Blog / August 28, 2026
Fall Storm Prep Checklist for Wylie & DFW: 7 Small Roof Fixes to Make Before the Next Storm
DFW fall storms usually ramp up in mid-September and run through November. The roof fixes that take 20 minutes now are the ones that prevent a leak, a soaked attic, or a denied claim later. Use this short checklist before the next round of North Texas weather.
1) Walk the perimeter — look up, not just out
- Lifted, curled, or missing shingles along eaves and rakes.
- Exposed nail heads or shiny metal spots on shingle tabs.
- Flashing pulled away from chimneys, walls, or vent stacks.
2) Check vents, valleys, and pipe boots
- Plumbing pipe boots often crack from UV after 8–10 years.
- Roof valleys collect debris — clear them before storms.
- Turtle vents and ridge vents should sit flat, not rocking.
3) Clean gutters and test downspouts
Backed-up gutters push water under the first shingle course and into the fascia. Before the next round of heavy rain:
- Scoop debris; flush with a hose.
- Make sure downspouts discharge away from the foundation.
- Re-secure any loose hangers or spikes.
4) Trim back overhanging limbs
Limbs rubbing a roof strip shingle granules and feed the exact wear that hail turns into a leak. Cut them back at least 6 feet from the roofline.
5) Refresh sealants at penetrations
- Around satellite mounts, attic vents, and flashings.
- Use a roofing-grade sealant rated for UV, not generic silicone.
- If the existing sealant is cracked or missing, scrape and reapply.
6) Photograph the roof now, before the next storm
Date-stamped ground-level photos of all four sides of the roof make future insurance conversations faster. A clean "before" picture is the best defense if a hail event hits Wylie or DFW later in the season.
7) Know the threshold for calling a roofer
- You see active leaks, water stains, or daylight in the attic.
- Shingles are missing or flashing is visibly lifted.
- You want written inspection notes before storm season peaks.