Winter is unforgiving on a roof that goes into the season with unresolved issues, so fall is the right time to address anything that’s been on your list.
Have gutters thoroughly cleaned once most leaves have fallen, so they’re ready to handle winter precipitation without backing up. Check attic insulation and ventilation — this is the single biggest factor in preventing ice dams, since balanced attic temperature prevents the uneven melting and refreezing that causes them in the first place. Trim back any tree branches that hang over the roof, since ice and snow accumulation can cause branches to break in ways they wouldn’t during other seasons.
If you’ve been putting off a minor repair — a few loose shingles, a small flashing gap — fall is the last reasonable window to get it addressed before winter weather makes roofing work more difficult and less safe to schedule. A roof that’s fully sound heading into winter handles the season far better than one carrying small unresolved issues, which winter has a way of turning into bigger ones.