How to Protect Your Roof Before Severe Weather Arrives
You cannot stop hail or wind, but you can decide what shape your roof is in when they arrive. Most of the work happens weeks before the storm, not the night before.
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Why preparation matters more than the storm
Storms find the weak points a roof already has. A loose flashing, a cracked pipe boot or a clogged gutter is a small issue on a calm day and a leak in a storm. Fixing those spots ahead of time is far cheaper than drying out an attic after.
Texas sees a lot of severe weather. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 201 hail reports within 10 miles of Frisco from 2015 through 2024, 68 of them 1.75 inches or larger, with the largest at 4.5 inches on March 24, 2019. Around San Antonio the same source logged 136 reports in that period, 48 of them 1.75 inches or more. In places like that, getting ready is part of owning a home.
Preparation also helps after the storm. A roof with a known, recent condition is easier to assess, and damage is easier to tell apart from old wear. It also shortens the wait. When storm season peaks, roofers get booked quickly, so repairs scheduled in a calm month are done before the rush instead of during it.
Your pre-season roof checklist
Book an inspection before storm season
A roof inspection in late winter finds loose shingles, failing sealant and worn flashing while there is time to fix them.
Repair small problems now
Replace missing shingles, reseal flashing and swap cracked pipe boots. These are the spots wind and heavy rain exploit first.
Clean gutters and downspouts
Clogged gutters back water up under the roof edge. Make sure downspouts carry water away from the foundation. Damaged sections can be handled through gutter repair.
Trim trees near the roof
Cut back limbs that hang over or touch the roof, and have dead branches removed. Our guide to tree limbs and debris explains why.
Secure what wind can throw
Patio furniture, grills, trampolines and loose fencing can become projectiles. Store or tie them down when a storm watch is issued.
Record the roof's condition
Take dated photos of every side of the house and roof, plus the attic. They give you a before picture to compare against.
Weak spots to fix before the storm
Flashing
Metal around chimneys, walls and skylights. If the sealant is cracked or the metal is loose, wind-driven rain gets behind it.
Pipe boots
The rubber collars around plumbing vents dry out and split in the sun. They are one of the most common leak points.
Edges and ridge
Wind pressure is highest at eaves, rakes and ridges. Loose starter or cap shingles go first in a storm.
Roof vents
Plastic vents get brittle and crack. Damaged vents let in rain and can blow off in high wind.
Solar panel mounts
Check that panels, rails and the flashing around each mount are tight and sealed. Loose mounts can let water in.
Know your policy before you need it
Read your homeowners policy before storm season, not after. Find your deductible for wind and hail, which can be different from your general deductible, and whether the roof is covered at actual cash value or replacement cost. Our guide to actual cash value vs replacement cost explains the difference.
Coverage for storm damage depends on your policy and on your insurance company's decision. Knowing the terms ahead of time keeps you from guessing in the middle of a stressful week.
If you live on the coast, check one more thing. In Galveston and the rest of the catastrophe area designated by the Texas Department of Insurance, a new roof or a roof repair needs a windstorm inspection and certification (WPI-8) to be eligible for coverage through TWIA. Ask about it before work starts, not after.
When a storm watch is issued
Move vehicles into a garage or under cover if you can.
Bring in or tie down loose outdoor items.
Close blinds and curtains on windows facing the storm.
Keep a flashlight, buckets and a tarp where you can reach them.
Save a roofer's number in your phone, such as (844) 980-5506.
Charge your phone so you can take photos once it is safe.
Plan upgrades and get ready with GemSco
If your roof is near the end of its life, a replacement is the best moment to raise its storm resistance. Shingles rated UL 2218 Class 4 passed the highest level of impact testing. Good underlayment, sealed edges and correct nailing improve wind performance. Metal roofing is another option some Texas homeowners choose for storm country.
Ask the contractor to explain these options in writing, with what each one changes. Our guide to asphalt shingles vs metal roofing in Texas compares the two.
GemSco is a family owned, fully licensed and insured roofing company and an elite contractor for Owens Corning and GAF, with more than 20 years of experience. We inspect, document with photos and give you a written estimate for any repairs before storm season, and handle storm damage when it does hit. We serve Houston, DFW, Austin and San Antonio. Request a free estimate or call (844) 980-5506.
The first hour after the storm passes
Preparation pays off once the weather clears. Wait until lightning has passed and winds have calmed. Walk around the house and look for downed power lines before anything else, and stay well away from any you find. Then check the yard for shingles, vent caps or gutter sections, and look inside for drips, wet spots on ceilings and water in the attic.
If water is coming in, put buckets under drips, move valuables and electronics, and photograph everything. Do not climb on a wet roof to stop a leak. An emergency roof repair can cover an opening until a full repair is scheduled.
Upgrades are not only for full replacements. Swapping old plastic vents for sturdier ones, adding sealant to exposed fasteners and replacing dried-out pipe boots with longer-lasting ones are small jobs that make the existing roof harder for a storm to open.
Compare what you see with the photos you took before the storm. Fresh dents, missing pieces and new stains are much easier to identify when you have a dated before picture, and that comparison is useful to your roofer and to your insurer if you file a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to get a pre-storm roof inspection?
Late winter or early spring, before the peak of severe weather season, gives you time to schedule repairs. An inspection after a mild winter also catches damage from cold snaps and wind. If your roof is older or has not been checked in a few years, any time before the next storm is better than after.
Should I put a tarp on my roof before a storm?
No. A tarp on an undamaged roof can trap moisture and become a wind hazard itself. Tarps are for after damage, to cover an opening until a repair. Before a storm, the better step is to fix weak spots like loose shingles, cracked boots and worn flashing.
Do impact resistant shingles stop hail damage?
They reduce it. Shingles rated UL 2218 Class 4 passed the highest impact test level, so they hold up better than standard shingles. Very large hail can still damage them. Some insurers offer premium credits for them, but that depends on your company and policy.
What photos should I take before a storm?
Take wide shots of every side of the house and roof, close-ups of any existing wear, and photos of the attic. Make sure the files keep their date and store copies somewhere other than your phone. Our guide to photos after storm damage covers what to capture once a storm has passed.
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GemSco Roofing & Solar serves Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. We’re family owned and fully licensed and insured.