The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, according to the National Hurricane Center, and storms occasionally form outside those dates. Until then, a late-season tropical system can still bring wind and heavy rain to the Midlands. Our hurricane-season roof prep guide covers what to check.
Fall & winter · Columbia, SC
Fall & winter roof and gutter prep
Get your roof and gutters ready for leaf season, the tail end of hurricane season and winter storms in the Midlands. We inspect for free, then tell you what the roof actually needs.
Why now
What fall and winter do to a Midlands roof
Fall in Columbia stacks three jobs on top of each other. The pines and oaks start dropping needles and leaves into gutters. The Atlantic hurricane season keeps running until November 30, so a late tropical system can still bring wind and heavy rain. And the first cold nights follow close behind: NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals for Columbia Metropolitan Airport put the first 32°F night on or before about November 7 in half of all years.
Winter brings wind that drops limbs on roofs and long stretches of rain that find every loose shingle and sagging gutter run. The National Weather Service in Columbia gives March 16 as the average date of the last spring freeze. Everything below is in the order your home needs it, and each card links to the page where we cover it in full.
In the order your home needs it
Your fall & winter roof and gutter list
- Now through November 30
Hurricane-season roof check
The Atlantic hurricane season runs to November 30, so late-season tropical systems can still reach the Midlands this fall. Photograph the roof, clear the water paths and fix the small things before a storm finds them.
Request this - As the leaves and pine needles come down
Gutter guards & leaf protection
Columbia’s pines and oaks fill gutters with needles and leaves season after season. Guards cut down how much your gutters need and keep water moving off the roof edge.
Request this - Fall, ahead of winter rain
New or replacement gutters
Seamless gutters and downspouts sized for Midlands rain, installed before the wet months instead of after the fascia has already soaked through.
Request this - Before the first freezing nights
Gutter repair before the first freeze
Sagging runs, leaking seams, loose hangers and low spots that hold water. Fix them while it is mild, before wet debris and a cold night put extra weight on the fascia.
Request this - Before winter weather sets in
Pre-winter roof inspection
A look at the shingles, flashing, pipe boots, valleys and attic before the cold, wet months, with photos of what we find and an honest answer on what actually needs doing.
Request this - After winter wind and storms
Winter storm & fallen-limb damage
When wind brings a limb down on the roof or opens up a leak, get it covered and repaired before the next rain makes it worse.
Request this - After any storm
Storm damage insurance claims
We inspect, document the damage the way an adjuster needs to see it, and work with your insurance company through the claim.
Request this - When repairs no longer make sense
Planning a roof replacement
If the inspection shows the roof has run out of years, we will say so and quote a full replacement. Financing options are available.
Request this
Free inspection
Tell us what your roof and gutters need this season
Pick the closest match and add anything else in the message. We inspect your roof, document everything, and give you an honest, transparent quote — no pressure, no obligation.
Leaking right now, or a limb on the roof? Call (803) 734-3700 or see emergency roof repair.
FAQs
Fall & winter roof and gutter questions
When does hurricane season end in South Carolina?+
When does Columbia usually get its first freeze?+
NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals for Columbia Metropolitan Airport put the first 32°F night of fall on or before about November 7 in half of all years, and a colder 28°F night on or before about November 22. In spring, the National Weather Service in Columbia lists March 16 as the average date of the last freeze. Gutter repairs are easiest to get done before those cold nights arrive.
Is the roof inspection really free?+
Yes. We inspect your roof, document everything, and give you an honest, transparent quote — no pressure, no obligation. If a repair will do the job, we will tell you that instead of selling you a replacement.
Do I need gutter guards?+
If your home is surrounded by trees — especially pines and oaks — gutter guards are a smart investment. They dramatically reduce debris buildup and lower your maintenance needs. For homes with minimal tree coverage, basic gutters without guards may be just fine with annual cleaning. See our gutter guard options.
Get your roof ready before winter
Free inspection and an honest answer on what your roof and gutters actually need.