Having to live in a tornado-prone area of Texas means you have to think about your roof a little differently than others. This part of the world has storms that can get severe very quickly, within a matter of minutes, doing lasting damage. This can and has caused homeowners to get overwhelmed. However, with careful consideration and quick responses to the damage, a great deal can be done to financially prepare and protect your home. This article is intended to give basic, practical emergency roofing tips for Texas tornado-prone communities. The point is to try to give advice and respond to real situations that Texans face year in and year out every spring and fall.

Understand the Warning Signs of an Evolving Tornado Threat

Learning the signs of an approaching tornado will greatly increase levels of safety. A lot of people in Texas wait until the tornado sirens go off. By this time, there is often little time left to take safety precautions.

Look out for differences in the sky, such as the appearance of an unusual green cloud, a glaring stillness, sudden changes in the wind direction, and sudden temperature changes. These signs mean that it is time to take action by moving cars from under large trees, securing outdoor furniture, and getting emergency items. There is no way of preventing the creation of a tornado, but you can lessen the number of things that can get blown off.


Reinforce Vulnerable Roof Components Ahead of Storm Season

Owning a strong roof does not happen by chance. Simple upgrades ensure that your roof stands to survive a tornado-related event. For example, impact-resistant shingles can resist flying debris far better than basic shingles. Roof-to-wall connectors are another upgrade many Texas homeowners overlook.

These metal straps keep your roof attached to the structure of your house during strong wind lift. It is also worth asking your roofer to inspect your roof decking. Weak or rotten decking gives the wind the perfect chance to peel shingles away. Storm season is right around the corner, so addressing these weaknesses is one of the smartest things you could do.

Cut Back Trees and Remove Loose Hazards

Tornado winds are able to lift and throw heavy objects. Conduct a perimeter walk around your house to see what items could damage your roof during a storm. Make sure to trim any large branches overhanging your roof.

Secure any old patio furniture, broken wood, and outdoor toys. Kids' stuff and furniture can pose a hazard, too. Even seemingly harmless items can get caught in heavy winds and damage a roof or storm shingles. You can avoid yard repair and damage to your house by spending a few hours making your yard tidy.

Carry Out Emergency Response Measures Travel Kit

Tornadoes and storms may damage your roof, causing it to leak, lose shingles, or get punctured. Immediately after a storm, you may not be able to access a roofing contractor, and that is where it pays to have an emergency kit for this purpose. Leave this storm emergency kit to go with 2 tarps, a hammer, roofing nails, duct tape, plastic, and gloves.

These supplies will help you cover any open area until a roofing professional is able to do the repairs that will last. One is not trying to do the job of a roofer. Rather, it is to plug the leaking roof area to stop water entry, causing damage inside the home. Tarp it up, quick. Think of it, and stay inside to protect it from ruining your home.

Know When It Is Safe to Inspect Your Roof

Homeowners tend to go outside to assess the damage from the storm after the tornado has just passed. This is not always the safest thing to do. Make sure the storm is definitely over and the weather is safe before venturing outside. Also, watch out for live power lines, debris, and damaged tree limbs.

There is a safety point to standing on the ground level. Looking for missing shingles, bent gutters, and shifted flashing can all be done from the ground level. If you do decide to go on the roof, do so very carefully. Remember that tornado damage is incredibly unstable. If you are not a trained professional, stay off the roof.

Report All Damage and Repairs for Insurance Purposes

Roofs will incur claims regarding storms in Texas. To facilitate the process, ensure that you take precise pictures of the roof of any shingles, dings, holes, or debris that could harm the roof as the storm is raging.

Also, look for any moisture and/or stains inside the house and take pictures of those too. Report the damage in real time, in addition to any official weather alerts you receive. The damage will most likely be storm-related, and weather alerts will be valuable. Your documentation will also be of use to the roofing contractors to know good info for the repairs in order for you to get the roof functioning correctly.


Collaborate With a Trustworthy Roofing Contractor After a Storm

Areas that experience tornadoes often endure a lot of storms that bring in a lot of out-of-state roofing companies. While a small number of roofing companies can be legitimate, a majority cannot. Check their credentials, including their location, references, insurance, etc.

Before signing anything, make sure the roofing contractor performs a detailed roof inspection, explains the damages with clarity, and provides repair options that align with the needs of your home and your budget.

Good, honest roofing contractors will not pressure you to make hasty decisions and will not ask for the entire amount of money needed for the repairs before the work is finished. The ideal roof is repaired correctly, and a contractor ensures this. With a reputable roofing contractor, you can be sure your roof will be repaired and be ready to weather the storms to come.