North Texas storm season doesn’t knock politely. Between March and June, the DFW metroplex averages 5-7 severe thunderstorm events, and hail damage claims across Texas topped $12 billion in 2024 according to the Insurance Council of Texas. Every single year, I watch the same thing play out — homeowners scrambling after the first big storm, calling every roofer in the phone book, filing claims, and dealing with water damage that a Saturday afternoon inspection would’ve caught.
You don’t need to be a contractor to prepare your home. You just need a plan and the discipline to start before the first tornado watch pops up on your weather app.
DFW Storm Season by the Numbers
Before we get into the checklist, some context on what you’re up against:
- Average hailstorms per year in DFW: 8-12 (National Weather Service Fort Worth)
- Peak tornado months in North Texas: April and May
- Average wind gusts during severe thunderstorms: 60-80 mph, with some events exceeding 100 mph
- Most common hail size in DFW storms: quarter-sized (1”), but golf ball (1.75”) and larger occurs 2-3 times per year
- Average insurance claim for hail damage in Texas: $12,000 – $15,000 (Texas Department of Insurance, 2024 data)
- Percentage of DFW homes with roof damage they don’t know about: estimated 30-40% after a major hail event
The takeaway: storm damage is a when, not an if, in this part of Texas.
Month-by-Month Storm Prep Checklist
This table breaks down what to tackle and when so you’re not doing everything the week before a storm rolls in.
| Month | Priority Tasks | Details |
|---|---|---|
| March | Roof visual inspection, gutter cleaning, tree trimming | Walk the perimeter. Look for missing/cracked shingles, lifted flashing, sagging gutters. Trim branches within 6 ft of the roof. Clean all gutters and downspouts. |
| April | Siding and paint inspection, caulk check, attic inspection | Check siding for cracks, loose panels, or warping. Look for peeling paint or exposed wood. Inspect caulk around windows and doors. Check attic for daylight, water stains, or pest entry. |
| May | Emergency kit prep, document home condition, drainage check | Photograph your roof, siding, and exterior from all four sides (timestamp matters for insurance). Test sump pump if you have one. Verify drainage slopes away from foundation. Stock emergency supplies. |
| June | Final systems check, HVAC inspection, window/door seals | Test garage door wind resistance. Check window locks and weatherstripping. Schedule AC tune-up (your system works hardest during and after storms). Verify insurance policy is current. |
Let’s break each area down in detail.
Roof Inspection: What to Look For
Your roof is the first line of defense and the most expensive thing to replace. A full roof replacement in DFW runs $8,000 – $18,000 depending on size and material. Catching small problems before storm season prevents catastrophic failures during one.
From the ground (binoculars help):
- Missing, cracked, or curling shingles — especially on the south and west slopes where UV damage concentrates
- Lifted or rusted flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Sagging ridge line or uneven roof planes — this can indicate structural issues
- Granule loss — check your gutters and downspout discharge areas for piles of dark granules. Heavy granule loss means your shingles are nearing end of life.
- Exposed nail heads or popped nails
From the attic:
- Water stains on decking or rafters — brown rings indicate past leaks
- Daylight visible through the roof deck — any pinpoint of light is a potential entry point for wind-driven rain
- Musty smell or visible mold — signs of chronic moisture intrusion
- Crushed or compressed insulation near the eaves — this can indicate ice dam history or ventilation problems
When to call a pro: If your roof is older than 12 years, has visible damage, or you’ve never had it inspected, get a professional assessment before storm season. We offer free roof inspections across the DFW area — call (945) 332-3044 or schedule online.
Siding: Your Second Layer of Defense
Siding takes a beating during hail and wind events. A single cracked panel lets wind-driven rain behind the wall, and in Texas humidity, mold can establish in 48-72 hours.
What to inspect:
- Vinyl siding: Look for cracks, holes, or panels that have pulled away from the wall. Press on panels — they should feel firm, not hollow or loose. Check the bottom edge of each course for proper locking.
- Fiber cement (HardiePlank): Check for hairline cracks, chipped edges, and any areas where caulk has separated from trim. Tap suspect areas — a hollow sound can mean the board has delaminated.
- Wood siding: Probe with a screwdriver in suspect areas. Soft wood means rot. Check paint condition closely — bare wood absorbs water fast during storms.
- Brick: Look for cracked mortar joints, especially around windows. Check weep holes at the base of brick walls — they should be clear, not plugged with mud or debris.
If your siding has existing damage, get it repaired before storm season. A siding repair or replacement now costs far less than water damage remediation later.
Exterior Paint: More Than Cosmetics
Most homeowners think of paint as appearance only. It’s not. Exterior paint is a waterproof membrane that protects your substrate — wood, fiber cement, stucco — from moisture penetration. When that membrane fails, every rainstorm pushes water into your wall cavity.
Pre-storm paint checklist:
- Walk the entire perimeter. Run your hand along siding at shoulder height. Chalking (white powder residue) means the paint film is breaking down.
- Check all south- and west-facing walls for fading, peeling, or blistering. These walls take the most UV and weather abuse.
- Inspect window and door trim closely. Trim paint fails first because it’s thinner and more exposed.
- Look at the bottom 12 inches of exterior walls. Splash-back from rain erodes paint here faster than anywhere else.
- Check the underside of eaves and soffits. Peeling paint here usually means moisture is escaping from the attic — a ventilation issue.
If your exterior paint is in rough shape, a pre-storm repaint can actually prevent damage. Think of it as weatherproofing. We can typically complete an exterior paint job in 4-6 working days on a standard DFW home.
Gutters and Drainage: The Overlooked System
Gutters are boring until they fail. Then you’ve got foundation erosion, basement flooding, and fascia rot. During a 2-inch-per-hour downpour (common in DFW spring storms), a clogged gutter system can dump hundreds of gallons of water directly against your foundation.
Gutter prep checklist:
- Clean all gutters and downspouts — remove leaves, shingle granules, and debris. This is a twice-a-year minimum in DFW.
- Check gutter slope — water should flow toward downspouts with no standing water. Look for sagging sections.
- Verify downspouts discharge at least 4-6 feet from the foundation. Add splash blocks or extensions if needed.
- Inspect gutter seams and end caps for leaks. Run water through the system with a garden hose.
- Check fascia board behind the gutter for soft spots or discoloration — this indicates chronic overflow or leaking.
Foundation drainage:
- Walk the perimeter after a rain. Water should drain away from the house on all sides.
- Check for soil erosion or settling near the foundation.
- Verify window wells (if any) have functioning drains.
- Make sure AC condensate lines discharge properly — not pooling against the foundation.
Trees and Landscaping: The Threat Next Door
The 2019 DFW tornado outbreak and subsequent severe storms proved that tree damage accounts for a massive percentage of residential storm claims. A single mature oak can weigh 10,000-15,000 pounds. When 70 mph winds hit that canopy, something gives.
What to do:
- Trim branches within 6 feet of the roof and siding. This is the single most impactful thing you can do.
- Remove dead or dying trees. A dead tree in a windstorm is a projectile. Average removal cost in DFW: $400 – $1,500 depending on size.
- Thin heavy canopies. Properly thinned trees (by an arborist, not a chainsaw-wielding neighbor) allow wind to pass through rather than catching like a sail.
- Check for root damage near the foundation. Large roots can crack foundations and compromise drainage.
- Secure outdoor items. Patio furniture, trampolines, basketball hoops, decorative items — anything not anchored becomes a projectile in 60+ mph winds.
When to Call a Professional vs. DIY
| Task | DIY? | When to Call a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Gutter cleaning (1 story) | Yes | If 2+ stories or steep roof pitch |
| Visual roof inspection from ground | Yes | For on-roof inspection, damage assessment, or any repair |
| Caulking windows and doors | Yes | If caulk failure is widespread or substrate is damaged |
| Tree trimming (under 10 ft) | Yes | For any branches near power lines or roof, or large limbs |
| Siding panel replacement | Maybe | If more than 2-3 panels, or if moisture damage found behind |
| Exterior painting touch-up | Yes (small areas) | For full repaints or significant peeling |
| Attic inspection | Yes (with caution) | If you find damage, mold, or structural concerns |
| Foundation drainage correction | Maybe (simple grading) | If settling, cracking, or chronic pooling |
The general rule: if you’re uncomfortable on a ladder, don’t own the right tools, or the job involves structural components, call a licensed contractor. A fall off a roof costs far more than an inspection fee.
Documenting Your Home Before Storm Season
This step takes 20 minutes and can save you thousands on an insurance claim.
- Photograph every exterior surface — all four sides, the roof (from ground level and any visible angles), close-ups of any existing damage. Date-stamp is automatic on your phone.
- Record a video walkthrough of the exterior, narrating any existing conditions.
- Save documentation in the cloud — not just on your phone. Email it to yourself, upload to Google Drive, whatever works.
- Review your insurance policy — know your deductible (most DFW homeowners have a 1-2% hail/wind deductible, which on a $350,000 home means $3,500 – $7,000 out of pocket), understand what’s covered, and have your agent’s number accessible.
- Keep contractor receipts — if you’ve had recent roof work, painting, or siding repairs, save those receipts. They prove maintenance history, which can matter during claim disputes.
After the Storm: What to Do First
When the weather clears:
- Stay safe. Don’t climb on a wet roof. Watch for downed power lines and hanging branches.
- Document damage immediately. Photograph everything before any cleanup.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage — tarp a hole in the roof, board a broken window. Your insurance policy requires you to mitigate further damage.
- Call your insurance company within 24-48 hours.
- Get a professional inspection. Hail damage isn’t always visible from the ground. Shingle bruising — where the granule layer is fractured but the shingle isn’t cracked — only shows under close inspection.
Golden Construction handles storm damage repairs across the DFW area, from roofing and siding to exterior painting restoration. We work directly with insurance adjusters and can meet them at your property during the inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my roof can handle another storm season?
Age is the biggest factor. Asphalt shingle roofs in DFW typically last 15-20 years (less with repeated hail exposure). If your roof is past 15 years, has had multiple patches, or shows significant granule loss, get a professional inspection. We provide free roof assessments — no obligation, no high-pressure sales tactics.
What size hail actually damages a roof?
Quarter-sized hail (1 inch) can bruise shingles and crack vinyl siding. Golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inches) causes functional damage to most roofing materials — cracked shingles, dented flashing, broken vents. Baseball-sized hail (2.75 inches) is catastrophic. DFW sees 1-inch hail regularly and golf ball hail 2-3 times per year.
Should I file an insurance claim for storm damage or pay out of pocket?
It depends on the scope. If damage is minor — a few cracked shingles, one broken gutter section — and the repair costs less than your deductible, pay out of pocket. If you have roof-wide hail damage, significant siding damage, or water intrusion, file the claim. A full roof replacement typically runs $10,000 – $18,000, well above most deductibles. We can help you assess whether a claim makes sense before you file.
How much does storm damage repair typically cost in DFW?
Minor repairs (replacing a few shingles, patching siding, resealing flashing) run $300 – $1,500. Moderate damage (partial re-roof, multiple siding panel replacements, fascia repair) ranges from $2,000 – $6,000. Major damage (full roof replacement, extensive siding work, water damage remediation) can run $10,000 – $25,000+. Insurance covers most major storm damage minus your deductible.
When should I schedule storm prep work — is it too late if it’s already April?
April is actually perfect timing. Storm season in DFW peaks in May and early June, so you still have a window to get inspections done, complete minor repairs, and schedule any larger projects. That said, contractors book up fast in spring. If you need roof repair, siding work, or exterior painting done before peak storm season, call soon. Reach us at (945) 332-3044 or request a free estimate.
Don’t Wait for the Sirens
The best time to prepare for storm season was last month. The second-best time is today. A few hours of inspection and a call to address any issues you find can prevent thousands in damage and weeks of headaches.
Golden Construction has been in the DFW market since 1999. We’re BBB A+ rated, locally owned, and we pick up the phone — before the storm and after it. Check our reviews, browse our FAQ page, or learn about the team.
Call Samuel at (945) 332-3044 or schedule your free inspection online.