Hurricane Season Roof Prep in Raleigh, NC

How do I prepare my roof for hurricane season in Raleigh?

Short answer: Before the season, get a roof inspection, fix loose or missing shingles and flashing, clear gutters and downspouts, trim overhanging limbs, and take dated photos of the roof and attic. After a storm, stay off the roof, photograph damage from the ground and call a local roofer. Roof Revivers inspects roofs across Raleigh and the Triangle for free, since 2012. Roof Revivers Raleigh, 1117 Corporation Pkwy Suite 106, Raleigh, NC 27610, (919) 794-5754, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Raleigh is a few hours from the coast, but tropical systems still reach the Triangle as heavy wind and hours of wind-driven rain. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. A roof that has small, unnoticed problems going into the season is the one most likely to leak when a storm arrives.

Pre-storm roof checklist

1. Schedule an inspection early. A free inspection finds broken shingle seals, lifted edges, cracked pipe boots and worn flashing before a storm finds them.
2. Fix loose and missing shingles. One missing shingle gives wind an edge to pull on and lets rain reach the deck.
3. Check flashing, vents and pipe boots. These are the most common places wind-driven rain gets in.
4. Clean gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters overflow in heavy rain and push water back toward the roof edge and fascia. Make sure downspouts carry water away from the foundation. See gutters in Raleigh.
5. Trim trees. The Triangle's tall pines and hardwoods drop limbs in high wind. Have a tree professional trim limbs that hang over the roof.
6. Secure loose items. Patio furniture, grills and yard items can become debris that strikes the roof and siding.
7. Take “before” photos. Dated photos of each roof slope (from the ground), the attic and ceilings give you a record of the roof’s condition before a storm.
8. Review your policy. Find your deductibles on the declarations page, including any separate named-storm or wind/hail deductible, and keep your insurer’s claim number handy.
9. Save our number. (919) 794-5754.

When a storm is coming

• Bring in or tie down loose outdoor items.
• Charge phones so you can take photos afterward.
• Do not climb on the roof to tarp or patch it ahead of a storm; wet and windy roofs are dangerous.

What to do after the storm

1. Stay off the roof and away from downed lines and hanging limbs.
2. From the ground, photograph missing shingles, debris, and damage to gutters, siding, fences and vehicles. Note the date of the storm.
3. Check ceilings and the attic for new stains or drips, and photograph them.
4. Protect belongings from active leaks with buckets and tarps indoors, and keep receipts for anything you buy.
5. Call (919) 794-5754 during office hours, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. For storm damage we can tarp an open area to protect the home until a permanent repair is made. See emergency roof repair in Raleigh.
6. Be careful with door-to-door storm crews after a big storm. Work with a local, licensed roofer you can find again after the job.

Documenting roof damage for insurance

Good documentation makes a claim easier to review. It does not decide the outcome; your insurance company does.

• Your before-and-after photos, with dates.
• The storm date and anything you noticed during it, such as a new leak.
• Receipts for emergency tarping or other steps you took to prevent further damage.
• A roofer’s inspection with photos. We inspect the roof, photograph what we find, and can meet your adjuster on site to walk through it.
• Your claim number and adjuster’s contact information in one place.

Flooding is usually covered by separate flood insurance rather than a homeowners policy. Check with your insurer. See roof insurance claims in Raleigh and does insurance cover wind damage in NC?

Common storm-season damage we see

Lifted and creased shingles, missing ridge cap, loosened flashing and vents, limb strikes, and leaks from wind-driven rain. See wind damage roof repair, hail damage in Raleigh, storm damage and roof leak repair. Not sure whether to repair or replace an older roof before the season? See repair or replace in Raleigh.

Local proof

• Serving homeowners since 2012, with a Raleigh office at 1117 Corporation Pkwy.
• Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor and BBB A+ rated.
• Recent Raleigh-branch storm work: insurance roof replacement in Dunn and insurance roof replacement in Linden.

Paying for a repair

Flexible financing is available. See roof financing in Raleigh or call (919) 794-5754.

Storm and wind damage around the Triangle

Cary · Apex · Durham · Garner · Wake Forest · Holly Springs · Fuquay-Varina · Knightdale · Morrisville · Wendell · Rolesville · Clayton. Also see roof repair in Raleigh, roof inspection, gutters and the Raleigh roofing home.

¿Prefiere español? Reparación de techos · Reclamos de seguro.

Frequently asked questions

When is hurricane season in North Carolina?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Tropical systems can bring strong wind and long, wind-driven rain inland to the Triangle, and summer thunderstorms add their own gusts and hail.

How do I get my roof ready for hurricane season?

Have the roof inspected before the season, replace loose or missing shingles, re-secure flashing and vents, clean gutters and downspouts, trim limbs that hang over the roof, and photograph the roof and attic so you have a before record.

What should I do after a hurricane or tropical storm passes?

Stay off the roof and away from downed lines, photograph damage from the ground, check ceilings and the attic, and call (919) 794-5754 during office hours. For storm damage we can tarp an open area until a permanent repair is made.

How do I document roof damage for an insurance claim?

Keep dated before-and-after photos, photograph damage and debris from the ground, note the storm date, save receipts for any emergency protection, and report the claim to your insurer. We photograph the roof and can meet your adjuster. Your insurance company decides what is covered.

Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage to a roof?

It depends on your policy. Some North Carolina policies have a separate named-storm or wind/hail deductible, and flooding is usually covered by separate flood insurance. Check your declarations page; your insurer and adjuster decide what is covered.

Is a pre-season roof inspection free?

Yes. Inspections and estimates are free, and you get photos and the findings in writing.