Connecticut summers aren’t just hot — they’re stormy. Sudden downpours, high winds, and hail can do serious damage to roofs and gutters that aren’t in good shape. June is the perfect month to prepare your home’s first line of defense: the roof system. 

🧱 1. Know Your Roof’s Age and Materials 

Most asphalt roofs in Connecticut last 20–30 years, but this duration depends on factors such as ventilation, weather exposure, and the quality of installation. 
Check Your Records: 

• When was your roof last replaced? 

• Have any areas been patched or repaired? 

• Was proper flashing used around chimneys, vents, or dormers? 

Common CT Roofing Types: 

• Asphalt shingles (most common) 

• Wood shakes in historic homes 

• Slate roofs (especially in older New Haven or Hartford properties) 

• EPDM and modified bitumen on flat roofs 

🔍 2. Do a Visual Scan for Trouble 

Use binoculars or a drone, or hire a professional — never climb onto a roof without training. 

Look for: 

• Curling, buckling, or missing shingles 

• Granule loss (check gutters for grit) 

• Rusted flashing or exposed nails 

• Moss or lichen (a sign of long-term moisture retention) 

Pro Tip: Moss doesn’t just look bad — it shortens your roof’s life by holding water and lifting shingles. 

💧 3. Clean and Check Gutters and Downspouts 

Clogged gutters are a top cause of basement flooding in Connecticut. Overflowing water pools at the foundation, increasing the risk of seepage, cracks, and mold. 

June Checklist: 

• Clear leaves and debris 

• Ensure gutters slope slightly toward downspouts 

• Downspouts should extend 3–4 feet from the house 

• Consider gutter guards if surrounded by trees 

🛠️ 4. Flashing & Skylights: Easy to Miss, Easy to Leak 

Most roof leaks occur where two materials meet — like chimneys, dormers, or skylights. 

Ask a pro to check for: 

• Loose or corroded flashing 

• Cracked caulking or sealant 

• Ice dam damage near eaves (from the past winter) 

A $300 roof repair now is better than a $30,000 roof and attic replacement later. In Connecticut’s climate, prevention is protection. 

 
Schedule a roof and gutter inspection with Schaefer before hurricane season ramps up. We’ll help you stay one step ahead of summer weather.