Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and Southwest Louisiana has learned the hard way what a direct hit does to roofs. A storm will test every weak spot on your roof at once, so the time to find those spots is before the season starts.
Before the season
- Get a roof inspection, especially if the roof went on in a rush after a past storm
- Replace cracked or dried-out pipe boots, the most common leak point we see
- Check ridge caps and edges for loose or unsealed shingles
- Have wall, chimney and valley flashing checked
- Clean gutters and valleys so water can drain
- Trim limbs hanging over the roof
- Take clear photos of your roof and home while they are in good condition
- Find your policy and know your hurricane or named-storm deductible
When a storm is coming
Secure or bring in anything that can become a projectile: patio furniture, grills, trash cans. Do not go up on the roof to make last-minute fixes in high wind. Save the phone number of a local roofer now, because lines fill up fast after a storm.
Right after the storm
Stay off the roof and watch for downed lines. From the ground, look for missing shingles, lifted edges, displaced ridge and debris. Inside, check ceilings and the attic for water. Photograph everything before cleanup.
If water is coming in, get a tarp on quickly to limit damage, and keep the receipts. Then get a documented inspection before filing. Our guide to roof insurance claims in Louisiana covers the next steps.
Building a roof for the next storm
If you are replacing your roof anyway, the installation details are what keep it on in high wind: high-wind nailing patterns, sealed starter strip at eaves and rakes, proper drip edge, sealed valleys, and ridge caps rated for the shingle line. On metal roofs, we favor concealed-clip standing seam near the coast.
Ask your insurance agent whether stronger roof construction can affect your premium.
The bottom line
A pre-season inspection costs you nothing with us, and it is the best way to find small problems before a storm turns them into big ones.
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