Santa Ana winds hit San Jose every fall — 50–80 mph gusts pushing offshore from the desert. Most of the damage we repair after Santa Ana events was preventable with a 30-minute walk-around in September. Here's the checklist.

1. Look for lifted or slipped tile

From the ground, scan every ridge and hip line. Tile that has slid down-slope or lifted at the leading edge is the #1 wind failure point. Any lifted tile becomes an airborne projectile at 60 mph.

2. Inspect ridge caps and hip lines

Mortar-set ridge caps often crack in the 5–10-year window. Foam-set caps last longer but eventually separate. Missing or hairline-cracked caps invite wind uplift underneath the entire ridge.

3. Check flashing at every penetration

Skylights, plumbing stacks, chimneys, HVAC curbs — the sealant around each metal flashing degrades in UV. When wind lifts a corner, driving rain follows the same path.

4. Clear gutters and downspouts

Clogged gutters back water up under the roof edge. Combined with wind-driven rain, this is where most Santa Ana leaks originate — not at damaged tile.

5. Trim overhanging branches

Anything hanging over the roof becomes a wind-driven abrasion tool. Eucalyptus and pepper trees are notorious in Saratoga and Cupertino.

6. Check attic vents and gable ends

Loose vent screens and gable vents let wind-driven embers into the attic during red-flag events — the most common wildfire ignition mechanism.

Free pre-season inspection

California First Roofing offers free Santa Ana readiness inspections every September. Call (424) 777-1619 or email sales@californiafirstroofing.com.

Santa Ana Wind Season: San Jose Roof Prep Checklist