Hurricane season roof checklist — what coastal NC homeowners need to do before the storm.
Hurricane season runs June through November. On the NC coast, preparation isn't a suggestion — it's the difference between a manageable claim and a catastrophic loss. This is what we check before every storm season.
Free pre-season inspection. No obligation. Serving Wilmington and southeastern NC.
June through November — the NC coastal reality.
North Carolina sits in one of the most active hurricane corridors on the East Coast. Wilmington and the surrounding coastal communities have been hit by named storms multiple times in the past decade. A roof that wasn't ready — missing flashing, worn seals, old shingles — becomes a liability the moment sustained winds hit.
Peak season: August–October
The majority of named storm landfalls in NC occur during this 3-month window. Pre-season prep should be done no later than June.
Named storm deductible: 1–5% of insured value
A $400k home can face an $8,000+ hurricane deductible. A roof that fails adds interior damage on top.
FORTIFIED certification: 20–30%+ premium reduction
Roofs built to FORTIFIED standards often withstand hurricane conditions that destroy conventional roofs in the same neighborhood.
Go through this before June 1st.
Roof Inspection (get a professional on the roof)
- Shingles: no missing, cracked, cupped, or granule-bare sections
- Flashing sealed around all penetrations, valleys, and edges
- Ridge caps intact and sealed
- Drip edge continuous and properly lapped
- Gutters attached securely — loose gutters become projectiles in high winds
- Soffit and fascia intact — no rot, gaps, or loose panels
Documentation (do before the season, not after)
- Photograph your entire roof from the ground, all sides
- Note the approximate age of your roof and when it was last replaced
- Locate your homeowner policy declarations page — know your hurricane deductible amount
- Confirm your coverage type (ACV vs RCV)
- Save the documentation to cloud storage, not just your phone
Trees and Landscaping
- Have a certified arborist assess any large trees near the home
- Dead limbs or compromised trees within falling distance of the home should be addressed
- Clear gutters of debris accumulated over spring
Emergency Supplies (if a storm watch is issued)
- Know where to get emergency tarps locally
- Have your contractor's number saved — response times drop fast after a major storm
- Know your evacuation route — don't wait until you need it to learn it
48 to 72 hours out — what to do.
01
Don't go on the roof in high wind conditions
If you haven't done a pre-season inspection, it's too late to do it safely once a watch is issued.
02
Secure loose items around the exterior
Furniture, planters, downspout extensions — anything that can become airborne.
03
Document your home's condition
Video walkthrough of every room, all exterior faces. This is your pre-storm baseline for any claim that follows.
04
Know your shelter plan
Whether that's riding it out or evacuating, the decision should be made before conditions deteriorate.
05
Have your insurer's claim number accessible
Some carriers have 24/7 claim lines. Know the number before you need it.
A FORTIFIED Roof™ is designed for this.
The FORTIFIED Roof™ designation from IBHS requires sealed decking, upgraded fastener patterns, continuous drip edge, and wind-rated shingles installed to high-wind specifications. Homes with FORTIFIED roofs consistently show less damage in major storms than comparable homes with conventional roofs in the same neighborhood. NC offers grants to offset the cost of upgrading.
Learn about FORTIFIED RoofFORTIFIED Roof™
The standard conventional roofs don't meet.
- Sealed roof deck — closes the gap that lets wind-driven rain in
- Upgraded fastener patterns — nails placed to hold under sustained wind load
- Continuous drip edge — eliminates the leading-edge failure point
- Wind-rated shingles — installed to high-wind manufacturer specs
What homeowners ask us about hurricane prep.
Pre-season inspection — free, before the rush.
We get on the roof, document what we find, and give you a clear picture of where things stand before hurricane season. No charge. No obligation.
More resources for coastal NC homeowners preparing for storm season.