Houston's storm season runs from June through November, bringing the threat of hurricanes, tropical storms, severe thunderstorms, and hail. A little preparation goes a long way toward protecting your home and avoiding expensive emergency repairs.
Start With a Professional Inspection
The single best thing you can do before storm season is have your roof professionally inspected. A trained eye can spot problems that aren't visible from the ground — loose flashing, deteriorating sealant, lifted shingles, or compromised underlayment. Catching these issues before a storm turns a $200 repair into prevention against a $15,000 problem.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters cause water to back up under your roof edges during heavy rain, leading to fascia rot, soffit damage, and attic water intrusion. Houston's heavy tree cover means gutters fill up fast. Clean them in late May before the season starts, and check them again in September.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Trees near your roofline are a major risk during high winds. Branches that scrape your roof in normal wind can punch through shingles during a storm. Any branch within 6 feet of your roof should be trimmed back. For large trees, hire a licensed arborist.
Check and Seal Flashing
Flashing — the metal strips around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall intersections — is one of the most common failure points during storms. Check that flashing is firmly secured and properly sealed. Cracked or missing caulk around flashing should be addressed immediately.
Secure Loose Materials
Walk your property and look for anything that could become a projectile in high winds. Patio furniture, potted plants, grills, and decorations can cause significant roof damage when they're picked up by 60+ mph gusts. Either secure them or move them inside when storms are forecast.
Review Your Insurance Policy
Before storm season starts, review your homeowner's insurance policy. Know your deductible (especially for wind/hail — many Texas policies have a separate, higher deductible for these events), your coverage limits, and your filing deadline. Take photos of your roof's current condition as a "before" reference.
Emergency Preparedness
Keep tarps and plywood on hand for temporary emergency repairs if your roof is breached during a storm. Know who to call — having a trusted roofing contractor's number saved before you need it saves critical time.
Our Storm Season Maintenance Plan
Synergy Roof Systems offers a comprehensive Roof Maintenance Plan for $350 that includes a full inspection, gutter cleaning, minor repairs, flashing check, and a written condition report. It's the most cost-effective way to prepare your roof for whatever storm season throws at it.
Call (713) 510-3040 to schedule your pre-season inspection or maintenance plan.