You already know how unpredictable the weather can be if you’ve lived in North Texas for a while. One day, the sky is clear and sunny, and the next, you’re dealing with hail the size of golf balls, strong winds, and heavy rain. In Dallas–Fort Worth, storm season isn’t a question of if; it’s a question of when.
Your roof is the first thing that protects your home from these bad weather conditions, but a lot of people don’t think about it until it’s too late. It’s true that doing things ahead of time can make a big difference in how well your roof holds up during storm season. Not only does preventive maintenance protect your shingles, but it also protects your home, family, and peace of mind.
In this post, we’ll show you how to get your roof ready for storm season in DFW. We’ll talk about what to look for, how to keep it up, and when to call in a professional.
Check Your Roof Before the Storms Hit
It’s best to look at your roof before a storm, not after. You can find small problems before they turn into big repairs by having regular inspections.
What to Look for When You Check Yourself
- Shingles that are missing or loose: Even one broken shingle can let water in during heavy rain.
- Sagging areas: This could mean that water is trapped there or that there are problems with the structure.
- You can see cracks or damage, especially around vents, chimneys, or skylights where leaks happen a lot.
- Gutters and downspouts that are blocked:Water can’t flow freely, which can hurt your roof and foundation.
For safety reasons, we don’t suggest climbing on your roof, but you can see a lot from the ground with binoculars. Scheduling a professional inspection gives you peace of mind and a clear plan of action for a closer look.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
It may not sound glamorous, but one of the best ways to keep your roof safe during storms is to keep your gutters clear. Rainwater can’t go anywhere when gutters are full of leaves, twigs, or other junk. Instead, it collects on your roof or spills over, which erodes the ground around your foundation.
How to Keep Your Gutters Ready for Storms
You should clean your gutters at least twice a year, and the best times are before and after storm season.
- Put up gutter guards to keep leaves and other debris from building up
- To safely move water away from your foundation, make sure your downspouts reach several feet away from it.
- Your gutter system is like your roof’s drainage plan. If it doesn’t work, the whole thing suffers.
- Cut down trees and get rid of things that could be dangerous nearby.
Storms in North Texas are known for having strong winds that can turn everyday things into dangerous projectiles. Storms can do a lot of damage to your roof if there are branches, overgrown trees, or even outdoor furniture that isn’t tied down.
How to Keep Your Roof Safe from Falling Debris
- Cut back branches so that they are at least 6 to 10 feet away from your roofline.
- Cut down any dead or weak trees that are close to your house.
- Before big storms, make sure your patio furniture, grills, and playsets are safe.
- This not only lowers the risk of damage from falling branches, but it also keeps leaves from constantly clogging your gutters.
- Check the insulation and ventilation in the attic.
Getting ready for a storm isn’t just about what’s going on outside your roof; your attic is also very important. Your roof will get weaker over time if it doesn’t have good ventilation or insulation.
Things to Look for in Your Attic
- The air is hot and stuffy in the summer.
- Signs of mold or mildew.
- Ice dams can form in the winter, but this is rare in DFW and only happens during very cold snaps.
You can help your roof last longer, especially during storm season, by making sure your attic is well-ventilated and insulated.
Take Pictures of Your Roof’s Condition
This step is often forgotten, but it can save you a lot of trouble if you ever need to file an insurance claim for storm damage. If you have “before” pictures of your roof and outside, you can show what your house looked like before the storm.
How to Do It
- Get wide shots of your roof from every angle.
- Take close-up pictures of places that are easy to get to, like flashing, skylights, and chimneys.
- Keep your photos on your computer with the date so you can find them easily.
- If something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you took the time to make this record.
Know When to Get Help
Even if you plan ahead, storms in DFW can still be hard to predict. It’s best to have professionals look at the situation if you see leaks, missing shingles, or damage after a storm. Trying to fix a storm-damaged roof yourself can be dangerous and make the problem worse.
Dimensional Pro says that you should have your roof checked at least once a year, or right after a big hail or wind storm. It’s a smart way to make your roof last longer and keep your home safe.
Conclusion
Getting your roof ready for storm season in DFW doesn’t mean getting rid of all risk; it means lowering it. You are doing important things to protect your home from storms by looking at your roof, cleaning out your gutters, trimming trees, checking your attic, and writing down how your roof is doing.
Your roof is more than just shingles and nails; it’s your family’s shield against the weather. A little planning now can save you money and stress later.
Schedule a free roof inspection with Dimensional Pro today if you want to feel safe going into storm season. We are here to make sure your home is ready for whatever North Texas weather throws at it.
FAQ’s
1. When does storm season usually start in DFW?
March to June is usually storm season, but strong storms can happen at any time of the year.
2. How often should I check my roof?
At least once a year and after a big storm.
3. What is the main thing that storms do to roofs?
Hail and wind are the main causes of broken shingles and leaks in North Texas.
4. Can gutters that are full of leaves really hurt my roof?
Yes! Water that overflows can rot fascia boards, leak under shingles, and even hurt your foundation.
