
How to Best Prepare Your Roof for a Storm
Storms are devastating forces of nature. They can do significant damage to the environment and your home. Even the most durable roofs can suffer under the strength of a storm. Dealing with the repercussions of a damaged roof is not ideal, especially for those living in high-risk areas.
While Mother Nature is unpredictable, your roof’s durability doesn’t have to be. By taking the necessary precautions, you can keep your roof safe during a storm. With these 10 roof storm preparation tips, you and your roof can weather any storm.
1. Check for Missing Shingles
Shingles play a crucial role in keeping your roof protected from the elements. They act as a barrier between your roof and the weather. Missing shingles can lead to severe damage in a storm. These gaps create openings for high winds to get underneath the adjacent shingles and tear them off.
If you notice any missing spots or damaged shingles, call your local roofing company and have us repair or replace the shingles as soon as possible. Fully intact shingles help keep moisture from damaging your roof’s underlayment and leaking into your home.
Keep on the lookout for buckled or curled shingles, too. Shingles should be flush with one another and create a tight seal.

2. Visual Inspections
While you are on your roof checking for missing and damaged shingles, you should keep an eye out for other damages. Remove any mold, moss or leaf piles you notice. These can trap moisture and slowly damage your roof.
You should also pay attention to the flashings around the chimney, dormers and vent pipes. Damaged flashing can let water into the underlayment and your house.
3. Look for Existing Leaks
Aside from missing or damaged shingles, you should always check for signs of water damage or leaks. If your roof has any leaks before a storm, it can undermine your roof’s integrity. Water damage weakens the structure underneath. It rots wood and leaves soft spots. If the leaks damage your roof stability, a storm can create a sizable hole.
If left unchecked, these leaks will not only increase your roof’s risk, but can also lead to other issues with the durability of walls, electrical wiring and insulation.
Don’t forget to check your attic!

4. Clean Gutters
Gutters help make your home more durable by channeling rainwater runoff away. However, when leaves and other debris clog your gutters, the water has no place to go and will overflow into your roof’s soffit and fascia. If left unchecked, the overflow will cause moisture damage. Try to keep your gutters as clean and blockage-free as possible.
5. Cut and Prune Trees
Even if your roof is in excellent condition and durable enough to withstand a storm, trees can cause significant damage. Strong winds can tear apart the sturdiest of trees and send branches flailing into your roof. To combat this threat, you will want to cut or prune any surrounding trees.
Tour your yard and look for dead, broken and oversized tree branches that could pose a risk. Hire a professional team to trim back encroaching tree branches.
6. Remove or Secure Outside Objects
No one wants their things blowing away during a storm, but more importantly, no one wants their belongings crashing into your house and damaging it. If you fail to secure objects around your yard, you run the risk of them flying around during inclement weather.
Before the storm arrives, bring any plants, patio furniture, fixtures, lawn ornaments and other such objects inside. Find a way to secure larger or bulkier items to the ground. Don’t forget about your vehicle — park it in your garage, if you can.
7. Close All Doors and Windows
Houses are all about maintaining pressure inside and outside. If something manages to fly through your window or you leave it open, the pressure outside will force its way inside the house. Now, your house functions similarly to a hot-air balloon. Your house is the basket, and your roof is the parachute.
If applicable, cover your windows and doors with plywood to reinforce them as much as possible. Wood is less fragile than glass.
8. Schedule an Evaluation
If you are concerned with any aspect of your roof and your home’s integrity, schedule a professional evaluation. Trained pros know what to look for. They’ll tell you what you need to fix and inform you of various proactive strategies to protect your home from damaging storms.
9. Check Your Insurance Policy
Before your roof accrues any severe damage, evaluate your current insurance policy and adjust it as necessary. If you lack adequate coverage, contact your insurer to learn more about all your options. If something happens to necessitate roof repairs or a full replacement, insurance can help cover some, if not all, of the costs.
Once you’ve confirmed the necessary paperwork, keep it in a safe and accessible location. Once the storm passes, you will be one step ahead and have your insurance documentation ready.
10. Don’t Neglect Regular Maintenance
No one wants to realize that their roof is in poor shape before a storm approaches. You might run out of time to get it fixed before the weather hits.
Scheduling regular roof evaluations is a wise strategy for keeping your roof in top condition and ready for the worst. This planning will save you time and money during storm season, while helping you remedy problematic situations. Trustworthy roofers can identify and repair minor issues before they snowball into worse problems.
Get Quality Roof Protection From a Storm
Since 1995, Scro’s Roofing Company has been the go-to roofing expert for residential and commercial customers throughout Raleigh and the Triangle. Our quality work and attention to detail will give you the best roof possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our team at 919-551-5104 or contact us online.
Don’t wait until your roof is already damaged to have someone take a look at it. Schedule an appointment today and ensure your roof is ready for storm season.