Living in the Coastal Bend means enjoying beautiful Gulf views, incredible fishing, and summers packed with sunshine. But as any South Texas local knows, summer also marks the arrival of Atlantic hurricane season.
With tropical systems and sudden coastal downpours always on the horizon, the absolute worst time to find out your roof has a vulnerability is during a torrential rainstorm.
Taking a little time this month to evaluate your roof can save you thousands of dollars in emergency repairs and interior water damage. To help you protect your home and your family, the team at Berryman Roofing and Siding has put together this straightforward, DIY summer roof checklist you can complete safely from the ground.
1. The Ground-Level Scan (Grab Your Binoculars)
You don’t need to climb a ladder to get a good look at your roof. In fact, we recommend staying safely on the ground and using a pair of binoculars or your smartphone’s zoom lens to check the north, south, east, and west slopes of your home.
Look closely for these red flags:
- Curling, Cracked, or Missing Shingles: The intense South Texas sun can bake asphalt shingles over time, causing them to dry out and warp. If shingles are lifting, high winds can easily tear them away.
- Exposed Underlayment: If you can see patches of black or grey tar paper where shingles used to be, your home is actively vulnerable to leaks.
- Damaged Flashing: Check the metal strips around your chimney, dormers, and roof valleys. If the flashing is rusted, bent, or pulling away, water will find its way in.
2. The Gutter and Downspout Check
Your gutters are your roof’s drainage highway. When a sudden tropical downpour hits, your gutters need to move hundreds of gallons of water away from your home fast.
- Clear the Debris: Ensure leaves, twigs, and dirt aren’t blocking the flow.
- Check for Granules: Look inside your gutters for a heavy buildup of dark, sand-like granules. Shingle granule loss is a natural sign of aging, but an excessive amount means your shingles are losing their protective layer against UV rays and hail.
- Secure the Fasteners: High winds can rattle gutters loose. Make sure they are tightly fastened to the fascia board so they don’t tear away during a storm.
Learn more about maintaining gutters in a previous blog: https://berrymanroof.com/benefits-of-gutter-maintenance/
3. Tree Trimming (Clear the Buffer Zone)
In South Texas, we love our shade trees, but sweeping branches are a major hazard to your roof line.
- The 6-Foot Rule: Try to ensure no tree limbs are hanging within six feet of your roof.
- The Danger: During high winds, nearby branches act like sandpaper, scraping protective granules off your shingles. In severe storms, heavy overhanging limbs can snap entirely, crashing through your roof and causing catastrophic damage.
4. The Attic Audit (Look for Hidden Clues)
Sometimes, the best way to see a roof leak is from the inside. On a bright, sunny day, take a flashlight and safely head up into your attic.
- Check for Daylight: If you can see pinpricks of sunlight peeking through the roof boards, water can get through, too.
- Look for Water Stains: Check the rafters and the underside of the roof deck for dark rings, water tracking, or active mold growth.
- Sniff the Air: A musty, damp smell in the attic is a surefire sign that humidity and moisture are trapped where they shouldn’t be.
Don’t Wait for the Storm: Get Peace of Mind Now
Catching a small issue now can prevent a massive headache later. If your DIY inspection reveals lifting shingles, rusted flashing, or mysterious water stains in the attic, don’t wait for the next weather report to call in the pros.
At Berryman Roofing and Siding, we’ve been protecting Coastal Bend homes through generations of Texas weather. Our team can provide a comprehensive, professional inspection to ensure your roof, siding, and flashing are fully secure and ready to withstand whatever storm season throws our way.
Is your roof ready for storm season? Contact Berryman Roofing and Siding today to schedule your professional inspection and get total peace of mind this summer!