Los Angeles winters used to be a footnote. The last three have been brutal - atmospheric rivers, record-breaking rainfall totals in 2023 and 2024, and continued storm activity through 2025. If your roof hasn't been inspected since the spring, it's time. Here's your pre-winter 2026 roofing checklist.
Why LA Roofs Fail in Storms
Our roofs spend most of the year baking in UV and dust. By November, sealants have shrunk, fasteners have backed out fractionally, and minor cracks have widened. The first heavy rain reveals every weak point at once. Pre-winter inspection finds those weak points before they leak.
Pre-Winter Service Checklist
- Full roof inspection (visual + attic walk)
- Reseal any aged flashings or penetrations
- Replace cracked or slipped tiles/shingles
- Clear all gutters and downspouts; check for proper slope
- Trim back tree branches within 6 ft of the roof
- Verify attic ventilation is unobstructed
- Test the sump pump or drain pump if you have one
Gutter Health Is Roof Health
A clogged gutter forces water under the eave shingles and rots the fascia - one of the most common winter failures we repair. Have gutters cleaned twice in fall (early October and mid-November) if you have nearby oaks, sycamores, or palms. Leaf-guard upgrades pay back fast for tree-shaded homes.
Skylights and Solar Panels
Both penetrate the roof envelope and both rely on flashing that ages faster than the surrounding roof. Have these inspected separately every fall - most warranty claims we see at these locations come from neglected annual maintenance.
If You Find Damage
Don't wait for the next storm. Even small leaks during the first November rain can balloon into ceiling collapses by January. Most repairs we make in October cost a third of what the same homeowner would pay in February after compounding damage.
Free Pre-Winter Inspections
Schedule yours through November and December with Green Home Remodeling. Call (800) 650-9055.
