4. Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts

If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams.

Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home.

Replace worn roof shingles or tiles.

Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris.

Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.

If you had problems with snow or ice dams last year consider installing heat tape in the eaves.

See if vents are functioning properly, if metal is rusting, replace it or paint it.

Make sure the area around the base of your satellite TV dish is without holes or ask a roofing contractor to check.