Clean the Gutters
- Ruined paint on siding and a wet basement are typical problems caused by clogged gutters, but it might
surprise you to learn that the overflow can also go upward. When leaves pile too deeply in gutters, water
can wick into roof sheathing and rot it, or even rot roof rafters.

Fixing that kind of damage could run into the thousands of dollars, but you can avoid it by cleaning your
gutters each fall and spring. Do it yourself in a few hours if you’re comfortable working on a ladder, or hire a
pro for $50-$250, depending on house size.

Trim Overhanging Branches
- A little prevention in the form of tree-trimming goes a long way toward keeping leaves and moss off your
roof and keeping your roof damage-free. Abrasion from limbs and leaves that touch your roof can eventually
damage shingles, especially in high winds.

Overhanging branches also give squirrels and other rodents access to your roof. They can gnaw on your
roof and siding. Branches need to be 10 feet away from your roof to keep these pests at bay. If that’s not
possible, wrap the tree trunk with a sheet-metal bank to prevent them from climbing the tree. Trimming
branches that hang over the roof is a job for a pro, though, or you might cause more damage than you
prevent.

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