Storm Damage
Severe Thunderstorm Prep for Your Roof and Exterior
To get your home's exterior ready for severe thunderstorm season, do five things: look over the roof from the ground, clear and secure the gutters, deal with trees near the house, put away or tie down loose items, and photograph the outside of your home. Most of it fits into one weekend afternoon. None of it needs you on the roof.
Late spring and early summer bring our strongest thunderstorms to Southwest Ohio. They are also our wettest months. At the Cincinnati airport, May and June average 4.67 and 4.75 inches of rain (NOAA 1991-2020 monthly normals). Late May storms can be serious here. The National Weather Service office in Wilmington documented a Memorial Day tornado outbreak on May 27-28, 2019 that included an EF4 tornado near Trotwood.
What counts as a severe thunderstorm?
The National Weather Service defines a severe thunderstorm as one that can produce hail an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. The NWS says hail that size can damage roofs, and wind that strong can break off large branches and knock over trees.
That is why prep focuses on three things: what can blow off, what can fall on the house, and where the water goes.
What should I check on my roof before storm season?
Walk around the house with binoculars on a clear day. Look at each slope. I tell homeowners to stay off the roof. A fall costs far more than any repair.
Look for:
- Missing, cracked, or lifted shingles
- Shingles with a crease across them, which can mean the wind already lifted them once
- Ridge cap pieces that look loose or out of line
- Flashing pulled away around the chimney, walls, or skylights
- Cracked rubber boots around plumbing vent pipes
- Heavy shingle granules collecting at the bottom of downspouts
Then go into the attic with a flashlight. Look for water stains on the roof deck and damp insulation.
A shingle that is already loose is the one most likely to blow off in the next storm. Wind tends to get under the edges, ridge, and any lifted tabs first. If you see problems, get them fixed before the storm, not after. Our wind damage roof repair guide shows what wind does to shingles.
Are your gutters and downspouts ready for heavy rain?
A severe storm can drop a lot of rain fast. Clogged gutters overflow at the corners. That water lands next to the foundation, which can mean a wet basement.
- Clear leaves, seed pods, and shingle grit out of every gutter.
- Run a hose through each downspout to make sure it drains.
- Check that hangers are tight and gutters are not pulling off the fascia.
- Make sure downspouts are strapped to the wall. Loose sections can tear off in high wind.
- Put extensions or splash blocks on downspouts so water lands away from the house.
While you are thinking about water, test your sump pump. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it kicks on and shuts off.
Which trees should I deal with?
Falling trees and limbs cause some of the worst storm damage to houses. Ready.gov tells homeowners to cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on the home. The NWS also lists trimming trees and branches as a step to prepare your home.
- Trim limbs that hang over the roof.
- Look for dead branches, split trunks, and trees that lean toward the house.
- Have an arborist check large trees close to the house if you have doubts.
- Keep limbs off the service drop, the wire from the pole to your house. Call your utility for that. Do not cut near power lines yourself.
What should I secure or move before a storm?
The NWS advises homeowners to secure loose objects, close windows and doors, and move valuables inside when time allows. In a 60 mph gust, a patio chair becomes something that dents siding and breaks windows.
Before storm season, find a place for these:
- Patio furniture, cushions, and umbrellas
- Grills and propane tanks
- Trash and recycling bins
- Trampolines and kids' play equipment
- Planters, decorations, and anything hanging from hooks
Pre-storm checklist
| Item | What to look for | Call a pro if |
|---|---|---|
| Shingles | Missing, lifted, or creased shingles | More than a few are loose or missing |
| Flashing and vent boots | Gaps, rust, cracked rubber | You see gaps or attic stains below |
| Gutters | Clogs, sagging, loose hangers | Gutters pull away from the fascia |
| Downspouts | Loose straps, no extensions | Water pools at the foundation |
| Trees | Dead limbs, limbs over the roof | Large limbs or trees near lines or the house |
| Yard items | Loose furniture, grills, bins | You have no place to store them |
| Photos | Every side of the house | Not needed. Do this yourself |
Why should I photograph my house before a storm?
Before photos make a claim easier. Take pictures of every side of the house, the roof slopes you can see, the gutters, the siding, and the windows. Get close-ups of anything already worn or damaged, so nobody confuses old wear with new storm damage. Save the photos to cloud storage, not just your phone.
If a storm does damage the house, our Ohio storm claim guide walks through how to report it.
What is the difference between a watch and a warning?
The NWS says a severe thunderstorm watch means severe storms are possible in and near the watch area. A warning means danger to life and property is imminent, and you should take shelter in a substantial building.
When a warning is issued, Ready.gov says to go indoors, avoid using electronic devices plugged into an outlet, and avoid running water. Stay away from windows. The roof and the gutters can wait.
If a tornado warning is issued, the plan is different. Our West Chester tornado prep guide covers shelter and roof steps for tornado season.
What should I do after the storm passes?
Ready.gov says to watch for fallen power lines and trees and report them right away. Stay away from downed wires, even ones that look dead.
Once it is safe, walk around the house. Photograph any damage before you move anything. Pick up shingles or pieces of siding from the yard and keep them. Check the attic and ceilings for new stains.
If the roof is open and more rain is coming, the opening needs to be covered fast. Our guide to emergency roof tarping explains when a tarp is needed. If you are not sure whether the storm did damage, read do you need a roof inspection after a storm.
How Shamrock can help
If you want a second set of eyes before storm season, we do free roof inspections across Northern Cincinnati and give you the photos. If the roof is in good shape, I will tell you that. If something needs fixing, we will show you what and why. Schedule a free inspection or learn about our roofing services.
FAQ
Should I cover my windows or skylights before a thunderstorm? For a normal severe thunderstorm, closing windows and doors is usually enough. Boarding up is more common for hurricanes. If a skylight already leaks, have it checked before storm season.
Can I fix loose shingles myself before the storm? I do not recommend it. Walking a roof is dangerous, and a bad patch can cause a new leak or make a later claim harder to sort out. Note what you see from the ground and have a roofer fix it.
Is it worth getting my roof inspected if nothing looks wrong? For a newer roof that looks fine from the ground, you can usually skip it. For an older roof, or one you have not had looked at in a few years, a check before storm season is a good idea. It also gives you dated photos of the roof's condition.
Do I need to unplug electronics during a storm? Ready.gov advises avoiding electronic devices connected to an outlet during a thunderstorm warning. It also suggests surge protectors to help protect appliances and electronics.