Hurricane Faust may have only been a tropical storm, but Hurricane Genevieve quickly took over, becoming the first Category 5 hurricane of 2026. Swells are expected to hit California’s southern coast starting Wednesday and continuing into the weekend.
Is your roof ready?
Your roof is one of your home’s most important protections against rain, hail, and wind. USA TODAY spoke to experts to find out how to tell if your roof is hurricane-proof.
How hurricanes affect roofs
“Storms can damage roofs in a variety of ways, from tearing shingles and weather-resistant coatings to partially or completely peeling the roof from the rest of the building,” says William McGavin, owner of Sundance Roofing and Painting, a family-owned contractor in Arizona.
Any damage to your roof or windows could result in your home’s roof being torn off. But this doesn’t happen all at once.
“We find that the worst roof damage is in homes that already had problems.” This damage can include aging underlayment, loose flashings, poorly driven nails, or brittle decking. All of these issues can be exposed during a hurricane. “Typically, the wind doesn’t blow the roof off all at once,” McGavin said. “Find your weakest spot, lift it up, and work your way to the other side from there.”
Signs your roof may not be prepared for a storm
The ability of a roof to withstand a storm is determined by its current condition, not just its age. Most homeowners don’t know if their roof is truly prepared for hurricane season because much damage is not visible from the ground. Missing flashings, deteriorating shingles, worn sealants, and hidden leaks can all weaken your roof long before severe weather arrives.
“If you don’t know the current condition and condition of your roof, your roof may not be ready for a storm,” McGavin says. The only way to know for sure is to know what to look for.
Missing or damaged roof shingles
Missing, loose, or damaged shingles expose the roof deck underneath, making it easier for wind-driven rain to enter your home. Even a small area of damage can cause wind to lift surrounding shingles, increasing the risk of broader roof damage during a storm.
“Missing or damaged shingles can create ‘cracks’ that can cause major damage to your home from wind and water,” McGavin says. “If your roof was damaged in a previous storm and you have never replaced it, you are more likely to fail in a future storm.”
Warping or cracking of roofing material
If your shingles are curling, cracking, or chipping, it’s a sign that your roof’s protective barrier is starting to do its job. As roof shingles get older, they become more brittle and more likely to crack from hail or peel off during high winds. When the protective layer is compromised, wind-driven rain can penetrate underneath the roofing material, increasing the risk of leaks, water damage, and even structural problems if left unchecked.
sagging of the roof
A sagging roof is a sign of a structural problem that should be addressed immediately. This could indicate weakened rafters or trusses, rotting wood, or long-term water damage. Storms impose large wind and water loads on roofs, which can rapidly worsen existing structural weaknesses and, in severe cases, lead to partial collapse.
water stains on the ceiling
Brown or yellow water stains on the ceiling or walls often indicate that water has already seeped into the roof. A leak may seem minor in normal weather, but when it rains heavily, slow drips can quickly lead to extensive interior water damage, mold growth, and insulation damage.
damaged flashing
Roof flashers are small pieces of metal designed to protect joints and seams. These strips seal the joints where the roof meets chimneys, skylights, vents, and walls. When shingles become loose, bent, rusted, or peeling, rain can penetrate into these vulnerable areas, even if the surrounding shingles are in good condition.
Excess granules in gutters
If you find large amounts of shingle particles in your gutters, this is a sign that your asphalt shingles are deteriorating. When your roof shingles lose their protective coating, they become more susceptible to UV damage, hail, and high winds, reducing their ability to protect your home during inclement weather. If you don’t repair damaged shingles, water can seep through your roof during a storm.
The roof is approaching its age and it is time to replace it.
The average lifespan of a roof is 15 to 25 years, but the exact lifespan depends on the materials, quality of installation, and local climate. If your roof is nearing its 20-year lifespan, replacing it is not a bad idea. Your new roof can and should be reinforced to withstand high winds and impacts, especially if you live in a storm-prone area.
“When replacing it, you can ask the company doing the work about hardened standards and impact-resistant materials, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone state,” says McGavin. “Once your roof is replaced, get it wind mitigation inspected and keep all documentation in a safe place.”
What homeowners should do before a storm hits
If you are experiencing a hurricane, there are some steps you should take immediately. You need to clean your yard, check your windows, close your shutters, and make sure you have emergency supplies on hand.
Document the condition of your property in case the worst happens and your home is damaged by a storm.
“The most important thing you can do before a storm hits is document the condition of your property,” says Andreas Study, insurance claims attorney at Farah & Farah. “Create a baseline by taking clear, time-stamped photos of the roof, interior ceilings, attic spaces, gutters, downspouts, etc.” He recommends using both wide shots to capture the overall condition of the home and some close-ups to show the condition of specific materials.
“Update this document at least once a year and immediately after roof repairs or significant weather events,” says the Study. Insurance claims are much easier because the condition of the home is well documented.
Will your homeowners insurance cover roof damage from a hurricane?
According to Andreas’ research, coverage for roof damage after a storm is not guaranteed. Often it depends on your policy.
“It really depends on your insurance, so it’s really important to understand your coverage before the storm hits. If your roof had previously unrepaired damage or wasn’t properly maintained, your insurance company may deny your claim,” says McGavin.
Studies have also found that “if your roof has already been damaged by long-term wear and tear, your insurance company will almost certainly deny coverage for water intrusion on that basis.”
Home insurance companies typically do not cover flood damage unless you have a separate flood insurance policy.
