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What happens if it rains in the middle of my North Bay reroof?

Short answerA careful crew never leaves bare deck overnight. Each section stripped during the day gets underlayment, which roofers call dry-in, before they leave, and tarps cover anything that can't be sealed. If a storm comes early, work stops and restarts once the deck is dry. Under redwoods and oaks, that drying can take an extra day.

Every roofer we work with is licensed and insured.

Updated · Sources reviewed November 13, 2026 · By North Bay Roof Replacement

  • Active C-39 roofing license, checked on CSLB
  • Contractor's bond and workers' comp on file
  • Tear-off, permit and warranty paperwork handled
  • Free written estimate, no obligation

What does "dry-in" mean on a North Bay job?

Dry-in is the underlayment and edge flashing that goes on as soon as the old roof is off. Once it's down, the house is protected even though the shingles or tiles aren't on yet. It matters because the finished roof can't simply go over a wet deck: shingle makers require the deck to be dry first (GAF application instructions), and the state reroofing code doesn't allow new roofing over wet roofing (CRC R908).

A downspout beside a wooden house wall.
Stock photo: Eva Bronzini / Pexels.

How do crews sequence the work around storms?

Slope by slope. A typical plan strips one face of the roof, replaces any bad sheathing, dries it in and moves on, instead of opening the whole house on day one. Before tear-off, the foreman checks the NWS Bay Area forecast. Up-valley in Calistoga, where December and January each average close to 8 inches of rain (NOAA normals), expect more stop-and-start than in Napa or Petaluma.

When does a tarp come out?

When something can't be dried in by the end of the day. The usual case here is old shake over spaced boards, common in Sonoma and Napa, where the boards have to be sheathed over before underlayment can go down (dry rot and decking). Tarps also cover open ridges and valleys overnight. On exposed hillside homes the wind can lift them, so they need fastening or weighting, and that's a job for the crew, not the homeowner.

Who pays if water gets in during the job?

The contract should say. Before signing, ask who is responsible for interior damage while the roof is open and check that the contractor carries insurance; CSLB suggests asking for the certificate (CSLB). We can't promise how any policy responds.

What should I ask before the crew starts?

  • How much roof will be open at once?
  • What's the plan if a storm arrives sooner than forecast?
  • How will rotten boards be priced and how long will they add?
  • Who checks the attic for drips after a rainy night?

For timing and frost, see our North Bay winter roofing guide.

Every roofer we work with is licensed and insured.

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Frequently asked questions

Can the new shingles go on the same day the old ones come off?

Often, on a small slope in good weather. In winter most crews dry in first and shingle the next dry day, which is fine as long as the underlayment is sealed.

My roofer left a tarp on over the weekend. Is that normal?

It can be, when rain stopped the work. Ask that it be fastened, that drains and gutters stay clear and that someone checks it after strong wind.

Should I move things out of the attic before a winter reroof?

It's a good idea. Debris and the odd drip are more likely while the deck is open, and the crew may need to see the underside of the roof.

Related questions

Sources

Sources reviewed November 13, 2026. Figures are published estimates and official fees, not quotes. Confirm prices, permits and requirements with your contractor and building department. This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice.