Roofers share 10 ways to prepare your roof for hurricane season
From taking photos of your roof to inspecting your gutters, these are the must-do roofing tasks to take care of before the first named storm.
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Hurricane damage can cost homeowners thousands in roof repairs, and even newer roofs can succumb to the strong winds and heavy rain from these storms. However, you can take steps now to protect and prepare your roof ahead of the next named storm. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and experts recommend inspecting your roof before the season begins. We spoke to roofing companies in Florida and Texas to find out what you should do to get storm-ready.
1) Schedule a roof inspection
A man with a hard hat examines a residential roof
Step one is to examine your roof. Even if it looks fine from below, small issues can become major problems when a storm rolls through. While you can perform your own roof inspection, a professional inspection gives you peace of mind that nothing was overlooked and gives you a clear path forward to fix any issues early.
"If your roof is over 10 years old, that is a good time to have a reputable roofing company inspect your roof and do some general maintenance," said Dru Kiesel, owner of Texas Coast Roofing , a Corpus Christi, Texas roofing contractor focusing on residential and commercial roof repairs and replacements.
Most roofers will perform free roofing inspections, but it's good to clarify the costs before you have someone out. Read our guide to roofing inspection costs to learn more about what you can expect. After inspecting your roof, documenting its current state can help with future insurance claims.
2) Take "before" photos of your roof
In general, it is a good idea to have recent photo or video documentation of your property, but especially if it is damaged by a hurricane. This includes the exterior, like the top of your roof, vents, chimneys, gutters, and other features. You should also document the inside of your home, as roof storm damage can cause leaks, which can allow water inside and cause more damage.
"Get photos of your roof — whether it's with your phone or a drone. You'll want that documentation if you need to file an insurance claim," said David Leli of 3MG Roofing & Solar , a roofing company in Orlando, Fla.
He emphasized that documenting your roof's condition now helps give you proof that the storm damage wasn't preexisting when you're dealing with insurance claims. For more, check out our guide to determining whether your roof damage is covered by homeowner's insurance .
3) Clean your gutters
A person removing debris from residential gutters
Gutters help control the water flowing off your roof during a storm. When the gutter system becomes blocked by sticks and leaves, the water can't flow through as quickly or at all. If water pools for too long, creating soft and sagging spots, this can cause structural damage.
"You want to make sure your gutters are free and clear of any leaves or debris," Leli said. "Keeping them clear helps prevent water from backing up onto your roof."
Prepping your roof ahead of hurricane season is an investment of time. This is another area you can pass off to the pros. Learn more about the costs of cleaning your gutters and how often you need to do it .
4) Replace aging sealants and plastic roof accessories
Over time, the plastic components of your roof can crack or warp due to sun exposure and fluctuating temperatures. Even if your shingles appear to be in good shape, the sealants and roof accessories may need replacing.
"On asphalt shingle roofs, the sealants used on exposed fasteners more than likely need to be replaced and any plastic roof accessory, like an exhaust vent, will probably also need to be replaced," said Kiesel.
Sealants last three to five years, according to Big Horn Roofing , a Utah-based roofing contractor. Plastic vents and other accessories last 10 to 15 years, according to Roof Life of Oregon , a roofing contractor in Tigard, Ore.
5) Check skylights, vents and chimneys
"Typically, roofs leak in one of a few places — it's either in the valleys or it's where there's any kind of penetration, like vents or if you have a skylight," Leli said, stressing the importance of making sure these areas are watertight. For example, if you have a chimney, check to make sure the flashing is in good condition. If it looks bent or loose, call in a roofer to secure or replace it to prevent water from getting in.
Yahoo Local recommended reading: What is roof flashing?
According to Bill Ragan Roofing Company , one of Yahoo Local's best Nashville roofing companies , skylights typically last around 20 years when installed properly. Even if your skylight is newer, it's worth giving it a once-over ahead of hurricane season to check for cracked seals or signs of wear that could let water in.
6) Remove debris from roof valleys
Dried leaves on a roof during the fall
A roof valley is where two slopes meet. During heavy rains, they can channel large amounts of water from your roof. If debris is in the way, like sticks and leaves, this can impact the flow of water, causing it to back up under shingles and find its way into your home. This can be especially risky during hurricanes, where rainfall is strong and steady for hours. Keeping the valleys of your roof clear helps it do its job of directing water away from your home.
"Make sure the valleys of the roof are free and clear of debris," Leli said. He added that even if your roof looks clean from the ground level, debris may be hard to spot, so it's best to grab a ladder or call a professional to keep it in spotless shape. Check out our guide to the best roofing ladders and scaffolding to find the right equipment for your home.
7) Make necessary roof repairs now
Leli advised that if you're already noticing signs of roof damage, like missing shingles or cracked flashing, don't wait until a storm is approaching to address it.
"If you need a new roof or a repair, let's say you have an active leak and you don't address it, you're risking bigger problems like wood rot, mold or water damage," Leli said. "Insurance companies expect you to take care of existing issues before a storm hits.
He said that whether you need a repair or a full replacement, now is the time to get your roof storm-ready.
8) Secure anything mounted to your roof
Some homes in hurricane-prone states like Texas, Alabama and Florida may have TV satellites, solar panels, or air conditioning units fixed to the roof. Before hurricane season, make sure everything is securely fastened and professionally installed. Strong winds can loosen these items, rip them off your roof and send them flying.
9) Trim tree branches
A person prunes branches of an English oak tree while standing on an extendable ladder
According to Climate Central , a non-profit focused on climate change through scientific research, from 2019 to 2024, climate change, driven by warming oceans, made hurricanes about 18 miles per hour stronger on average. One of the easiest ways to protect your roof from these increasingly powerful winds is to trim back any tree branches hanging over your home. Otherwise, the branches may scrape your roof — or even crash through it during a storm.
Leli recommends hiring a tree trimming service as soon as possible. Tree trimmers are in high demand before and after a storm. Doing so ahead of time also helps prevent leaves from building up on your roof.
"Even on a normal windy day, that branch scraping back and forth can erode the granules and cause water intrusion," Leli said. "Insurance is not going to cover that — it's something homeowners are required to do as maintenance."
10) Review your insurance policy
"Another important thing is for homeowners to review their insurance polices and understand what kind of coverage they have, and if it is sufficient in the case that the storm damages the roof enough that it needs to be replaced," said Kiesel.
"Roofing prices have increased dramatically over the last five years," Kiesel said, who recommends getting a quote from a trusted roofing company. "Most homeowners who haven't had to replace a roof in that time frame are probably not aware of that."
Leli also stresses the importance of being proactive and told Yahoo Local, "A lot of people say, 'I know I need a new roof, but I'll wait until after storm season.' But you don't know when or if a hurricane will hit," Leli said. "Would you rather go into storm season with a roof that's already compromised or one that's brand new and built to protect your home?"
