The Austin fall roof checklist
Fall is the cheapest time to fix a roof problem in Austin, because you're fixing it on your schedule instead of during a February ice event.
- Clear the gutters — properly. Not just the troughs. Check that downspouts actually discharge and that water is getting away from the foundation. A clogged downspout backs water under the shingle edge.
- Look at every penetration. Plumbing boots are the number one leak source on North Texas homes and the rubber collar is usually the first thing to fail — often years before the shingles do.
- Check the flashing where the roof meets a wall. Step flashing that's been caulked instead of replaced is a repair with a countdown on it.
- Trim branches back. Anything overhanging the roof drops debris into valleys and gives squirrels a bridge.
- Look at the ceilings inside. Faint brown rings near vents, in closets, or at the top of an exterior wall are early leaks.

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