Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and Houston sits squarely in the path of Gulf storms. You cannot control the weather, but you can control how ready your roof is when a storm shows up on the forecast. A roof that is already weak, with loose shingles, clogged gutters, or failing flashing, is far more likely to fail when the wind picks up.
Use this checklist early in the season, and run through the "storm is coming" section any time a named storm is headed toward the Texas coast.
Before the Season Starts (Spring or Early Summer)
- Get a professional roof inspection. A trained inspector can spot lifted shingles, cracked pipe boots, and loose flashing that you will never see from the ground. Small problems are cheap to fix now and expensive after a storm. JD Roofing Solutions offers free roof inspections across the Houston area.
- Fix small problems immediately. A single missing shingle gives wind an edge to grab. Once wind gets under one shingle, it can peel back an entire section.
- Check your flashing. Flashing around chimneys, walls, skylights, and vents is where most storm leaks start. Look for gaps, rust, or lifted edges.
- Trim trees. Cut back branches that hang over the roof or could reach it if a limb breaks. Dead limbs are the biggest risk.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. Hurricanes bring huge amounts of rain in a short time. Clogged gutters overflow and push water back under the roof edge and into fascia boards.
- Check attic ventilation and insulation. In the attic, look for daylight where there should not be any, water stains on the decking, and damp insulation. These point to existing leaks.
Review Your Insurance Before You Need It
The time to read your homeowner's policy is before a storm, not after. Look for these items:
- Your wind and hail deductible. Many Texas policies have a separate wind/hail deductible, often a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat dollar amount. A 2% deductible on a $300,000 home is $6,000.
- Whether your roof is covered at replacement cost or actual cash value. This makes a big difference in what you are paid. See our guide on ACV vs RCV coverage.
- Windstorm coverage for coastal areas. Homes in some coastal counties may need separate windstorm coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Check with your agent if you are unsure.
- Claim reporting requirements. Your policy will say how quickly you must report damage. Do not wait.
Document Your Roof Now
Take dated photos of your roof, gutters, and attic while everything is in good shape. Photos from the ground with a zoom lens or from a window are fine. If you have a drone, even better. These "before" photos help show that damage was caused by the storm and not by age or wear, which is one of the most common points of dispute in a claim.
Also gather your paperwork in one place: your policy, your roof's installation date and warranty, and any past repair invoices.
When a Storm Is in the Forecast
- Secure loose items. Patio furniture, grills, trampolines, and potted plants become projectiles in high wind and can puncture a roof.
- Clear gutters one more time if it is safe to do so.
- Close and secure windows and doors. Pressure changes from a broken window can increase the uplift on your roof.
- Move valuables out of the attic and away from ceilings that have leaked before.
- Have tarps, plastic sheeting, buckets, and towels ready inside the house.
- Charge your phone and save your roofer's and insurer's numbers.
Safety first: Never go on your roof during or right after a storm. Wet shingles are slick, the structure may be compromised, and downed power lines are a serious hazard. Inspect from the ground and let a professional handle the rest.
After the Storm Passes
Walk around your home and look for missing shingles, debris on the roof, dented gutters, and granules washed out of downspouts. Check ceilings and the attic for new water stains. Photograph everything before any cleanup. If you see damage, make temporary repairs to prevent further water entry, then call a local roofer for an inspection before you file. Our guide on what to do after a storm damages your roof walks through it step by step.
JD Roofing Solutions is based in Houston and responds to storm damage throughout the metro area. If a storm has hit your neighborhood, call us at 832-295-3277 for a free inspection.
