How Do I Prepare My Roof for Tacoma Winters?

It sneaks up every year — one day you’re sweeping up fall leaves, and the next, the wind’s howling off the Sound and the rain hasn’t stopped for hours. Tacoma winters don’t ease in gently; they arrive all at once. You start hearing that steady drumming on the roof and wonder if everything up there’s ready to handle another few months of rain.

At Robb’s Roofing, we get those calls right after the first big storm: “I thought the roof was fine last month.” Most of the time, the problems aren’t sudden — they’ve been waiting all along. A quick bit of maintenance in the fall can keep your roof solid right through to spring.

Start with the Simple Stuff

The little things are what usually get you. Before the storms hit, take an hour to walk around your home and look things over.

• Clean your gutters and downspouts. Water can’t drain if leaves and needles are clogging it up. When that happens, it backs up under shingles and starts rotting the edges.
• Check the flashing. Around vents, chimneys, and skylights — those thin metal strips are what keep water out. If they’re loose or rusty, fix them before the rain finds its way in.
• Trim back branches. Tacoma’s winter winds love to toss heavy limbs around, and it only takes one to scrape or crack shingles.
• Peek in your attic. Good insulation keeps warm indoor air from escaping and causing moisture buildup.

Quick Guide

Quick answer: Clean gutters, check flashing, trim branches, and inspect insulation.

Try this: Schedule a fall roof check with Robb’s Roofing before the rain really sets in.

Stop signs: Moss, standing water, or clogged gutters before winter hits.

Typical cost: Preventive roof work usually runs $250–$600, depending on size and condition.

Why Tacoma Roofs Need Extra Care

It’s the rain — not just how much we get, but how long it sticks around. Roofs here rarely dry out completely. Moss and algae love that. Once they start growing, they trap moisture, lift shingles, and slowly eat away at your roof. Add the occasional freeze at night, and water sneaks into places it doesn’t belong.

Tacoma roofs don’t usually fail all at once — they wear down quietly over a few seasons. That’s why catching small issues early matters so much.

How Robb’s Roofing Helps

When we check a roof, we don’t just glance from the ground. We get up there, clean out debris, look at the flashing, ridge caps, and vents, and make sure everything’s sealed tight. If something looks off, we fix it on the spot. The goal’s simple: keep your home dry, keep your roof healthy, and save you from surprise leaks in January.

Final Thoughts

Tacoma winters will always be wet, but a good roof shouldn’t make you nervous every time it rains. A quick bit of care in the fall keeps your home dry all winter long.

Call Robb’s Roofing at (253) 820-2163 to schedule a pre-winter roof check. We’ll make sure your roof’s ready for whatever the season brings — rain, wind, or even that rare bit of snow.