Storm season prep: a 20-minute checklist

Build a photo baseline

Before-photos are the most useful thing you can create. Walk the perimeter and take wide shots of each elevation of the roof, plus the gutters, fascia and any outbuildings. Store them somewhere dated and backed up.

A clear before-and-after comparison removes a lot of ambiguity later.

Handle water first

• Clear gutters and downspouts so heavy rain drains instead of backing up under edges
• Confirm downspouts discharge away from the foundation
• Check that valleys are free of leaf packs and debris
• Look for standing water marks on flat or low-slope sections

Trim and secure

• Trim limbs that overhang or touch the roof surface
• Remove dead branches that could break loose in high wind
• Secure or store patio furniture, umbrellas and loose yard items
• Check that satellite dishes and solar mounts are properly fastened

Scan the attic

A flashlight pass through the attic on a dry day tells you a lot. Look for daylight at penetrations, dark staining on the underside of the decking, damp or compressed insulation, and blocked soffit vents. Any of these are worth addressing before the first heavy rain.

Know what to do after a storm

If you'd rather not guess, LoveRain Roof Co. offers free roof inspections across Austin and Central Texas.

• Stay off the roof — inspect from the ground and from windows
• Photograph soft metals: gutters, screens, AC fins, mailboxes
• Note the date and time of the storm
• Arrange a professional inspection if you suspect damage
• Contact your insurer to ask about their documentation requirements