01
Review the previous cold season
Tell the contractor about leaks during thawing, recurring ice near entrances, gutter overflow, or pieces found after storms. Share photographs and note where snow tends to remain. Ask the roofer which conditions warrant attention before winter and whether other building systems need assessment by an appropriate professional.
02
Plan access and follow-up
Schedule known repairs while access and weather allow the contractor to perform the specified work properly. Confirm whom to contact if a problem appears later and how observations should be documented. Do not attempt to remove ice by striking slate or using improvised roof access. Retain the service report so next year's visit can focus on what changed rather than reconstructing the same history.