DFW Storm Season Preparation Checklist for Homeowners and Property Managers

Roof Preparation: February Is the Right Time

Get your roof inspected in February before storm season opens in March. A pre-season inspection identifies marginal areas — worn sections, lifted flashings, compromised pipe boots — that need attention before a storm makes them worse. If you have a roof that's 15+ years old, this inspection tells you whether you're likely to be looking at a full replacement claim after the next major storm or whether the roof still has usable life. It also establishes a documented pre-storm baseline — date-stamped inspection reports with photos are valuable if an adjuster later tries to characterize new storm damage as pre-existing wear. JRH does pre-season inspections for both residential and commercial properties across DFW.

Gutters, Trees, and Site Preparation

Clear gutters in late February before spring storms arrive — clogged gutters under heavy rain overflow and saturate foundation perimeters. Trim tree branches within 10 feet of the roof — overhanging branches are both a physical strike hazard in wind events and a source of ongoing abrasion and debris accumulation. On commercial properties, walk the roof perimeter and check drains are clear; clogged commercial drains during a 3-inch storm event create structural ponding loads. Secure any rooftop equipment — HVAC units, satellite dishes, antennas — with proper fastening. Storm winds in DFW regularly exceed 60 mph during severe events, and unsecured rooftop equipment becomes a projectile.

Insurance Review: Know Your Coverage Before You Need It

Pull out your homeowner's policy before storm season and review three things: your deductible (many Texas policies now have a separate wind/hail deductible of 1-2% of dwelling coverage — on a $400,000 home, that's $4,000-$8,000 out of pocket), whether you have replacement cost (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV) coverage, and whether there are any exclusions for roofs over a certain age. Some carriers issued endorsements after 2022 adding cosmetic damage exclusions — if your policy was renewed in the last two years, check whether this language was added. Call your agent to verify coverage and deductible before a storm, not after.

What to Do the Day After a Storm

Once severe weather passes, do a ground-level assessment before anyone gets on the roof. Look for: missing or lifted shingles visible from the ground, damaged gutters, dented aluminum caps on roof vents (a reliable indicator of hail size), and impact marks in soft metal — air conditioner fins, mailbox, wood fence. Photograph everything. Check your attic for any daylight or new wet spots. If you see damage, file the claim immediately — most adjusters in DFW are overwhelmed after a major storm event and the queue fills fast. JRH does same-day storm assessments and documentation for both insurance claims and emergency tarping. Call us at (469) 888-6903 when you see damage.