A practical checklist for the May-to-November Atlantic hurricane season.
April 17, 2026 • Houston Roofing
Hurricane season in Houston runs June through November, with peak activity in August and September. A roof prepared in April or May will weather the season far better than one inspected after the first storm warning. Here is the checklist Houston homeowners should run every spring.
The single most important step. A free professional inspection in April or May identifies small issues — lifted shingles, cracked flashing, worn vent boots — that become catastrophic when wind-driven rain arrives. Most pre-season repairs cost a few hundred dollars. Post-storm damage often costs tens of thousands.
If inspection identifies any of the following, address them before hurricane season:
Small repairs before June are dramatically cheaper than emergency response during September storms.
Trim any branches within 10 feet of the roof. Remove dead or weakened limbs that could fall in high winds. Clear gutters completely — clogged gutters overflow during heavy rain, forcing water under the roof edge and causing internal damage.
If you have large trees immediately next to the house, consider a professional arborist assessment. Tree removal is expensive but far cheaper than hurricane tree-on-house damage.
Take photos of the roof from multiple angles while the roof is in good condition. This proves the pre-storm state if you later need to file an insurance claim. Insurance companies sometimes argue damage was pre-existing — documented photos defeat that argument.
Also photograph gutters, flashing, and any existing minor issues. Store photos in the cloud so they survive if the home is damaged.
Before hurricane season, verify three things: your wind/hurricane deductible (often 1-5% of coverage, much higher than standard), what is covered (roof, interior, contents), and what is excluded (typically flood, which requires separate policy).
Save the claims phone number somewhere accessible. Note your policy number in your phone.
If you are due for roof replacement anyway, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for insurance premium discounts with most Texas carriers and perform significantly better against hail. If you have metal roofing on the replacement list, standing seam metal handles hurricane winds better than any shingle option.
Once a hurricane is named and heading toward Houston, secure outdoor items (patio furniture, decorations, anything that could become wind projectile). Clear gutters one more time. Bring in mail, packages, and lightweight items that could blow into the roof.
Do not try to tarp a roof yourself. If damage occurs, call a professional roofer for emergency weatherproofing — they have proper safety equipment and know how to secure tarps in Houston wind conditions without causing more damage.
Schedule your pre-hurricane-season inspection today. (713) 527-2719 or visit our contact page. See storm damage repair for post-storm services.