Storm Season Checklist: 7 Steps to Prepare Your Roof for Severe Weather By Blue Storm Roofing
When storm season hits, your roof becomes the first line of defense between your home and the elements. Whether you are facing heavy rain, hail, high winds, or tornado threats, the condition of your roof will play a major role in how well your home holds up. At Blue Storm Roofing, we have seen what happens when homeowners get caught unprepared. The good news is, a little preparation goes a long way.
Here is your storm season roofing checklist seven key steps that will help you protect your home and avoid emergency repairs.
1. Inspect Shingles for Damage or Wear
Your shingles take the brunt of every storm. Missing, cracked, curling, or loose shingles are weak points that wind and water will exploit. A visual inspection from the ground can help you spot obvious issues, but a professional inspection will uncover hidden signs of damage that could worsen under pressure.
At Blue Storm Roofing, we offer free inspections to identify these problems before they become costly emergencies.
2. Clear Debris from Gutters and Roof Valleys
Leaves, branches, and debris in your gutters or roof valleys can block water flow during a storm. This leads to pooling, which increases the chance of leaks or even structural damage. Make sure your gutters are clear and water is flowing freely away from your roofline.
We recommend checking for:
- Clogged downspouts
- Detached or sagging gutters
- Accumulated leaves in roof valleys or behind chimneys
3. Trim Nearby Trees
Overhanging limbs can break off during a storm and crash into your roof, causing major damage. Even if they do not fall, they can scratch and wear down your shingles over time. Trimming back trees is a simple way to prevent broken branches from turning into roofing disasters.
Focus on:
- Dead or damaged limbs
- Trees growing too close to your home
- Branches touching or hanging directly over your roof
4. Check Flashings and Sealants
Flashing is the thin metal material installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and roof edges. It keeps water out of the seams and joints. If the flashing is bent, rusted, or lifting, or if the sealants around it are cracking, water can slip in and cause interior damage.
During a storm, even small gaps can lead to significant leaks. Our team checks these areas carefully during every inspection to ensure your roof stays watertight.
5. Reinforce Vulnerable Areas
Every roof has weak spots. These may include valleys, ridges, vent pipes, skylights, and the intersection of different roof planes. Proper underlayment, flashing, and sealant reinforcement can reduce the risk of water infiltration when storms push your roof to the limit.
At Blue Storm Roofing, we know where roofs typically fail during storms, and we fortify those areas ahead of time.
6. Secure Loose Items Around the Home
While not directly part of the roof, anything loose in your yard can become airborne in high winds and damage your shingles, siding, or windows. Before the storm season peaks, walk around your home and secure or store:
- Patio furniture
- Grills and outdoor equipment
- Garden decorations
- Loose fencing or panels
Taking these precautions helps reduce the chance of impact damage from flying debris.
7. Get a Professional Roof Inspection
There is no substitute for a trained eye when it comes to spotting problems. A professional roof inspection is the best way to ensure your roof is ready for whatever storm season throws your way. At Blue Storm Roofing, we offer no-cost inspections that include:
- A full evaluation of your shingles, flashings, and vents
- Interior attic checks for moisture or structural issues
- Photo documentation of any areas of concern
- Honest, no pressure recommendations
We will only suggest repairs when they are necessary, and we will always explain why.
Bonus Tip: Review Your Insurance Coverage
Before storm season hits, make sure your homeowner’s insurance is current and provides enough coverage for roof repairs or replacement. Keep a copy of your policy in a safe place and take photos of your roof and property for documentation in case you need to file a claim.
If a storm does damage your roof, Blue Storm Roofing can help you navigate the claims process with detailed reports and clear communication.
Why Blue Storm Roofing?
We are not just storm chasers, we are storm defenders. Our team lives and works in the communities we serve, and we take pride in protecting local homes with high quality roofing solutions that are built to last. When you choose Blue Storm Roofing, you get:
- Emergency response services after severe weather
- Honest assessments with no pressure
- Expert crews trained in both repairs and full replacements
- Industry leading warranties on materials and workmanship
- Local, licensed, and insured professionals
We have helped hundreds of homeowners recover after storms. We are here to help you stay ready before one ever hits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How often should I inspect my roof during storm season?
We recommend at least one inspection before the season begins and another after any major weather event.
Q2. Does Blue Storm Roofing offer emergency repairs?
Yes. We offer emergency tarping and storm response services to protect your home right away.
Q3. Can you help with insurance claims?
Absolutely. We provide detailed documentation and work directly with your insurance provider to streamline the process.
Q4. What kind of roofing systems do you install?
We install asphalt shingles, metal roofing, impact resistant systems, and other storm rated materials built for Midwest weather.
Q5. How long does a roof inspection take?
Most inspections take less than an hour, and you will get a full report the same day.
Ready for the Storms? We’ve Got You Covered
Storms are coming, whether you are ready or not. But with a solid roof and the right team behind you, you can face severe weather with confidence. Use this checklist to get ahead of the season, and if you need help, Blue Storm Roofing is here with professional inspections, honest advice, and fast service.
Schedule your free roof inspection today. Let’s protect your home before the next storm rolls in.


