May is traditionally the most active month for severe weather in Central Texas. With the arrival of recent cold fronts, the National Weather Service has tracked strong thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging wind gusts, and downpours across the I-35 corridor—including Waco, Austin, and San Antonio.
For homeowners and business owners across Central Texas, this means one thing: it is time to assess your roof’s defense against spring storm damage.
The Threat to Central Texas Roofs
Central Texas experiences some of the most unpredictable spring weather in the country. Rapid transitions from humid, 90-degree days to sudden cold fronts create ideal conditions for supercell thunderstorms that can strike without much warning.
The three primary threats to your roof during May include:
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Large Hail: Can crack, bruise, or dislodge asphalt and tile shingles.
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60+ MPH Wind Gusts: Can lift shingle edges, creating weak points or tearing them off completely.
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Heavy Downpours: Can exploit damaged or old flashing, leading to interior leaks.
4-Step Roofing Inspection Checklist
You do not need to wait for a major storm to find out if your roof is compromised. Use this checklist after a severe weather event passes:
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Check for Granule Loss: Inspect your gutters and downspouts. Excessive granules indicate that hail or heavy winds have stripped the protective layer off your shingles.
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Inspect Flashing and Vents: Check around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. Dents or gaps in metal flashing are a telltale sign of hail impact.
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Look for Missing or Lifted Shingles: From the ground (using binoculars) or safely from a ladder, look for misaligned, curled, or missing shingle tabs.
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Inspect the Attic: Check for damp insulation or water stains on your ceiling after a storm.