Pacific Northwest storm season runs roughly from October through March. In King County, that means sustained winds above 40 mph, heavy rainfall that can drop two inches in a day, and the occasional ice event that turns minor vulnerabilities into major failures.
The good news: most storm damage is preventable. The repairs we see after every major storm — blown shingles, gutter failures, flashing leaks — almost always trace back to issues that were visible before the storm hit. A homeowner who spends an hour on preparation in September will save thousands in emergency repairs by January.
1. Inspect your shingles from the ground
Walk around your house and look at the roof from every angle. You're looking for shingles that are curled at the edges, cracked, or visibly buckled. Pay particular attention to the south-facing slopes — they get the most UV exposure and age fastest in the Pacific Northwest.
If you see more than a few compromised shingles, or if your roof is over 20 years old, it's worth scheduling a professional inspection before storm season.
2. Clear debris from the roof surface
Leaves, pine needles, and small branches accumulate on roofs throughout the summer and fall. This debris traps moisture against the roofing material, which accelerates moss growth and can cause premature material failure.
If your roof is low-slope and safely accessible, you can sweep debris with a soft broom. For steeper pitches, or if there's significant buildup, have it professionally cleared. Never use a leaf blower on a roof — the force can lift and break aged shingles.
3. Clean your gutters and test your downspouts
This is the single most impactful thing you can do before storm season. Clogged gutters cause water to back up under the roof edge, damaging fascia boards, soffit, and eventually the roof deck itself.
Clean all gutters thoroughly and run water through each downspout with a garden hose. Watch for slow drainage, leaks at seams, and any sections that have pulled away from the fascia. If your gutters are consistently clogging, consider gutter guards or a repair.
4. Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
Flashing is the metal sealing where the roof meets a vertical surface — around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and dormers. When flashing fails, water enters through the seam rather than over the shingle surface, making leaks hard to find and expensive to fix.
From the ground or attic, look for rust, gaps, or lifting at flashing seams. If you see daylight around a chimney from inside your attic, that flashing needs repair before storm season.
5. Trim overhanging branches
Any branch that hangs within six feet of your roof is a risk. During a windstorm, these branches can break and puncture roofing material, or scrape across the surface and strip granules from shingles.
Trim branches back to at least six feet from the roof edge. For large trees, hire a certified arborist — improper tree work can cause more damage than the branches themselves.
6. Check your attic ventilation
Proper attic ventilation isn't just about temperature — it's about moisture control. In the PNW, inadequate ventilation leads to condensation on the underside of the roof deck, which accelerates rot and can mimic a roof leak.
Check that soffit vents aren't blocked by insulation, that ridge vents are clear, and that bathroom and dryer vents exhaust outside — not into the attic space. If you notice condensation or frost on the underside of the roof sheathing, you have a ventilation problem.
7. Know your emergency plan
Even with perfect preparation, extreme weather can overwhelm any roof. Know what to do if damage occurs:
- Keep your insurance company's claim number accessible
- Save the number of a reliable roofer who offers emergency dispatch
- Keep a bucket, towels, and a tarp accessible for interior water management
- Document any existing roof conditions with photos before storm season — this protects you during insurance claims
A homeowner who spends one hour on storm prep in September will save thousands in emergency repairs by January. Most storm damage we see traces back to issues that were visible before the storm.
When to call a professional
If your visual inspection reveals multiple issues — curled shingles, compromised flashing, significant moss, or gutter problems — a professional pre-storm inspection is a worthwhile investment. Our technicians can assess your roof's readiness in about 30 minutes and prioritize repairs by urgency.
For homes over 15 years old, or if your roof hasn't been inspected in over two years, we strongly recommend a professional check before each storm season.
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Assessment of your roof's storm readiness. We'll identify vulnerabilities and give you honest advice — no pressure.
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