What to Do Before the Next Storm to Help Prevent Roof Leaks

What to Do Before the Next Storm to Help Prevent Roof Leaks

Storms have a way of exposing problems you didn’t even know existed.

One week, everything looks fine. Then the rain comes down harder than expected, the wind shifts direction, and suddenly there’s a stain on the ceiling or a drip you’ve never noticed before.

Here’s the part many homeowners don’t realize:
Most roof leaks don’t start during the storm. They begin weeks or even months earlier. The storm simply adds enough pressure for water to find an existing weak point.

If rain is in the forecast, there are a few smart, safe steps you can take ahead of time to reduce your chances of dealing with a leak afterward. Nothing extreme. Nothing risky. Just practical preparation that helps your roof do its job.

Why Roof Leaks Often Show Up During Storms

Storms don’t usually create roof problems — they reveal them.

Wind-driven rain can push water sideways. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems. Gusts can lift shingle edges just enough to let moisture slip underneath. When there’s already a vulnerable detail somewhere, the storm finds it.

Most residential roofing leaks in Southern California tend to start at:

• Flashing around chimneys, vents, and walls
  

• Valleys where water concentrates
  

• Roof edges and eaves
  

• Areas where debris collects
  

The goal before a storm isn’t to make the roof perfect. It’s to remove easy opportunities for water to get inside.

What to Do Before the Next Storm

Clear Debris From the Roof, From the Ground

You don’t need to climb onto the roof.

Walk the perimeter of your home and look for:

• Leaves piled in valleys
  

• Branches resting on shingles
  

• Debris sitting near roof edges
  

If you can safely remove debris using a pole or from a window, that’s helpful. If not, don’t risk it. Simply knowing where debris is collecting can be valuable if a roofing inspection is needed later.

Check Gutters and Downspouts

Overflowing gutters are one of the most common contributors to storm-related roof leaks.

Before the rain arrives:

• Make sure gutters aren’t packed with leaves
  

• Confirm downspouts are draining freely
  

• Look for sagging sections or gutters pulling away
  

When water can’t move away from the roof quickly, it backs up — and that’s when leaks often begin near fascia boards and roof edges.

Walk the Interior of Your Home

This step gets overlooked, but it matters.

Before the storm:

• Look at ceilings near exterior walls
  

• Check around skylights
  

• Note any faint or older stains
  

If a stain already exists, even lightly, that area deserves extra attention during and after the storm. Many leaks reappear in the same location once pressure returns.

Look for Small Exterior Clues

From the ground, scan for:

• Shingles that look lifted or uneven
  

• Flashing that appears bent or separated
  

• Roofing material fragments in the yard
  
  

You’re not diagnosing, just observing changes. Small visual clues can point to areas that may need roof repair before they turn into interior damage.

Trim Branches That Touch or Hang Over the Roof

Branches don’t just drop debris. During wind, they rub against roofing materials and wear protective surfaces down over time.

Even light contact can slowly create future leak points, especially along shingle edges and flashing details.

Clear Drains and Scuppers on Flat or Low-Slope Roofs

If your home has a flat or low-slope roof, drainage becomes even more important.

Before a storm:

• Make sure drains and scuppers are visible
  

• Remove surface debris if it’s safe
  

• Pay attention to where water normally exits
  

Standing water during a storm is one of the biggest triggers for flat roof leaks throughout Los Angeles County.

What Not to Do Before a Storm

• Don’t climb onto a wet or windy roof. Even experienced roofing contractors avoid unsafe conditions when possible.
  

• Don’t apply random caulk “just in case.” Improper sealing can trap water and create larger problems later.
  

• Don’t ignore old stains. Light discoloration is often an early warning, not a cosmetic issue.
  
  

A Simple Storm-Prep Mindset

You’re not trying to make your roof brand new.

You’re trying to:

• Keep water flowing where it’s supposed to
  

• Remove blockages before pressure builds
  

• Reduce stress on aging or vulnerable details
  

Those few steps alone prevent a large percentage of storm-related leaks.

After the Storm: One Quick Check

Once the rain stops:

• Look at the same interior areas again
  

• See if any stains changed or darkened
  

• Pay attention to new odors or damp spots
  

Catching issues early often keeps roof repair smaller, cleaner, and far less disruptive.

The Bottom Line

Roof leaks rarely start with drama. They start quietly, a little debris, slow drainage, or a flashing detail that’s been tired for years. The storm simply finishes the conversation.

Taking a few practical steps before the next storm won’t guarantee perfection, but it can significantly reduce your risk of water intrusion.

Think of it as giving your roof a head start before the weather arrives.

If you’d like added peace of mind, a professional roofing inspection can help identify vulnerable areas before the next storm puts them to the test. Green Ladder Roofing provides clear, photo-documented inspections for homeowners throughout LA County and surrounding Southern California communities so you can plan ahead with confidence.