Roof Maintenance Checklist for Long Island Homeowners

Marketing Team
Dec 20
3 min read

Long Island roofs take a beating, from salty coastal air and summer thunderstorms to fall leaf buildup and winter freeze-thaw cycles. We see the same pattern every year: small maintenance items loose flashing, clogged gutters, lifted shingle edges turn into bigger roof leak repair jobs when they’re ignored. The GSA recommends inspecting roofs at least twice per year- spring and fall, and after severe storms. That schedule fits Long Island perfectly because it lines up with storm seasons and leaf/ice issues.

At Arlo Roofing, we provide the best roofing service in Long Island, NY. Being experts in the field, we jogged down a simple guide you can follow to ensure roof maintenance.

1) Start With a Safe Visual Roof Inspection

Before anyone climbs a ladder, we always suggest a ground-level scan using binoculars:

Missing, cracked, curling, or lifted shingles
Dark streaking, soft spots, or sagging roof lines
Debris piles in valleys, common on Long Island due to wind + trees
Rusted or loose metal around chimneys, vents, skylights

These are the early signs that often lead to roof repair in Long Island if left alone.

2) Gutters and Downspouts

If you only do one thing, do this: keep gutters clear.

Clean gutters and downspouts so water doesn’t back up under shingles
Check for sagging sections, loose hangers, and leaking joints
Make sure downspouts discharge away from the foundation

Clogged gutters are a major contributor to edge leaks and winter ice problems, especially on homes with mature trees across Nassau and Suffolk.

3) Spring Checklist: Fix Winter Wear, Get Ready for Rain

Spring is when we look for damage from wind, ice, and temperature swings:

Inspect shingle tabs and roof edges for lifting
Check flashing and sealant at penetrations
Look in the attic for damp insulation, musty odors, or staining
Confirm bathroom/kitchen vents are venting properly and not into the attic

If you spot interior staining, don’t wait, hidden moisture can spread long before the ceiling shows it.

4) Summer Checklist: Heat, UV, and Storm Prep

Summer roof maintenance in Long Island is about preventing storm failures:

Check for exposed nails or popped fasteners
Look for granules collecting in gutters & aging asphalt shingles
Trim back tree limbs to reduce abrasion and impact damage
After heavy storms, re-scan ridges, hips, and flashing lines

This is also a great time to plan upgrades if your roof is nearing end-of-life, before emergency season hits.

5) Fall Checklist: Leaf Season & Before the Nor’easters

Fall is where we see the most preventable leaks:

Clear roof valleys and gutters after leaf drop.
Check chimney flashing and step flashing which are common leak zones.
Inspect soffit and fascia for rot or peeling paint from trapped moisture.
Confirm attic ventilation is working. This helps prevent winter condensation.

A clean drainage path is one of the best defenses against winter water intrusion.

6) Winter Checklist: Prevent Ice Dams and Surprise Leaks

Winter roof care is about managing meltwater:

Keep gutters flowing
Watch for icicles forming unevenly along the eaves
Look for water stains near exterior walls and ceilings after snow/ice

If you suspect ice dam activity, it’s worth getting a professional evaluation before the next thaw cycle.

7) Flat Roof Maintenance

Many Long Island homes and additions use low-slope or flat roofing. These systems need different checks:

Remove debris that blocks drains/scuppers
Watch for ponding water after rain
Inspect seams, flashing, and edge terminations

Flat roofs aren’t bad, they just require consistent drainage monitoring.

When Do you Require a Professional Roof Inspection With Arlo Roofing?

If you’re dealing with repeated leaks in the same area
Noticing flashing separation around chimneys or vents
You’ve had storm damage like- missing shingles, fallen branches or debris impacts
Persistent attic moisture
Musty odors
Signs of mold

It’s time to get your roof checked by pros, Arlo Roofing in Long Island. We proudly serve Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Hamptons. Check our details about more of our services including window & door, kitchen, bathroom and gutter.