It’s easy to ignore fallen leaves when scattered on the ground. But when they start collecting on your roof, that’s a different story.

A few leaves blowing across the shingles are usually not a problem. But it becomes a matter of concern when the leaves start accumulating in roof valleys, edges, and even in gutters. Once wet, leaves can compact with other debris and interfere with how rainwater leaves the roof and moves through the drainage system. For homeowners across Maryland and Pennsylvania, Topper Roofing recommends making roof and gutter drainage part of your regular fall maintenance.

For Maryland homeowners, keeping the drainage system clear is an important part of fall roof maintenance.

Why Leaves Can Become a Roof Problem

A roof valley is where two sections of the roof meet, creating a natural channel for rainwater.  

These areas can collect leaves and other debris, especially when trees hang over the roof. Wet debris can hold moisture against the shingles and slow water movement through the valley. If it remains there for an extended period, the added moisture can contribute to roofing problems. 

From the Roof to the Gutters

When water can’t flow naturally, it may spill over the sides of the gutter, run down the exterior of the home, or collect near the foundation. Downspouts can become blocked as well, sometimes farther down where the problem is not immediately visible.

If your home is surrounded by trees, you may need to check the gutters more than once while leaves are still falling.  Cleaning your gutters during this season can help prevent accumulated debris from interfering with drainage. 

What Happens When Water Can’t Drain Properly?

If the gutters and downspouts are not working effectively enough to take care of the flow of water, then there is a risk of too much water being present on the roof edge, side panels, and near the foundation.

In addition to clogging the gutter systems, any leaves that are left over during the cold seasons have the potential to be wet due to the presence of snow. Clearing the roof before winter also provides an opportunity to notice damaged shingles or other areas that may need attention. 

Signs Your Drainage System Needs Attention

You do not have to climb onto the roof to spot signs of leaf buildup or drainage trouble. An overflowing gutter during a storm is not necessarily an indication of a clogged gutter system. There are other problems that may cause these symptoms.

Look for:

• Heavy leaf buildup in visible roof valleys
• Gutters filled with leaves or other debris
• Water spilling over the gutter during rain
• Sagging sections of gutter
• Downspouts that are not draining properly
• Water stains or streaks below the gutter line

How Often Should You Clear the Leaves?

There is no universal answer to this question. For houses that are surrounded by large trees near the roof, they will need to clean gutters more than once during fall.

However, even houses that are not surrounded by trees can also benefit from the final cleaning when all the leaves have already fallen from treesfall maintenance before the winter comes.

Your aim shouldn’t be cleaning up each leaf as it falls, but maintaining clean enough gutters not to disrupt water drainage or stay on the roof for long.

Be Careful When Removing Roof Debris

While it is possible to clean your gutters from a steady ladder, it will not be easy to walk onto your roof and remove wet leaves. The wet roof surface is slippery, and walking and using the wrong tool could easily damage the shingles, or you could get hurt.

If you have leaves concentrated on your roof or even in the valleys that you cannot reach from the ground, it would be wise to get the help of a professional roofer.

Professional roofers could also check out any problems with your roof that you cannot detect from the ground.

Keep Fall Leaves From Becoming a Winter Problem

Fall cleanup presents a great opportunity to check that your roof and gutters have no problems caused by leaves before winter comes.

Making sure your gutters are clear of debris and ensuring that water flows where it should flow is helpful. It will also give you a chance to see any damage before the weather gets cold.

At Topper Roofing, we help Maryland and Pennsylvania homeowners prepare their roof for the new season. If you have fallen leaves that need cleaning, overflowing gutters, or anything else that requires attention, our team can take a closer look.

Contact us to schedule an inspection.