Florida roofers

Cape Coral / Fort Myers / Jacksonville / Lakeland / Miami / Orlando / Sarasota / St. Petersburg / Tampa

Best New York roofers

Brooklyn / Rochester / Staten Island

Best Texas roofers

Austin / Dallas / Fort Worth / Houston / San Antonio

• Best national roofers in the U.S.

• See all Yahoo Local roofing