How to Prepare Your Roof for the Rainy Season Without Losing Your Mind

Start with a visual check—yes, just look up

Before the clouds roll in, give your roof a solid once-over from the ground. You don’t need a drone or fancy gear—just sharp eyes and a bit of awareness.

What to look for:

• Missing, cracked, or lifted shingles

• Loose or rusted flashing around vents and chimneys

• Signs of sagging or dark patches

• Blocked or overflowing gutters

Spot something weird? Snap a picture and call a roofer for a closer look.

Clean your gutters like your home depends on it (because it kind of does)

Gutters full of leaves and gunk are one of the biggest causes of water damage during storms. If water can’t drain, it backs up and finds a sneaky way into your roofline.

To get your gutters ready:

• Remove all leaves, twigs, and debris

• Check for cracks, gaps, or sagging sections

• Make sure downspouts are clear and angled away from your house

• Add leaf guards if you want less maintenance later on

Bonus: clean gutters also protect your foundation and landscaping!

Check inside your attic before the rain does

Sometimes your attic tells you what your roof won’t. Take a flashlight and do a quick check before the rainy season hits full swing.

Look for:

• Damp insulation

• Water stains or streaks on the rafters

• A musty smell (that’s moisture talking)

• Light shining through where it shouldn’t

If you notice anything suspicious, don’t wait—leaks love to get worse fast once rain sets in.

Trim back those tree branches

Overhanging branches can rub on your shingles, drop leaves into your gutters, and break off in strong winds. All of that equals a big headache if it hits the roof directly.

Trim trees:

• So branches are at least 6 feet away from your roof

• After stormy weather or windy days

• At the start of the season, before heavy rainfall

This small chore can prevent some seriously expensive damage.

Call in the pros if you’re unsure

Not every roof problem is easy to spot from the ground, and not every homeowner is up for a ladder climb. That’s okay! A quick inspection by a professional can give you peace of mind before the clouds roll in.

Many roofing companies offer seasonal check-ups, and it’s way cheaper than emergency repairs after a surprise leak.

Final drizzle of advice

Your roof doesn’t need a ton of attention—just a little seasonal care goes a long way. Think of it like brushing your teeth: a small habit that prevents big (and expensive) issues down the line. So before the skies open up, take an hour or two to check things out. Future you (and your ceiling) will be glad you did.

Need help with a pre-rainy-season inspection or just not sure where to start? Give us a call—we’ll make it easy, and maybe even fun.