How Falling Leaves Can Affect Your Roof and Gutters (And What to Do About It)

Fall in Vancouver is beautiful—with colourful trees, crisp air, and the transition to cooler weather. But those same falling leaves that make autumn so scenic can also cause serious issues for your roof and gutters if they’re not removed in time. Moisture buildup, clogged gutters, and decaying debris can create expensive roofing problems that worsen once winter rain and snow arrive.

At Amex Roofing & Drainage Ltd., we help homeowners across the North Shore protect their homes with professional roof inspections, gutter cleaning, and seasonal maintenance. Here’s how falling leaves affect your roofing system—and what you can do to prevent damage this fall and winter.

1. Clogged Gutters

Gutters fill up quickly in the fall, especially in leafy neighbourhoods like North Vancouver and West Vancouver. When gutters are blocked, water can’t flow properly.

Why it matters:

• Water spills over the edge

• Siding and foundation damage becomes likely

• Ice dams can form in winter

• Roof leaks increase dramatically

Solution:
Schedule regular gutter cleaning during fall. Keeping gutters clear helps water drain properly and protects your home from water-related damage.

2. Moisture Trapped on Your Roof

Leaves that pile up on your shingles don’t dry out. Trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for shingle deterioration and structural rot.

Risks include:

• Shingle rot

• Mould and mildew

• Damaged roof decking

• Premature roof aging

Solution:
Remove leaves from your roof periodically, especially after heavy wind or storms. Amex Roofing can perform safe roof clearing during an inspection.

3. Increased Risk of Roof Leaks

When gutters overflow and wet leaves sit on your roof, water can easily slip under shingles. This is especially common around valleys, skylights, and vents.

Signs you may already have a leak:

• Water stains in your ceiling

• Damp insulation

• Musty smells in the attic

• Dripping after heavy rain

Solution:
Have a professional check vulnerable sections of your roof and address any loose, lifted, or broken shingles beforemoisture gets inside.

4. Pest Problems

Wet, decomposing leaves attract insects and rodents. Once pests reach your roof, they often find their way into soffits, attics, and crawl spaces.

Common pests caused by roof debris:

• Ants & termites

• Mice & rats

• Wasps

• Carpenter beetles

Solution:
Keeping your roof and gutters clear eliminates nesting spots and reduces the risk of pests entering your attic.

5. Faster Wear and Tear on Roofing Materials

Constant moisture exposure accelerates shingle breakdown and weakens flashing, vents, and gutters.

Long-term risks:

• Shortened roof lifespan

• Higher repair or replacement costs

• Reduced weather resistance during winter

Solution:
Routine fall maintenance and inspections ensure shingles and metal components stay strong and functional throughout the rainy season.

⭐ Protect Your Home This Fall with Amex Roofing (North Vancouver & West Vancouver)

Preventative care is the key to a long-lasting roof—especially in Vancouver’s wet climate. Regular gutter cleaning, leaf removal, and seasonal inspections help prevent leaks, water damage, pests, and winter-related roof failures.

At Amex Roofing & Drainage Ltd., we offer:
✔ Fall and winter roof inspections
✔ Gutter cleaning and drainage maintenance
✔ Roof repairs and shingle replacement
✔ Full roof installations and upgrades

We proudly serve homeowners across the North Shore, including North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Deep Cove, Lynn Valley, Edgemont, Ambleside, and Horseshoe Bay.

🍁 Don’t wait until the rain causes problems.
Book your fall roof maintenance today and keep your home protected all season long.

By Amex Roofing