Roofs-N-More
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Storm prep · 6 min read

The 8 things we check on every customer's roof before hurricane season

A free checklist. Walk your roof (or send someone who can) and spot the problems that turn a Category 1 into a $30k insurance claim.

R
Roofs-N-More Team
November 12, 2025

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Every May we tell customers the same thing: the difference between a scary weekend and a six-figure claim is usually five small items you could have checked in April.

Here's our pre-season checklist. Nothing fancy, no upsell — just the stuff we actually walk through when customers ask us to do a season-prep inspection.

  1. Ridge cap shinglesThe very top row of your roof. If any are lifted, cracked, or missing, wind gets underneath and zippers off huge sections. Replace before the first named storm.
  2. Flashing around chimneys and skylightsThese are the #1 leak source during hurricanes. Gapped or rusted flashings need to be re-caulked or replaced. This is a $200 fix that prevents $8k in water damage.
  3. Missing shingles anywhereEven one missing shingle becomes a starting point for wind to peel more. Total field replacement if you're seeing multiple gaps.
  4. Soffit & fascia attachmentSoffits blow off fast in high winds and open your attic to rain. Push up on each soffit panel — any that flex more than half an inch need re-fastening.
  5. Gutter fasteningLoose gutters become projectiles. Hidden-hanger systems should have a screw every 24". Spike-and-ferrule systems (the old kind) all need replacing.
  6. Tree limbs over the houseAny branch that could fall on your roof in a storm should be pruned back at least 10 feet. Most limb damage happens from neighbors' trees, so talk to them.
  7. Garage door bracingGarage doors are the most common catastrophic failure point. Winds push them in, then lift your roof off from inside. Wind-rated doors or temporary bracing kits are worth every penny.
  8. Attic vents & gable endsWind-driven rain gets in through unprotected vents. Cover gable vents with wind-rated louvers or temporary panels when a named storm is forecast.

If you can't safely get on the roof

Don't. Call us — we'll do the whole inspection for free, send you the photo report, and only pitch repairs if we actually find them. No upsell, no "your whole roof needs replacing."

What to do after a storm hits

  1. Document everything — photo every angle before you touch anything
  2. Tarp only if safe — emergency tarps prevent more water damage. Insurance covers them.
  3. Call your insurance company before a roofer — your adjuster needs to see original damage
  4. Don't sign any "Assignment of Benefits" — the door-knockers will try. Say no.
  5. Get two or three written estimates — we're happy to be one of them, win or lose
The best time to fix your roof is April. The second-best time is before the next storm.