Once a year is a sound baseline in Southern California, ideally in early fall before the rainy season. On top of that, have the roof checked after any major windstorm or heavy rain, and always before buying or selling a home. Older roofs and homes under heavy tree cover benefit from a closer eye, so twice a year is reasonable for those.
A roof gives off warning signs long before water reaches a ceiling, but only if someone looks. A yearly check catches the small things, a lifted flashing, a cracked tile, a clogged valley, while they are still cheap to fix, instead of after they have turned into a leak. In our climate, the best single time to do it is early to mid fall, before the rain. Going into winter with a clear, sound roof is the whole point, which is why an inspection pairs naturally with preparing your roof for the rainy season.
An inspection is not the same as maintenance, though they go together. A roof inspection is the written assessment of the roof's condition. Roof maintenance is the hands-on care, clearing valleys and resealing flashing, that keeps the roof healthy between inspections.
| Situation | When to inspect |
|---|---|
| Yearly baseline | Early fall, before the rain |
| After a strong windstorm | As soon as it is safe |
| After heavy rain or a leak | Promptly |
| Buying or selling a home | During escrow |
| Older roof or heavy tree cover | Twice a year |
A Santa Ana windstorm can lift tiles and shingles a ground glance will miss, so a look after a big event is worth it. And before a sale, a written report can settle a common question in escrow, which our home buyer checklist covers.
On a visit we walk the roof and, where we can, check the attic side. We look at the covering, the flashing at chimneys and walls, the valleys and drainage, and the details like pipe boots and ridge mortar. The goal is to find the small problems before they spread, so a five-minute fix stays a five-minute fix instead of becoming a section of rotted decking. If something needs attention, we point to a targeted repair. If nothing does, we tell you that and set a date to look again.
A yearly check keeps small problems from becoming leaks. Call (310) 806-5959 or request an inspection below.
Due for a yearly check, or just had a storm? Tell us and we will set up a visit and give you a written report.