Fall in Michigan is beautiful but it can also be tough on your home if you’re not prepared. As the weather cools and leaves start to drop, small maintenance issues can snowball into costly problems once rain, wind, and early frost settle in.
That’s why August and early September are the perfect time to tackle your pre-fall home checklist. At Weather Vane Roofing, we’ve seen how just a little prep now can save thousands later and help your home transition smoothly from summer to sweater weather.
Here’s what Michigan homeowners should do before the first leaves fall.
✅ 1. Inspect the Roof for Summer Storm Damage
Michigan summers often bring strong winds, hail, and heavy rains, all of which can quietly damage your roof.
What to check:
- Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
- Loose or dented flashing around vents and chimneys
- Shingle granules in the gutters
- Signs of sagging or soft spots
Even if there’s no leak yet, hidden damage now can lead to major issues once the snow and ice hit.
👉 Schedule your peace of mind check:
Book a Free Roof Inspection with Weather Vane Roofing
👉 Or read:
How Michigan’s Summer Storms Can Quietly Damage Your Roof
✅ 2. Clean and Inspect Gutters
Don’t wait for the leaves to fall, start with clean gutters now, so you’re not dealing with a packed, overflowing mess by October.
What to do:
- Remove summer debris (twigs, pollen, shingle granules)
- Check for sagging or loose fasteners
- Ensure downspouts are clear and directed away from your foundation
- Watch for signs of mold or water damage along the fascia
Tip: If your gutters already seem loose or damaged, don’t wait for a clog to turn into a leak.
👉 We don’t clean gutters, but we do repair them.
Contact us for gutter repair
👉 And learn:
Clogged Gutters: Here’s What Could Happen
✅ 3. Trim Back Trees and Branches
Overhanging limbs may not seem like a big deal but come fall, wind, ice, and heavy branches can cause serious damage to your shingles, gutters, and siding.
What to do:
- Cut branches that hang over your roof
- Remove dead limbs entirely
- Watch for trees that are touching or scraping the siding or roofline
✅ 4. Check Your Attic Ventilation and Insulation
Before Michigan temperatures swing, make sure your attic is ready for the shift.
What to look for:
- Clear airflow through vents (no bird nests or debris)
- No daylight peeking through the roof deck
- Insulation that’s dry and evenly distributed
- No musty smells or signs of moisture
Poor attic airflow can cause mold, higher heating bills, and ice dams later in the season.
👉 See why it matters:
Why Roof Ventilation Must Come with Insulation
✅ 5. Walk Around Your Home’s Exterior
This is the season to look for small signs of trouble because once the leaves fall and the snow hits, it’s harder to spot problems.
Do a visual check of:
- Siding (look for warping, cracking, or holes)
- Fascia and soffits (check for rot or animal entry)
- Foundation (make sure downspouts aren’t pooling water near your home)
- Paint or caulk (look for peeling or gaps)
Catching issues now can help you make small repairs before they become major projects.
✅ 6. Book Repairs Early (Before Fall Rush)
Many Michigan homeowners wait until October to deal with roof or gutter issues but by then, appointments are limited, the weather is unpredictable, and small issues can worsen fast.
Why now is better:
- You’ll beat the fall rush
- Materials are more available
- There’s time for repairs before cold weather sets in
- You’ll avoid late-season price increases and emergency rates
Bonus: Fall Prep Checklist (Quick View)
- Roof inspection
- Gutter cleaning and repair check
- Tree trimming
- Attic inspection
- Siding and fascia check
- Book necessary repairs early
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Fall is beautiful but it’s also the beginning of Michigan’s toughest season. Taking care of a few key items now can help prevent leaks, drafts, ice dams, and expensive emergency repairs in the months ahead.
Let Weather Vane Roofing help you start the season strong with expert inspections, honest repair advice, and exterior upgrades you can count on.👉 Schedule your free roof and gutter inspection today
and cross “fall prep” off your list with confidence.
