Winter Roof Care in Arizona

Winter in the Valley is gentle compared with much of the country, but it still matters to your roof. Instead of the short, intense bursts of monsoon season, winter often brings longer, steadier rain. That slow soaking can find small gaps that a quick downpour might not, such as worn underlayment beneath tile, cracked pipe boots or tired flashing.

Cold, clear mornings can also bring frost in some areas, and the swing from cold nights to warm afternoons adds expansion and contraction stress to roofing materials.

• Clean gutters and downspouts of fall leaves and dust.
• Make sure flat roof drains and scuppers are clear so water does not pond for days.
• Have any known damage from monsoon season repaired.
• Check that evaporative coolers are winterized and covered.
• Look for pigeons nesting under tile or solar panels, since birds seek shelter in cooler weather.

Winter leaks are often slow and easy to miss. After rain, take a few minutes to:

• Look at ceilings, especially in closets and rooms you do not use often
• Check around skylights, chimneys and exterior walls
• Peek into the attic with a flashlight for damp wood or insulation
• Notice any musty smell, which can signal hidden moisture

If you find a stain, check whether it grows after each rain. Our guide on how to find a roof leak explains how to trace the source.

Cooler temperatures make roofing work more comfortable and efficient, and homeowners have time to plan before spring and summer. Winter is a good time to:

• Complete repairs found during a fall inspection
• Plan a tile re-felt or shingle replacement
• Get HOA approval lined up for a spring project
• Schedule a foam roof recoat on dry days with suitable temperatures

Rain days can affect scheduling, so allow some flexibility. Payne Roofing works year-round and offers free estimates. Learn more about roof replacement.

Flat roofs face a particular winter challenge: water that sits. Because winter rain can last for hours or even days, any low spot on a flat roof may hold water longer than it does after a quick monsoon burst. Ponding water speeds coating wear and finds its way into small cracks.

• After a rainy stretch, look from a safe vantage point for areas where water is still standing a day or two later.
• Keep scuppers, canales and drains clear of leaves and debris.
• Note brown or orange patches on foam roofs, which mean the coating has worn and the foam is exposed.

Report any ponding or exposed foam to your roofer. Small coating repairs are simple. Water that soaks into foam over a whole winter is a bigger job. Our foam roof guide covers recoating in more detail.

Frost and rain make roofs especially slippery in winter. As always, stay off the roof and leave roof-level work to professionals. If you need to clean gutters, use a stable ladder on firm ground and work in dry conditions.