Pre-Storm Checklist for Lake Norman Homes

Pre-Storm Checklist for Lake Norman Homes

Big downpours and fast-moving storms can turn small roof issues into costly leaks. This pre-storm checklist from Eastern Roof Technologies helps Lake Norman homeowners protect shingles, flashing, and—most importantly—the roof decking (sheathing) that you can’t see from the driveway.

24–48 Hours Before the Storm

  • Clear gutters & downspouts: Remove leaves and shingle granules so water can move off the roof quickly. If you see repeated overflow, consider upsizing to 6″ seamless gutters or adding downspouts.
  • Check ground drains & splash blocks: Make sure downspouts discharge away from the foundation and aren’t buried or clogged.
  • Walk the attic safely (daylight): Look for dark staining on the underside of the deck, musty odors, or visible drips from past storms. Note any wet insulation.
  • Scan the roof from the ground: Binoculars help—look for lifted or missing shingles, exposed nail heads, loose ridge caps, cracked pipe boots, and damaged flashing at walls or chimneys.
  • Trim loose branches near the roofline: Remove dead limbs that could break off; move patio umbrellas and lightweight furniture that can become wind-borne.
  • Photograph current conditions: Take broad shots of each roof slope, gutters, and key areas (chimney, skylights, valleys). These “before” photos help with insurance documentation if damage occurs.

Day Of the Storm

  • Close attic access and interior doors: Helps reduce pressure changes and drafts that can pull humid air through the ceiling plane.
  • Monitor for new leaks: Place buckets/towels under suspected ceiling spots. Do not climb on the roof during a storm.
  • Protect valuables: Move electronics and furniture away from leak-prone locations beneath valleys and around fireplaces or skylights.

Severe storm damage on a residential roof, emphasizing the importance of storm preparation for homeowners.

Immediately After the Storm (When It’s Safe)

  • Re-walk the attic: Check for fresh drips, shiny nail tips (condensation), or new staining. Photograph anything you see.
  • Re-inspect from the ground: Note missing tabs, debris on the roof, bent gutters, dented downspouts (hail indicator), or siding impact marks near roof edges.
  • Document everything: Take “after” photos from the same angles as your “before” set, plus close-ups of damage.
  • Call for professional stabilization: If you have active leaks, request tarping or targeted repair from Eastern Roof Technologies.

Insurance Documentation Tips

  • Make a simple timeline: Date/time of the storm, when leaks appeared, actions taken (photos, tarping).
  • Keep both photo sets: “Before” and “after” images are powerful evidence of storm impact.
  • Note interior damage: Ceiling stains, bubbled paint, warped trim, and wet insulation—all with photos.
  • Get a pro inspection report: Our inspection includes slope-by-slope notes and photos, helpful during adjuster meetings.

Preventing Decking/Sheathing Rot After the Storm

  • Ventilation balance: If you saw attic condensation or frosty nail tips, ask for an intake/exhaust review during repairs.
  • Flashing upgrades: Consider new step/counter flashing at walls and a cricket at large chimneys to move water away.
  • Right-size gutters: Upgrade to seamless gutters and add downspouts where runs are long or valleys dump heavy water.
  • Targeted decking replacement: If the storm exposed soft spots, we’ll surgically replace sheets and address the moisture source.
Free Storm Readiness Visit: Get a quick pre-storm roof & gutter check with photos and recommendations. Book your visit.

Serving Lake Norman & Nearby Communities

Eastern Roof Technologies is a fully licensed North Carolina General Contractor (NC GC License #101149) with a 5-star reputation and an A+ BBB rating. We stabilize, repair, and replace roofs across Lake Norman and the Charlotte metro, including Denver, Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Lincolnton, and Lowesville.

Related Resources

Be ready before the radar turns red. Get a pre-storm inspection, photo set, and a clear plan from Eastern Roof Technologies. Book your free assessment · Storm repair · Roof replacement