What to Check Before the First Big Storm
Loose or lifted shingles from the previous year's wear are the biggest concern going into storm season, since a shingle that is already partly detached is far more likely to tear off completely in the first strong gust rather than surviving another season the way a fully secured shingle would. We check ridge caps specifically for this, since they take the most direct wind exposure of anywhere on the roof.
Gutters clogged with fall leaves or winter debris hold water against the roof edge during heavy spring rain, which is exactly the condition that turns a minor edge leak into a larger problem. Clearing gutters before storm season is one of the simplest and cheapest things a homeowner can do to protect a roof that is otherwise in fine shape.
Trees, Limbs, and Storm-Ready Landscaping
Overhanging limbs that survived the winter without falling are still a risk once spring wind picks up, and a limb that comes down during a storm can cause far more damage than the wind or hail itself would have. Trimming back branches that hang over the roofline is worth doing before storm season rather than after a limb has already come through a section of shingles.
We also recommend a quick check of anything loose on the property that could become airborne in high wind, since a lot of roof and siding damage in this area comes from debris impact during straight-line wind events rather than hail alone. None of this replaces a professional inspection, but it meaningfully reduces the odds of an avoidable repair.
A Quick Pre-Season Roof Walk Is Worth the Time
A short annual roof check before storm season, even without a specific problem prompting it, catches small issues while they are still cheap to fix. We will point out anything that looks like it is heading toward a repair over the coming year, even if it is not the reason for the visit, since a homeowner who knows what to watch for is in a much better position after the first big storm of the season rolls through.