How to Prepare Your Roof for Storm Season
Get your roof storm-ready with expert tips. Learn how to inspect, maintain, and protect your roof before severe weather hits to avoid costly damage.

Ah, it's storm season. It comes in with a bang—sometimes literally—and homeowners have to rush to protect their homes. Your roof is the part that takes the most damage from Mother Nature. Think of it as the soldier on the front line guarding your home. So, getting it ready for the worst? You have to do it.

This is where the magic (and tech) of roofing companies in Long Island—especially those using drones—comes in, but we’ll get to that in a minute.

 

Let’s talk about getting prepared, staying realistic, and yes, a few personal lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. Why It's Not Only "Nice To Have" To Storm-Proof Your Roof

You wouldn't leave your car windows open during a hurricane, would you? The same concept applies to your roof. Long Island storms aren't only windy and wet; they're also hard to forecast. Your roof can handle hail, flying debris, and heavy rain. And if it doesn't work, you might have to pay for thousands of dollars in damage to the inside of your home, not simply new shingles.

People in my neighborhood have gone from "Eh, it'll hold" to "We need a new ceiling" over the years. Don't be that person next door.

2. Begin With A Visual Check, Or Even Better, a Drone Flyover

In the past, monitoring your roof meant ascending a ladder and hoping you didn't fall and hurt yourself. What about these days? Technology is on your side.

Long Island drone roofing firms are revolutionizing the way things are done. They take high-resolution aerial photos and videos and check them out—no danger, no guesswork. These inspections find things you wouldn't see from the ground, such raised shingles, hairline cracks, clogged gutters, and even loose flashing.

Some drones can even find trapped moisture by using infrared imaging. That's cool, right?

And here's the best part: a lot of these drone roofing services aren't only for homes. They're also becoming the go-to company for commercial roofing in Long Island, NY. What if your business roof fails? You are not only wet, but you are also out of job.

3. Clean out those Gutters Yes, It's Gross, But Do It

Do you know what makes water back up into your attic? Gutters that are blocked. All that junk—leaves, pine needles, and bird nests (ugh)—stops the rainfall from flowing. All of a sudden, water isn't draining off your roof. It's pooling, getting beneath roofs, and leaking into your insulation.

I didn't do this work for a season, and I ended up with mold. Mold that is black. The scary story sort.

If you don't want to do it yourself (or if you just detest ladders like I do), call a handyman in your area. Some roofing firms even offer this service as part of their storm prep packages.

4. Make Sure That Loose Shingles And Flashing Are Secure

Shingles that are loose are like dominoes. One catches the wind, and then its companions do too. You have a patchwork roof that could leak.

Worse yet? Flashing, which is the metal strips that seal edges and junctions, might come loose without you noticing. Now, your chimney or skylight is leaking like a sieve.

This is another area where drone inspections really shine. They'll find the slightest problems before they turn into costly tragedies.

5. Cut Down Trees as If Your Roof Depended On It (because it does)

That beautiful oak tree that hangs over your house? It's not your buddy when there are storms. A strong wind can break a branch and send it through your roof.

Even little branches can scrape and hurt shingles. So cut back anything that appears like it might fall or hang down. If you can't do it on your own, get a professional arborist. It's better to be safe than sorry.

6. Look Inside: Your Attic Can Tell You Things About Your Roof

People often overlook this: your attic can occasionally tell you things that your roof won't. Do you see stains, wet insulation, or a musty smell? All of these are bad signs.

Before the storms are really bad, get up there. Take a flashlight and look around. It's even better to do this after a rainstorm so you can see exactly where the leaks start.

A roofing expert with drone imaging or infrared technology can help you find the source of the moisture if you see it but can't find it. The best drone roofing companies on Long Island know how to find the source quickly.

7. Get New Materials That Can Withstand Torms (if it's time)

You might want to think about more than just patching if your roof is more than 15 years old. Roofing materials have come a long way. Shingles that don't break, membranes that don't let water in, and fasteners that don't break in the wind can all give you a lot of peace of mind.

These improvements are even more important for commercial roofing in Long Island, NY. A leak at a store or warehouse? That's damage to stock, safety problems, and missed sales.

8. Write Down Everything (your insurance will thank you)

Before the storms approach, here's a quick tip: grab your phone. Take images and videos of your roof, gutters, attic, and siding. Store them somewhere safe.

If you do end up with damage, that “before” evidence makes insurance claims 100x easier. Better yet, most drone inspection companies provide you with timestamped footage—super handy if you ever need to prove pre-storm condition.

9. Schedule a Pre-Season Roof Inspection

Look, even if you believe everything’s great, it’s always a good idea to get a professional examination before storm season hits. And no, this doesn’t imply you’re allowing a pushy sales guy to terrify you into a new roof.

Many roofing firms in Long Island—especially the ones conducting drone inspections—will give you an honest appraisal and a quote without any pressure. It’s like getting a dental checkup before you get a cavity. Smart, right?

10. Have an Emergency Plan—Just in Case

Let’s be real. Even with all the prep in the world, hurricanes can surprise us. Make sure you know who to call if things go south. Have a roofer you trust on speed dial. Keep tarps, nails, and a hammer in the garage. And be sure your insurance is up to date.

Because when shingles start flying, the last thing you want is to be Googling “emergency roof repair” at midnight.

Last Thoughts: Don't Wait For Things To Happen; Do Something

This is how it works: roofs don't complain until it's too late. They don’t make any noise. They just leak. And by the time they do, you’re already scrambling to fix things.

Getting your roof ready for storm season isn’t just about safety—it’s also about peace of mind. Trust your gut, trust the experts, and if you’re in Long Island, maybe trust the sky. (Not the stormy sky—the drone flying in it.)

 

There’s no reason not to stay ahead of the weather curve when Long Island drone roofing firms offer cutting-edge inspections and commercial roofing in Long Island NY is backed by pros who are ready to reinforce your property.

How to Prepare Your Roof for Storm Season
Image Source: walaeric704@gmail.com

disclaimer

Comments

https://newyorktimesnow.com/public/assets/images/user-avatar-s.jpg

0 comment

Write the first comment for this!