Econo Roofing Blog
Prepare Your Roof for Winter Storms.
Last updated March 30, 2026
A fall checklist before the Central Valley rain season hits.
The Central Valley dry season can lull you into thinking your roof is fine. Then November shows up. Atmospheric rivers, wind, and the odd hail storm put every roof to the test. A repair that costs little in October costs a lot in January.
This checklist covers everything you should do between September and November to make sure your roof is ready for what winter brings.
Clear the Gutters. All of Them.
Valley oaks, sycamores, and almond trees drop leaves aggressively in fall. If gutters are clogged when the first heavy rain arrives, water backs up under the roof edge, soaks the fascia board, and can push into the attic.
- Remove all leaf debris from gutters and downspouts
- Flush each downspout with a hose to confirm flow
- Check that downspout extensions direct water at least 4 feet from the foundation
- Tighten any loose gutter hangers — they weaken over the hot summer months
If your gutters are damaged, rusted, or pulling away from the fascia, fall is the time to replace them. We install seamless gutters that handle Central Valley rainstorms without leaking at the seams.
Trim Overhanging Branches.
Branches that touch or hang over your roof are a problem waiting to happen. High winds snap them. They drop debris that clogs valleys and gutters. And they give squirrels and raccoons a highway to your attic.
Cut back any branch within 6 feet of the roof surface. If the tree is large or close to power lines, hire a licensed arborist. This is not a DIY job when the tree is tall.
Inspect the Roof Surface.
From the ground with binoculars, scan the entire roof for these issues:
- Cracked, curled, or missing shingles. Central Valley summer heat speeds up aging. Shingles that looked fine in June may have curled by October.
- Exposed nail heads. Nails that have backed out are entry points for water.
- Damaged flashing. Check around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall intersections. Gaps mean leaks.
- Dark patches or moss. These indicate trapped moisture and potential decay underneath.
If you spot any of these, schedule a free professional estimate before the rains start. Fixing a few shingles or resealing flashing in October costs far less than repairing water damage in February. If you’re weighing a repair against a replacement before this winter, our El Niño 2026 roof prep page walks through the decision.
Check Attic Ventilation.
Proper attic ventilation prevents condensation buildup during the cooler months. When warm interior air meets a cold roof deck, water forms. Over a full winter, that water rots the decking from the inside out.
- Confirm soffit vents are not blocked by insulation or debris
- Check that ridge vents or attic fans are functioning
- Look for any existing moisture stains from last winter
Review Your Insurance Policy.
Before storm season is the time to understand what your homeowner's insurance covers. Most policies cover sudden storm damage — wind, hail, falling branches — but not gradual wear. Know your deductible. Know your filing deadline. And know that Econo Roofing handles storm damage claims from inspection to adjuster meeting to completed repair.
Read our step-by-step insurance claim guide so you know exactly what to do if damage occurs.
Consider a Maintenance Plan.
If annual roof prep feels like a lot to manage, our roof maintenance program handles it for you. We inspect, clean, and address small issues on a regular schedule so nothing is missed. This is especially valuable for homeowners with older roofs or tile roofs that need periodic resealing.
As the only Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor based in Stanislaus and Merced Counties, every maintenance visit is backed by the same quality standards that earned us that designation. Visit our FAQ for common questions about maintenance costs and scheduling.
More in Storm Damage & Insurance Claims
Frequently asked questions.
What are common causes of winter roof leaks?
Clogged gutters and damaged flashing are two common causes. When gutters are clogged, water backs up under the roof edge and soaks the fascia board. Gaps in flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights let water in at the joints. Both are preventable with a fall inspection.