With Thanksgiving in our rearview for another year, there is no doubt that the winter season is officially upon us.

Now is the time when most families get ready for having friends and family over for holiday gatherings. However, there are some other things that you should add to your list of things to-do before the end of December and that is to get your roof ready for the cold.

Each season leaves a different kind of wear and tear on your roof but none are quite as dramatic as the winter season. In fact, the winter weather can be so damaging that it leads to holes and leaks in your roof.

Follow these simple tips to keep your roof in top condition this winter:

Professional inspection. This is a good time of year to have your roof inspected by a professional. Some areas like cracked or missing shingles or damaged weather stripping can be easily identified and repaired by a professional. But, once the fall weather arrives these areas can cause serious problems, including water damage. That is a much bigger – and more expensive – problem.

Clean the gutters. If you didn’t do it already this summer, now is the time to have your gutters cleaned. Your gutters are designed to act as a water diversion system so that rainwater doesn’t run off of your roof and puddle around the foundation of your home. If your gutters are clogged or blocked, they can’t do their job. In some areas, alternatives to gutters are being used to divert water. Talk with your roofing professional about options available to you.

Check the cutouts. This is also the time of year to make sure that any skylights, chimneys, or ventilation systems are watertight and protected. These items are great additions to your home but, are essentially cutouts in your roof. It is important to make sure that the materials that are in place to keep them water tight are intact.

Make sure that your roof is ready for the winter weather by following these easy tips. Call your roofing professional and get your inspection scheduled before the end of December when the weather is forecasted to be especially harsh.