When winter storms hit hard in the North Bay, we get a wave of urgent calls that sound like this: “My roof is leaking!” And we absolutely take those calls seriously—because water inside your home is stressful!

But here’s the pattern we see just about every winter: after the first heavy rain, many “roof leak” emergencies turn out to be clogged gutters.

If you’re a homeowner searching for roofing services in Sonoma County, this blog will help you do two things:

  1. Spot problems early
  2. Prevent leaks in the first place

How Clogged Gutters Mimic a Roof Leak

Your gutters have one job: move water away from your roofline and foundation. But that job becomes impossible when they’re packed with leaves and debris. Dirty gutters can force water can back up and into places it was never meant to go: into your home!

That’s why the first big storm of the season triggers so many calls. The roof gets blamed (understandably), but the real culprit is often a gutter system that hasn’t been cleared out.

Signs That Your Gutters Have an Issue

  • Water spilling over gutter edges during rainfall
  • Drips near eaves, patios, or entryways
  • Overflow stains on fascia boards

What to Do After a Big Storm Hits Your Roof

Our advice is simple: once it’s safe outside, take a look. No climbing necessary.

Branches don’t always cause an instant leak. Sometimes they sit there, then slowly work their way into the roof surface—or allow water to travel in over time.

Check Your Roof for:

Safety note: If the roof is steep, wet, or high—leave the ladder in the garage. A professional inspection is the safe move.

The Indoor Check Most Homeowners Skip (And It’s a Big One)

This is one of our most important reminders: check the rooms you don’t use.

Recently, Leitita Hanke, our CEO, shared a real example of why:

A client’s kids had moved out a while ago, so they rarely went into that bedroom. Little did they know a leak had been happening quietly for weeks, and when they finally walked in, the damage had grown and there were already signs of mold!

Your 5-Minute Indoor Checklist

Walk through your home and look for:

  • Ceiling stains (even faint ones)
  • Bubbling paint or peeling drywall
  • Musty smells in corners or closets
  • Damp spots around windows or vents

Check:

  • Living room and main hallways
  • Every bedroom (including guest rooms)
  • Closets, especially on exterior walls

Catching a small issue early can prevent a much bigger repair later.

The Best Prevention Plan: Clean Gutters + Add Screens Before Winter

At ARS, we love prevention because it protects your home and your budget. We recommends a simple rhythm many homeowners follow:

When your gutters stay clear, water stays controlled and your roof system performs the way it’s supposed to.

When to Call for Roofing Services in Sonoma County

If you’re seeing any of the signs below, it’s time to bring in a pro:

  • Active dripping inside the home
  • A ceiling stain that grows after each storm
  • Missing shingles or visible wind damage
  • Gutters pulling away, sagging, or overflowing constantly
  • Leaks in more than one spot (often a clue water is traveling)

Don’t Let Clogged Gutters Turn into a Leaky Home!

ARS Roofing & Gutters is based in Santa Rosa and proudly serves Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties, specializing in residential and commercial roofing and gutters. We’re fully bonded and insured, our team includes many professionals with 25+ years of experience, and we’re available 24/7, 365 days a year for roofing emergencies.

If you need gutter or roofing services in Sonoma County or Marin County, you can reach ARS Roofing & Gutters at:

📞 (707) 584-5900 (Sonoma County)

📞 (415) 459-7200 (Marin County)

🌐 Or Contact us online now!