Hurricane Roof Prep Checklist for Houston Homeowners
By late October, many Houston homeowners feel like hurricane season is behind them. It is not over yet. The National Hurricane Center's climatology page says the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, so a late storm is still possible this year. And the months between now and next June are the easiest time to get roof work done, before the spring rush and before the next storm is in the forecast.
Your roof takes the first hit in high wind. When shingles peel back or the roof edge lifts, rain gets in and the damage spreads inside. This checklist focuses on the roof only: what to check now, what to repair before next season, what to upgrade at your next reroof, and what to do when a storm is coming and after it passes. It is general information, not a roof inspection or insurance advice. If you own rentals, our hurricane prep checklist for rental properties covers tenants, records and coverage.
Part 1: Quick checks for the rest of this season
You can do most of these from the yard with binoculars, plus a look in the attic with a flashlight. Stay off the roof unless you have the right equipment and training.
- Scan each slope for missing, lifted, cracked or creased shingles.
- Look at the roof edges and corners, where wind damage usually starts.
- Check that metal drip edge and flashing are tight, not bent or loose.
- Look at ridge vents, turbine vents and box vents for loose or dented parts.
- Check rubber boots around vent pipes for cracks.
- Note branches that hang over or touch the roof.
- In the attic, look for water stains, daylight through the deck and damp insulation.
Ready.gov's hurricane preparedness page also recommends clearing drains and gutters, bringing in outside furniture and considering hurricane shutters. Clogged gutters overflow in heavy rain and push water into the fascia and soffit, so clear them now if leaves are already falling.
Part 2: Repairs to make before next season
Small roof defects are the ones that turn into big storm losses. Fixing them in the off season is usually faster to schedule and easier to supervise.
- Replace missing or damaged shingles and re-seal lifted tabs that no longer stick down.
- Re-secure loose flashing at chimneys, walls, skylights and valleys.
- Replace cracked pipe boots and worn sealant around penetrations.
- Fix loose soffit panels and damaged fascia, which can let wind-driven rain into the attic.
- Trim trees so limbs cannot rub or fall on the roof. Large limbs near power lines are a job for a tree professional or the utility.
- Repair or replace weak gutters and loose hangers so they do not tear off and take trim with them.
- Ask about the decking if your roof is older or has had leaks. Soft or rotten boards hold nails poorly. Our roof decking replacement guide explains what to expect.
If your home is in the coastal windstorm area, check the rules before work starts. The Texas Department of Insurance's windstorm inspection page says properties in 14 coastal counties and parts of Harris County east of Highway 146 are in a designated catastrophe area, and that most roof replacements and major repairs there need an inspection and a certificate of compliance for a policy through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. Roof repairs of less than 100 square feet that do not involve decking are listed as an example that does not.
Part 3: Upgrades to plan at your next reroof
If your roof is near the end of its life, the next replacement is the best chance to make it stronger. The FORTIFIED program from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety sets a voluntary standard for this. Its FORTIFIED Roof page describes the key pieces:
- Ring-shank nails in a tighter pattern to hold the roof deck down. FORTIFIED says IBHS testing shows switching from smooth nails to 8D ring-shank nails with closer spacing can double the uplift a roof can withstand.
- A sealed roof deck, so water does not pour through the seams if the shingles blow off. FORTIFIED says that for every inch of rain on an exposed deck, the equivalent of nine bathtubs of water can enter the home.
- A stronger roof edge, using a wider drip edge and a fully adhered starter strip, because damage often begins when wind gets under the edge.
- High wind-rated shingles, rated ASTM D3161 Class F or ASTM D7158 Class H for asphalt shingles, with separate testing rules for metal, tile and low-slope roofs.
- Wind and rain resistant attic vents, because ordinary vents can pull loose or let sideways rain in.
The same page notes that FORTIFIED homes also address soffits, gable end bracing and the connections that tie the roof to the walls. Ask any roofer you interview whether they are trained on the FORTIFIED standard and how a FORTIFIED reroof would change their bid.
Part 4: When a storm is in the forecast
Once a storm is forecast, the goal is to reduce loose debris and be ready to protect the roof afterward.
- Bring in or tie down patio furniture, grills, planters and anything that could be thrown onto the roof.
- Clear gutters and downspouts one more time if you can do it safely from a ladder on calm ground.
- Take dated photos and video of every roof slope, the attic and ceilings. These help show what changed.
- Buy tarps, roofing nails or cap nails, furring strips and plastic sheeting before stores sell out.
- Save the contact information for a roofer and your insurance company somewhere you can reach without power.
- Follow evacuation orders. No roof is worth staying in an unsafe area.
Part 5: After the storm passes
- Stay safe. Do not climb on a wet or damaged roof, and treat any downed wires as live.
- Look from the ground for missing shingles, lifted edges, damaged vents and dents in gutters.
- Check ceilings and the attic for new stains or drips.
- Document everything before cleanup. Ready.gov advises photographing property damage and contacting your insurance company.
- Prevent more damage. The Texas Department of Insurance's guidance after hail or windstorms says to cover broken windows and holes to keep rain out, remove standing water and save all receipts, since a policy may pay for temporary repairs. It also warns that waiving a homeowner's deductible is illegal under state law.
- Get the claim started. Our roof insurance claim questions guide walks through the process.
One-page checklist
- Roof slopes, edges, flashing, vents and pipe boots checked from the ground
- Attic checked for stains, daylight and damp insulation
- Gutters and downspouts cleared, hangers tight
- Overhanging limbs trimmed
- Loose shingles, flashing, soffits and fascia repaired before next June
- Windstorm inspection rules checked for coastal properties
- FORTIFIED upgrades discussed for the next reroof
- Dated roof photos saved, tarp supplies on hand
FAQ
Is it too late to prepare my roof for hurricane season in October?
No. The season runs through November 30, and repairs made now also protect the roof during winter storms and next season.
What part of a roof fails first in high winds?
Damage often starts at the edges and corners, where wind can get under the roof covering. A secure drip edge and starter strip help.
Should I put a tarp on my roof before a hurricane?
Tarps are for after damage, not before. Before a storm, focus on repairs, clearing gutters and securing loose items.
Does a FORTIFIED roof cost more?
It can add materials and labor compared with a standard reroof, depending on the house. Ask roofers to price both so you can compare.
Want your roof checked before the next storm? BPC Development LLC provides free on-site estimates in Houston, TX. Call (281) 301-4737.