Safety first
- If a tree or limb is on the roof, stay out of the rooms below and keep away from any downed or sagging power lines. Treat every downed line as live.
- If the power is out, follow Ready.gov's advice: run generators only outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages, and use carbon monoxide detectors.
- Sign up for SoCoAlert so you get County emergency notices during big storms.
Document, then protect
Take photos and video of the damage from the ground and from inside before anything is moved, unless waiting puts someone at risk. Then get the roof covered. A properly installed tarp, fastened to framing and extending over the ridge, can keep the next band of rain out (see emergency roof tarping). Keep receipts; reasonable steps to prevent further damage are usually part of a claim.
What storm damage looks like
- Missing, creased or lifted shingles, often along ridges, rakes and eaves where wind pressure is highest.
- Displaced or cracked tiles, and bent metal edges or trim.
- Punctures and broken rafters from limbs.
- Gutters pulled loose, which can send water down walls.
- Water stains appearing days later as soaked materials dry.
Want a local pro to take a look?It's free for homeowners and there's no obligation.
After the storm
Expect a rush. After big storms and disasters, CSLB warns that unlicensed operators show up door to door, and contracting without a license in a declared disaster area is a felony (CSLB). Verify the license, get a written contract and never pay more than 10% or $1,000 down, whichever is less. Our article on hiring a roofer after a disaster has a checklist.
If water got inside, our sister site Sonoma County Water Damage covers the drying side.
Where we connect homeowners
- Roof repair in Santa Rosa
- Roof repair in Petaluma
- Roof repair in Rohnert Park & Cotati
- Roof repair in Windsor
- Roof repair in Healdsburg
- Roof repair in Sebastopol
- Roof repair in Sonoma
- Roof repair in Glen Ellen & Kenwood
- Roof repair in Cloverdale
- Roof repair in Guerneville & the lower Russian River
- Roof repair in Forestville
Other services
Dealing with this right now?Tell us what's happening and we'll connect you with an independent local provider.
Sources
Sources checked October 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Should I call my insurer or a roofer first?
If water is coming in, arrange emergency protection first, then report the claim promptly. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage.
Can I wait until spring for repairs?
A tarp is a stopgap, not a winter-long fix. UV and wind wear tarps out, and every storm is another chance for water to get in. Schedule the permanent repair as soon as a roofer can do it.