Why fall is the time for protecting your home

A roof, gutter, and siding check now can save you major repairs later

Contributed by Michaelson Roofing Improvements

When you live in a place like Reston, you get to enjoy four full seasons– but that also means your home weathers four seasons of wear and tear. And while winter prep often steals the spotlight, the real magic lies in what you do *right after* the leaves drop.

Think of it as a check-up. You wouldn’t skip your annual physical, so why skip one for your home’s exterior?

Your roof might be hiding more than you think

From the street, your roof might look fine—but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Throughout the year, especially during spring pollen and fall leaf season, debris can settle into valleys, behind dormers, or around vent stacks—places you simply can’t see from the ground. If left undisturbed, this debris holds moisture against your shingles and accelerates deterioration.

That’s how small problems become major leaks.

Ask yourself:

- Do I know what’s sitting on my roof right now?

- Have I had it inspected since the last big storm?

- Is anyone monitoring potential wear near chimneys, flashing, or skylights?

You don’t need snow to ruin a roof—sometimes all it takes is a slow drip from rotting leaves.

Gutters: the silent protectors

In Reston’s tree-lined neighborhoods, gutters often fill up fast. Oak, maple, and pine needles are beautiful in the fall—but brutal on your downspouts. And even if you cleaned them last spring, things can change in just a few weeks. Overflowing or blocked gutters lead to:

- Water spilling over and soaking siding or foundation

- Ice buildup during cold snaps

- Sagging sections that detach when heavy with water or debris

Even clean gutters can struggle in a hard rain if they’re not properly sloped or sized. And if you’ve ever noticed water spilling over the edge during a storm, it might not be a clog—it might be the system itself.

A healthy supplement: gutter guards

Gutter guards can be a smart addition to your home’s drainage system, but not all guards are created equal. Gutter helmets do a great job at keeping debris out, but they also block a significant amount of water during heavy storms. Similarly, fine mesh screens can cause water to sheet over the edge instead of draining properly. For most homes, guards with larger openings strike a balance—they block leaves while still letting water flow in.

No single product is perfect for every roofline, so it’s worth exploring the option that fits your home’s shape, tree coverage, and pitch.

Siding damage isn’t always obvious

Siding gets blasted by pollen, sun, wind, and rain all year long. It’s easy to ignore until you’re dealing with high energy bills or interior leaks.

Look for signs like:

- Warped or bulging panels

- Gaps around windows and doors

- Greenish stains from algae or mildew

Even hairline cracks can invite moisture—and once water gets behind siding, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a much bigger issue.

Why timing matters in NoVa

Northern Virginia winters are unpredictable. Some years bring heavy snow and ice. Others? Just a few frosts and some chilly rain. But that inconsistency is exactly why a yearly inspection matters. If you wait for obvious damage, you might be too late. But if you check in each fall:

- You create a reliable baseline for future insurance claims

- You catch problems while they’re still affordable

- You extend the life of your roofing, gutters, and siding

Best of all, you head into winter with peace of mind.

When in doubt, ask a pro

You don’t need to get on a ladder or squint at shingles from your driveway. There are local experts who can document your roof, gutters, and siding safely—often with drones and photos you can keep for your records. You’ve invested in your home. Let fall be the time you protect that investment—before winter weather, wild winds, or leaf piles have a chance to push your exterior past its limit.