Preparing Your Roof for Storms: Texas Hail, Flood & Tornado Guide
Posted on Friday, August 15th, 2025 at 1:52 pm
Texas storm season is unpredictable; one week is calm, and the next brings hail, strong winds, or flash flooding. Your roof is the first to get hit. Preparing before a storm helps avoid expensive repairs. This guide explains the biggest weather threats in Texas, how to inspect and maintain your roof, and what to do before and after a storm.
What Are Common Storm Threats in Texas?
Hail Damage
Hail happens across most of Texas, especially in the spring. Small stones knock off shingle granules, and larger ones dent metal panels and crack tiles. These cracks let water in slowly, and you may not notice for weeks. When water seeps into your roof and goes unnoticed, mold can form, or even worse, your home’s supporting structures may begin to rot.
Many insurers treat hail dents as cosmetic, which means they are less likely to cover minor repairs. Using Class 3 or Class 4 shingles, plus keeping photo records, makes claims easier to defend.
Tornado Winds
Tornado winds can cause serious roof damage, even without a direct hit. High winds lift shingles, rip open seams, and pull panels away from the structure. Gable roofs tend to take more damage because their flat ends catch the wind, while hip roofs perform better due to their sloped shape. Loose flashing and other weak spots often get torn open. These storms are more common in North Texas, but strong winds can impact homes across the state.
Flying Debris
Storms throw branches, signs, furniture, and roofing material, which can impact your roof at high speed. One limb can punch a hole, and smaller debris clogs gutters and valleys. Clogged gutters allow water to build up, which can seep under shingles or freeze in place and lift them later.
Flood-Linked Water Damage
Flooding affects your roof from above and below, while heavy rains overload gutters. Blocked drainage sends water back onto the roof, resulting in leaks. This is worse in Hill Country, where fast runoff meets poor slope control. Raised roofs and wide gutters help, but nothing works if your drainage system is full of leaves.
What are Popular Roofing Materials in Texas?
Impact-Rated Shingles
If you live in hail-prone areas, use Class 4 shingles. These resist hits better and may qualify you for insurance discounts. They cost more but last longer. Class 3 is the next best choice.
Metal and Tile Roofing
Metal roofs handle wind and rain well, but the seams need to be sealed properly to prevent leaks. These roofs are lightweight, shed water quickly, and hold up under high wind conditions. However, dents from hail are common and may not always be covered by insurance if considered cosmetic.
Tile roofs can last decades in sunny climates, especially clay and concrete varieties, but they are prone to cracking during hailstorms. The weight of falling branches or even a single hail strike can damage a tile. If you use tile, it helps to keep a few spare pieces for faster repairs. While heavier than metal, tile offers good thermal protection and resists UV damage over time.
Slope and Shape
Steep slopes move rain and hail off faster. Shallow slopes let water sit and seep. Hip roofs resist wind because they slope in every direction. Gable roofs have flat ends that catch gusts. Watch roof valleys, where slopes meet. Debris collects there. Clean them often.
Roof Features That Help
- Covered fasteners on metal roofs
- Drip edges to guide water off
- Synthetic underlayment
- Decking that is at least 11 millimetres thick
- Closed valleys instead of open ones
- Ridge vents with built-in baffles
- Ice and water shield near eaves
- Wider flashing at edges and joints
Pre-Storm Checklist
Complete this before each storm season:
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Check flashing and re-seal if cracked
- Trim back trees within two metres of the roof
- Look for lifted shingles
- Inspect attic for water stains or sunlight
- Secure loose vents and pipes
- Test sump pumps and drainage if in flood zone
Check these again after large storms, even if you don’t think you have damage.
Insurance Prep
Photographs and documents matter. They help prove your roof was in good shape.
- Take clear pictures of each roof side
- Zoom in on vents, chimneys, and flashing
- Keep all roof repair receipts
- Store documents digitally and on paper
- Review your policy before storm season
Look at your deductible. Some policies have a higher percentage for wind or hail. Others will not pay for cosmetic damage.
What Should I Do For My Roof After a Storm?
Safety comes first. Don’t go on the roof if it’s wet or damaged. Walk your property. Look for shingles in the yard, bent flashing, or dents in soft metal.
Do this:
- Use binoculars to inspect the roof from the ground
- Check ceilings and walls for water spots
- Look for debris in gutters and valleys
- Call a roofer if anything looks off
Avoid permanent repairs until the adjuster visits. Use tarps to cover holes. Take photos of everything. Save all receipts.
Roof Repairs and Upgrades
Address small problems promptly; waiting only makes them worse. These repairs are worth doing:
- Nail down lifted shingles
- Re-seal cracked flashing
- Replace clogged gutters
- Secure ridge vents
- Repaint or re-caulk metal seams
Upgrades that help:
- Add hurricane ties in wind zones
- Use peel-and-stick underlayment near eaves
- Choose ridge vents with built-in baffles
- Install wider drip edge flashing
- Use gutter guards to block debris
- Switch to Class 4 impact shingles
Long-Term Protection
Good prep is about habits, not one-time fixes. Make these part of your yearly plan:
- Check the roof twice a year and after storms
- Keep trees trimmed and leaves cleared
- Replace missing fasteners quickly
- Add kickout flashing near walls
- Clean valleys and flat roof areas
- Review policy terms every spring
Store a copy of your roof warranty and installer info. It saves time if you need help later.
Hill Country and Flood Risk Areas
In Hill Country and other high-risk zones, slope and speed matter. Rain comes fast and drains slow. If your home sits downhill or near a creek, you need:
- Oversized gutters
- Splash blocks to move water away from the base
- Foundation vents to release moisture
- Raised platforms for HVAC or electrical gear
- Water-resistant insulation in the attic
- Gravel or stone around base for better drainage
Some homes may need changes like sloped walkways or extra swales to redirect stormwater.
Final Thoughts
Texas weather does not follow rules. Hail, floods, and wind hit when you least expect. Your roof will face these. It can handle them better with regular care and smart upgrades. Most prep costs little compared to major repairs.
Check your roof this month. If anything looks worn or loose, fix it. Small fixes now keep out big problems later.
Keep all documents, photos, and receipts in one place. Review your insurance. Build habits now, not after damage happens.
