Spring storms in the CSRA and Lowcountry can show up with little warning—heavy rain, strong gusts, wind-driven rain that hits sideways, and occasionally hail. The good news is that most storm-related roof problems don’t come out of nowhere. They often start as small weak points—loose flashing, clogged gutters, lifted shingles, or worn seal areas—that finally fail under pressure.
This guide is a practical, homeowner-friendly checklist you can use before storm season ramps up. You’ll learn what to look for, what you can safely do yourself, and what details are worth having a roofer check so you can head into storm season with fewer surprises.
Before You Start: A Quick Safety Reminder
-
Avoid walking on the roof—especially if it’s steep, wet, or you’re not used to it.
-
Use binoculars for a closer look from the ground.
-
If you’re checking the attic, bring a flashlight and step only on framing (not drywall).
The Pre-Storm Roof Checklist (Do This Before the Next Big System Moves In)
1) Clear and test your drainage (gutters + downspouts)
In spring storms, drainage problems can cause water to back up fast—especially in valleys and at roof edges.
Check for:
-
Gutters clogged with leaves, pine needles, and roof granules
-
Downspouts that are blocked or dumping too close to the foundation
-
Sagging sections or separated joints
-
Water staining on fascia/soffits (a common sign of overflow)
Quick test: Run a hose for a minute and confirm water flows freely out of the downspout and away from the home.
2) Inspect the “leak zones” first (flashing and transitions)
Most leaks begin where materials meet or where the roof changes direction. Look closely at:
-
Chimney flashing
-
Wall transitions (roof-to-wall areas)
-
Valleys
-
Roof edges and drip edge areas
-
Skylight perimeter flashing (if applicable)
If you see bent metal, gaps, cracked seal areas, or rust staining, those are common failure points during wind-driven rain.
3) Look for shingles that are lifted, creased, or missing
Wind doesn’t always tear shingles off immediately. Sometimes it lifts them and they “settle back,” but a crease line means they’re weakened and more likely to fail in the next storm.
From the ground, look for:
-
Tabs that appear raised or uneven
-
Shingles that look offset or “shifted”
-
Missing shingles or exposed underlayment near edges
4) Check roof penetrations (vents, pipe boots, and mounts)
Penetrations are high-risk during storms because wind and water concentrate there. Scan around:
-
Plumbing vent boots
-
Bathroom fan exhaust terminations
-
Any roof mounts or old bracket points
If a vent boot looks cracked, split, lifted, or misshapen, it’s worth addressing before peak storm season.
5) Trim trees and remove roof-debris risks
Branches scraping shingles can strip granules over time—and during storms, they can puncture roofing materials or damage flashing.
Before storm season:
-
Trim limbs away from roof lines and gutters
-
Remove debris piles from valleys and low points
-
Check for past branch impacts (dents, scrapes, disturbed shingles)
6) Do a fast attic check (especially after heavy rain)
Attic moisture is often the first sign of a developing issue. Look for:
-
Damp insulation
-
Water trails on decking/rafters
-
Musty odor or condensation on nails
-
Stains around penetrations and chimney areas
If it’s safe, checking shortly after rainfall can reveal problems earlier than waiting for ceiling stains to appear.
7) Prepare for documentation (in case storm damage happens)
If you ever need documentation for decision-making (or insurance review), having a clean “before and after” record helps.
Before storms:
-
Take wide photos of each roof plane from the ground
-
Take photos of gutters/downspouts and any existing damage
-
Keep records of prior roof work and dates (repairs, replacements, inspections)
After storms:
-
Take photos from the ground of any missing shingles, debris impacts, or disturbed areas
-
Note when/where water appears indoors (wind-driven rain only vs all rainfall)
After a Storm: What to Check Without Getting on the Roof
Here are the safest, most useful checks:
-
New ceiling stains or damp spots
-
Granules collecting near downspout exits
-
Dented vents or flashings (possible hail impacts)
-
Debris punctures or missing shingles visible from the ground
-
Gutters pulling away or overflowing during rain
If you suspect active leaking, prioritize protecting the interior first (buckets, towels, move valuables), then get a professional assessment.
When It’s Time to Call a Roofer
Schedule an inspection if:
-
A leak appears during wind-driven rain
-
You see missing, lifted, or creased shingles
-
Flashing looks separated or damaged
-
You find attic moisture, damp insulation, or water trails
-
You manage a property and need a clear scope and documentation
The goal is to address weak points early—before repeated storms turn small issues into bigger repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if wind-driven rain is causing my leak?
If a leak happens only when the wind is pushing rain from a specific direction, the issue is often at flashing, roof-to-wall transitions, or penetrations—not necessarily in the middle of the roof. Note which storms cause it and where the stain shows up; those details help narrow the true entry point faster.
What are common hail damage signs homeowners miss?
Hail damage isn’t always obvious from the ground. Dented vents, disturbed flashing, granules in gutters, and new leaks after storms can all be clues. If you suspect hail impacts, a professional inspection can document what’s happening and whether repairs are needed.
Is cleaning gutters really part of roof storm prep?
Yes. Overflowing gutters can push water into roof edges, fascia, and soffits, increasing leak risk during heavy rain. Clean drainage is one of the simplest ways to reduce storm-related water problems.
Should I get a pre-storm roof inspection every year?
Many homeowners do a seasonal inspection—especially if the roof is older, if there are nearby trees, or if you’ve had past repairs. A small correction before storm season is often easier than chasing a leak after multiple storms.
Next Step: Make a Simple Plan Before Storms Hit
If you’re unsure about flashing condition, suspect lifted shingles, or notice drainage issues, scheduling an inspection before storm season can save you stress later. The goal isn’t to “sell a big project”—it’s to get clear answers on what’s actually needed so your roof performs when the weather turns.