Short answer: Before November, Bay Area homeowners should clean gutters and downspouts, inspect flashing, trim overhanging trees, clear valleys and debris, check the attic, fix any known problems, and know who to call in an emergency. Doing this in September or October beats the rush that follows the first big storm.
Key takeaways
- The Bay Area rainy season usually starts in earnest in November and runs through March.
- Most winter leaks come from problems that were visible in the fall.
- After the first big storm, roofers are swamped. September and October are the time to act.
- Have a plan for emergencies before you need one.
1. Clean gutters and downspouts
Fall is when leaves, needles and seed pods pile into gutters. Clogged gutters overflow at the corners, soak the fascia and can push water back under the roof edge. Clean them out, then run a hose through each downspout to make sure water flows freely and exits away from the foundation. Check that hangers are tight and gutters are not sagging.
Homes under oaks, redwoods and pines in Marin, the Oakland and Berkeley hills and the Peninsula may need a second cleaning in mid-winter. If your gutters are undersized or failing, fall is a good time to replace them. See our gutters and roofing guide.
2. Inspect flashing and penetrations
From the ground or a ladder, look at chimney flashing, sidewall flashing, skylight curbs and pipe boots. Rubber pipe boots crack in the sun over the years and are a common source of first-storm leaks. Rusted or lifted flashing, gaps and cracked sealant all need attention before the rain. A roofer can check them up close. See common causes of roof leaks.
3. Trim trees and clear branches
Winter storms bring wind, and wind brings branches down. Have overhanging and dead limbs trimmed back from the roof before the season starts. Branches that rub the roof wear through shingles. Large trees, or trees near power lines, are a job for a certified arborist.
4. Clear valleys and flat roof drains
Valleys collect debris that dams water and pushes it sideways under shingles. Flat roofs, common on San Francisco homes and Eichlers, depend on drains and scuppers. A leaf pile over a drain can turn a flat roof into a pond in a single storm. Have valleys swept and drains cleared, and check that overflow scuppers are open. Our flat roofing guide covers drainage.
5. Check the attic
Go into the attic with a flashlight on a sunny day. Look for daylight through the roof, dark stains on the decking, damp insulation and mold. Old stains are worth knowing about so you can tell if they grow this winter. Make sure vents are not blocked by insulation, and that bathroom and kitchen fans vent outside, not into the attic. See our attic ventilation guide.
6. Fix known problems now
If a ceiling stain showed up last winter, it will come back. If a few shingles blew off in spring, the gap is still there. Book repairs in September or October while schedules are open and the roof is dry. Repairs on a dry roof are easier and more reliable than patches done between storms. If your roof is near the end of its life, fall is the last comfortable window for a replacement before the rain. Our repair vs replacement guide helps you decide.
7. Make an emergency plan
- Save the phone number of a roofer with a 24/7 emergency line.
- Know where your main water shutoff and electrical panel are.
- Keep buckets, towels and a flashlight easy to find.
- Photograph your roof and attic now, so you have a “before” record if a storm causes damage and you need to file a claim.
- Review your homeowners policy so you know your deductible and coverage type.
Our emergency roofing service runs a 24/7 line for leaks and storm damage. See also our insurance claim guide.
The fall checklist at a glance
| Task | DIY or pro | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| Clean gutters and downspouts | DIY from a ladder, or pro | October, after most leaves drop |
| Inspect flashing and pipe boots | Ground check DIY; close-up by a pro | September |
| Trim trees | Arborist for large limbs | Early fall |
| Clear valleys and drains | Pro on steep or flat roofs | October |
| Attic check | DIY | Any sunny day |
| Repairs | Pro | September to October |
| Emergency plan | DIY | Before November |
Tile and flat roofs need extra attention
Tile roofs often look fine from the street while the underlayment underneath is worn out, so a leak can appear without any visible broken tiles. Flat roofs depend entirely on seams and drains. If you have either, a close-up inspection before the rain is worth more than a ground-level look.
Why waiting costs more
The first atmospheric-river storm of the season usually brings a wave of calls. Roofers prioritize active leaks and tarps, and planned repairs wait. Water that gets in during a storm can soak insulation, stain ceilings and rot decking, turning a small flashing repair into a bigger project. A fall repair avoids most of that. See the top storm-season risks.
Getting a professional fall inspection
A fall inspection by a roofer covers what is hard to see from the ground: lifted shingle edges, loose ridge caps, nail pops, cracked sealant at flashing, worn pipe boots and soft decking. On tile roofs, the roofer checks for cracked or slipped tiles and signs that the underlayment beneath is worn out. On flat roofs, they check seams, drains and the membrane at parapet walls. We photograph every inspection and store the photos in CompanyCam, so you get a clear record of the roof’s condition going into winter, and a list of repairs ranked by urgency. Our inspection page explains the visit.
Don’t forget skylights and solar
Check skylights for staining around the well and cracked seals. If you have solar panels, look for debris packed under them, which can trap water and leaves. Bird and rodent nests under panels are common. A roofer and your solar company can coordinate if anything needs attention.
We help homeowners prepare across the region, including San Rafael, Oakland and Palo Alto.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Bay Area rainy season start?
Storms can arrive in October, but the rainy season usually gets going in November and runs through March.
What is the most important fall roof task?
Cleaning gutters and downspouts, followed closely by checking flashing and pipe boots. Clogged gutters and failed flashing cause many first-storm leaks.
Can I get a roof repaired in winter?
Yes, between storms, and emergency tarping is available anytime. But schedules are tight in winter, so fall repairs are easier and more reliable.
Should I photograph my roof before winter?
Yes. Photos of the roof and attic before the season give you a clear record if you need to file an insurance claim after a storm.
Get ahead of the rain with a fall check-up. Request a free inspection and written estimate or call (415) 410-7917.
