In Sonoma County, we love the beauty of the changing seasons, but February is going to bring more than crisp mornings and misty skies. In fact, February is typically the wettest month of the year in our region. That means if your roof and gutters aren’t ready, your home could face leaks, water damage, or even costly structural repairs.

At ARS Roofing & Gutters, we’ve spent decades helping families protect their homes with reliable roof repairs and gutter repair in Sonoma County. With over 25 years of hands-on industry experience, our team knows how vital it is to prepare your home before those winter storms roll in.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to protect your property: from simple inspections you can do yourself to professional services that keep your investment safe.

TLDR: Preparing Your Roof & Gutters for Winter Rain

We know winter storms in Sonoma County can turn from beautiful to brutal quickly. That’s why we’ve pulled together the essentials from our full blog so you can protect your home without missing a beat.

Quick Takeaways

  • Inspect your roof early: Look for missing shingles, cracked flashing, and sagging areas.
  • Clean and repair gutters: Remove debris, check downspouts, and repair leaks before heavy rains.
  • Trim nearby trees: Keep branches at least 5–6 feet away from your roof.
  • Test drainage: Make sure water flows away from your foundation.
  • Schedule professional maintenance: A licensed roofer can spot hidden leaks and reinforce weak spots.
  • Consider upgrades: Seamless gutters, guards, and waterproofing extend protection.

👉 Don’t wait until February. One small repair now can prevent thousands in damage later. Call ARS Roofing & Gutters today to book your pre-winter inspection.

Why Winter Preparation Matters in Sonoma County

Sonoma County gets dry summers and wet winters, with the majority of rain fall happening between November and March. This might be awesome for your garden, but the downpour also puts extra stress on your roof and gutter system.

Key reasons to prepare now:

  • February storms bring the heaviest rainfall of the year. Your home will face more water pressure in one month than nearly all the rest combined.
  • Small leaks turn into major issues quickly. What starts as a tiny crack can become a full-blown ceiling stain or interior water damage.
  • Gutter blockages are costly. When gutters overflow, water can spill into siding, erode landscaping, or even compromise your home’s foundation.

Step 1: Inspect Your Roof Early

The first defense against water intrusion is your roof. A careful inspection, before the heaviest rains arrive, can reveal issues while they’re still easy to fix.

What to Look For

  • Missing or cracked shingles that expose underlayment
  • Damaged flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents
  • Sagging or uneven sections that may indicate structural concerns
  • Moss or algae growth, which can retain moisture and cause deterioration

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule roof repairs in Sonoma County before storms make them worse.

Pro Tip: Use binoculars to scan your roof from the ground. Walking on your roof is dangerous and best left to professionals.

Step 2: Clean and Repair Your Gutters

Gutters may not be glamorous, but they’re your home’s unsung heroes during heavy rain. Their job is simple: collect water from the roof and channel it safely away from your home. But when they’re clogged or damaged, everything from your walls to your basement can suffer.

Essential Gutter Maintenance Tasks

  • Clear out leaves, pine needles, and debris. Sonoma County’s trees are beautiful, but their litter is the top cause of clogged gutters.
  • Check downspouts for blockages. Water should flow freely from your roof to the ground.
  • Seal leaks and tighten fasteners. Even small gaps can cause water to spill where it shouldn’t.
  • Consider gutter guards. These reduce buildup and cut down on maintenance needs.

If your gutters are cracked, sagging, or pulling away from your home, it’s time for gutter repair in Sonoma County.

Step 3: Trim Surrounding Trees

Branches may look harmless, but winter storms can turn them into hazards. Overhanging limbs can drop leaves into gutters, scrape shingles, or even break off entirely under heavy rain.

  • Trim branches at least 5–6 feet away from your roofline.
  • Remove any dead or diseased limbs before storms knock them down.

This simple step prevents roof damage and extends the lifespan of your gutters.

Step 4: Check for Proper Drainage

Your roof and gutters are only as good as the drainage system they feed into. After cleaning, test your gutters by running a hose through them. Watch where the water goes.

Questions to ask:

If water isn’t draining properly, repairs are needed before winter storms arrive.

Step 5: Schedule Professional Maintenance

While homeowners can handle basic cleaning, a professional inspection offers peace of mind. Experienced roofers know where hidden leaks start and can reinforce vulnerable areas before they fail.

At ARS Roofing & Gutters, we recommend scheduling a roof and gutter inspection every fall to prepare for winter. Our licensed team can:

  • Seal flashing around chimneys and vents
  • Replace damaged shingles
  • Repair sagging gutters
  • Apply protective coatings for waterproofing

With 24/7 emergency service, you can trust us to be there whenever unexpected leaks strike.

Common Winter Roofing & Gutter Problems in Sonoma County

Over the years, we’ve seen patterns in the issues homeowners face each rainy season:

  1. Overflowing Gutters: Caused by clogs or poor slope.
  2. Roof Leaks Near Chimneys & Skylights: Flashing breaks down over time.
  3. Ceiling Stains: Hidden leaks that grow worse with each storm.
  4. Foundation Erosion: Improper drainage leads to costly structural issues.

Addressing these problems early with roof repairs Sonoma County and gutter repair Sonoma County prevents bigger bills later.

Preventative Upgrades to Consider

Beyond basic maintenance, there are upgrades that can help your home weather winter storms better:

  • Seamless Gutters: Fewer joints mean fewer leak points.
  • Gutter Guards: Reduce debris buildup.
  • Roof Waterproofing: Adds an extra layer of defense.
  • Metal Flashing Replacements: Longer-lasting than traditional materials.

These investments pay off by extending the life of your roof and gutters while keeping your home safer.

Frequently Asked Questions: Roof & Gutter Prep for Sonoma Winters

Homeowners across Sonoma County often ask us the same questions before the rainy season. Here are our expert answers to help you feel prepared and confident.

1. Why is February the most critical month for roof prep?

February is typically Sonoma County’s wettest month, bringing more water in a few weeks than the rest of the year combined. That puts maximum pressure on your roof and gutters.

2. How can I tell if my roof needs repair?

Look for cracked or missing shingles, damaged flashing near chimneys or skylights, sagging sections, or moss buildup. If you spot any of these, schedule a professional inspection right away.

3. What happens if my gutters overflow?

Overflowing gutters can cause water damage to siding, foundations, and landscaping. They can even lead to interior leaks if left unchecked. Regular cleaning and timely gutter repair can prevent this.

4. Do gutter guards really help?

Yes! Gutter guards minimize debris buildup, reduce maintenance, and extend gutter life. They’re especially helpful in Sonoma County, where leaves and pine needles are common.

5. How often should I get my roof inspected?

At ARS Roofing & Gutters, we recommend an inspection every fall. This ensures your roof and gutters are reinforced before the heaviest rains hit.

Don’t Wait for the Rain – ARS Roofing & Gutters

The heaviest rains are coming and waiting until February is too late. A small weekend effort now, or a quick call to schedule professional help, can save you thousands of dollars in water damage later.

If you need roof repairs in Sonoma County or gutter repair in Sonoma County, ARS Roofing & Gutters is here to help. Call us today at 415-459-7200 or contact us online now to schedule your pre-winter inspection and let us give your home the protection it deserves.