Most Bay Area homeowners only think about their roof when something goes wrong. But a basic annual maintenance routine — most of which you can do from the ground — significantly extends roof life and keeps small issues from becoming expensive repairs. Here’s what to check each year.
Best Time for Annual Maintenance
Late October or early November — before the Bay Area rainy season — is the ideal time. Any issues found can be repaired before winter rains arrive.
The 12-Point Checklist
1. Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters cause water to back up under your roofline. Clear all leaves, debris, and granules from gutters and flush downspouts to verify flow. Do this at least twice a year — fall and spring.
2. Inspect Gutters for Damage
While the gutters are clear, check for sagging sections, separated joints, holes, and rust. Gutters that don’t drain properly cause fascia rot and foundation issues over time.
3. Check for Missing or Damaged Shingles
From the ground or a window, look for shingles that are cracked, curling, missing, or have bare patches (granule loss). Granules in your gutters are also a sign of shingle wear.
4. Inspect Flashings
Flashings — the metal strips around chimneys, skylights, vents, and walls — are the most common source of leaks. Look for lifted, rusted, or separated flashing. This usually requires a ladder or professional inspection.
5. Check Around All Penetrations
Every pipe, vent stack, satellite dish mount, and HVAC unit that comes through your roof is a potential leak point. Verify caulking and boots are intact and not cracked.
6. Look for Moss or Algae Growth
The Bay Area’s damp coastal climate encourages moss and algae, especially on north-facing slopes. Left untreated, moss retains moisture and accelerates shingle deterioration. Treat with zinc strips or a moss killer formulated for roofs.
7. Inspect the Attic
A quick look inside your attic reveals a lot. Signs of concern: daylight visible through the decking, dark staining or wet spots on the underside of the sheathing, mold growth, or insufficient ventilation (hot and stuffy in summer).
8. Check Attic Ventilation
Proper airflow through the attic extends shingle life by keeping temperatures lower and reducing moisture buildup. Verify that soffit vents are clear (not blocked by insulation) and that the ridge vent or roof vents are intact.
9. Trim Overhanging Branches
Tree branches that hang over your roof drop debris, retain moisture, and can cause serious damage in wind events. Keep branches trimmed back at least 10 feet from the roofline.
10. Inspect Skylights and Their Flashing
Skylights fail almost always at the flashing, not the glass. Look for water staining on the ceiling around the skylight, or check the caulking at the skylight frame during a dry spell.
11. Clear Debris from Valleys and Low Points
Leaves and debris accumulate in roof valleys (where two slopes meet). Debris retains moisture and can cause valley flashing to fail early. Clear these with a soft broom — never a pressure washer.
12. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Even with diligent DIY maintenance, a professional roof inspection every 1–3 years (or after any major storm) is worth it. A trained eye catches problems invisible from the ground and provides documentation useful for insurance purposes.
When to Call a Roofer
Don’t DIY repairs unless you’re confident working at heights and understand how roofing systems work. If you find missing shingles, compromised flashing, or any sign of water intrusion in the attic — call a professional. Small repairs done properly are far cheaper than the water damage that results from waiting.
Alpha Eagle Roofing provides professional roof inspections and maintenance services throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Schedule your inspection or call us at (415) 410-7917.
