Spring maintenance (March or April)
Spring is the recovery period after winter storms. The goal is to identify any damage from the rainy season and address it before summer heat sets in.
- Walk the perimeter of the house and look up at the roof for visibly lifted shingles, missing tiles, or dislodged ridge caps
- Inspect the gutters for debris that has accumulated through winter storms
- Clean any debris off the roof surface (use a leaf blower from a ladder, not by walking the roof)
- Check the attic for any water staining or moisture from the rainy season
- Look at ceiling corners on the top floor for water staining you may have missed during the winter
- Inspect skylights and chimney flashing visually from inside and outside
Summer maintenance (July)
Summer is the dry season and the right time to do any repair work that was identified in spring. It is also the right time to schedule professional inspections because contractor schedules are typically more open in summer than during storm season.
- Schedule a professional roof inspection if the roof is more than 10 years old
- Have any spring identified repairs completed
- Trim back tree branches that overhang the roof or come within 6 feet during high winds
- Confirm attic ventilation is unobstructed
- If considering a roof replacement in the next 1 to 3 years, summer is the right time to get estimates
Fall maintenance (October)
Fall is the critical month for storm prep. The work done in October prevents the leaks that would otherwise show up in December and January.
- Have the gutters professionally cleaned (or do it yourself if the roof is low and you are comfortable on a ladder)
- Walk the roof or have it inspected, looking for lifted shingles, cracked tiles, failed flashings, and granule loss in valleys
- Trim any remaining branches that touch the roof or threaten to during Santa Ana wind events
- Check skylight and vent stack flashings, replace soft sealant
- Locate or assemble a roof emergency kit (tarp, duct tape, flashlight, bucket, emergency roofer phone number)
- Confirm attic vents are unobstructed
Winter monitoring (December through March)
Winter is the active storm season. The goal is to monitor and respond quickly to any failures rather than do scheduled maintenance.
- After each major storm, walk the perimeter of the house and check for storm damage or debris on the roof
- Check the attic after any heavy rain for water intrusion (most leaks show up in the attic before they show up on a ceiling)
- If a leak appears, call us immediately at (833) 369-7663. Time matters.
- Do not climb onto the roof during a storm. Wait until conditions are safe.
What to never DIY
Some maintenance work belongs to a licensed roofer, not the homeowner.
- Steep slope work (above a 6:12 pitch)
- Two story or higher roof work (fall risk is severe)
- Tile roof walking (tiles crack under foot weight if you do not know where to step)
- Anything that requires harness equipment
- Underlayment replacement or partial deck replacement
- Any flashing work at chimneys, skylights, or vent stacks
- Anything that requires a permit
Tools every LA homeowner should keep
- Heavy duty tarp (10 by 20 minimum)
- Duct tape and contractor grade waterproof tape
- Wood furring strips for securing a tarp
- Battery flashlight or headlamp
- Large bucket or storage bin
- Phone number of a 24 7 emergency roofer
When to call us
Annual professional inspection if the roof is over 10 years old. Same day call if you see any active leak. Within a week if you notice granule loss, lifted shingles, cracked or slipped tiles, or visible storm damage. Free inspection scheduling at /book/ or (833) 369-7663.