Is your roof hurricane-ready? The red flags that could lead to costly damage

• Pre-existing issues like aging materials, loose flashing, or damaged shingles make a roof more vulnerable to hurricane damage.
• Signs your roof may not be storm-ready include missing shingles, sagging sections, and water stains on your ceiling.
• Homeowners should document their property's condition with timestamped photos before a storm to aid potential insurance claims.

Hurricane Fausto may have fizzled down to nothing more than a tropical storm, but Hurricane Genevieve has quickly taken its place as the first Category 5 hurricane of 2026. Swells are set to hit California's Southern coast Wednesday and into the weekend.

Is your roof ready?

Your roof is one of the most critical defenses your home has against rain, hail and wind. USA TODAY talked to the experts, and here's how to tell if your roof is hurricane-ready.

How hurricanes damage roofs

"Storms can damage your roof in many ways, from ripping shingles and weatherproofing off to partially or entirely removing the roof from the rest of the structure," says William McGavin, the owner of Sundance Roofing & Painting, a family-owned contractor in Arizona.

Even just a bit of damage to the roof or your windows can lead to your roof coming off the top of your house. But this doesn't happen all at once.

"I've found that the worst roof damage is done to homes that already had existing issues." This damage might include aging underlayment, loose flashing, under-driven nails or brittle decking. All of these problems can be exposed during a hurricane. "In general, wind doesn't tear a roof off all at once," says McGavin. "It finds the weakest spot, lifts it, and works its way across from there."

Signs your roof may not be storm-ready

A roof's ability to withstand a storm depends on its current condition, not simply its age. Most homeowners don't know whether their roof is truly ready for hurricane season because many forms of damage aren't visible from the ground. Missing flashing, deteriorated shingles, worn sealants and hidden leaks can all weaken a roof long before severe weather arrives.

"If you don't know the current state and condition of your roof, chances are the roof isn't storm-ready," says McGavin. The only way to know for sure is to know what to look for.

Missing or damaged shingles

Missing, loose or damaged shingles expose the roof deck beneath them, making it easier for wind-driven rain to penetrate your home. Even a small area of damage can allow wind to lift surrounding shingles, increasing the risk of more extensive roof failure during a storm.

"Missing or damaged shingles can be the "crack" needed for wind and water to do the most damage to your home," McGavin says. "If your roof has been damaged in previous storms and never replaced, the likelihood of it failing in a future storm is increased."

Curled or cracked roofing materials

Curled, cracked or missing shingles are signs that your roof's protective barrier has begun to fail. As shingles age, they become more brittle and are more likely to crack from hail or break loose during high winds. Once that protective layer is compromised, wind-driven rain can penetrate beneath the roofing materials, increasing the risk of leaks, water damage and even structural problems if left unaddressed.

Sagging roof sections

A sagging roof is a sign of a structural problem that should be addressed immediately. It may indicate weakened rafters or trusses, rotting wood or long-term water damage. Because storms add significant wind and water loads to a roof, existing structural weaknesses can worsen quickly and, in severe cases, lead to a partial collapse.

Water stains on ceilings

Brown or yellow water stains on ceilings or walls often indicate that water has already penetrated the roof. While the leak may seem minor during normal weather, heavy rain can quickly turn a slow drip into widespread interior water damage, mold growth and damaged insulation.

Damaged flashing

A roof's flashing are the small metal strips designed to protect its joints and seams. These strips seal the joints where the roof meets chimneys, skylights, vents and walls. If it becomes loose, bent, rusted or detached, rain can seep into these vulnerable areas even if the surrounding shingles are in good condition.

Excessive granules in gutters

Finding large amounts of shingle granules in your gutters is a sign that asphalt shingles are deteriorating. As shingles lose their protective coating, they become more susceptible to UV damage, hail and high winds, reducing their ability to protect your home during severe weather. If you don't fix the damaged shingles, water can get in through the roof during a storm.

Roof age approaching replacement timelines

The average roof lasts between 15 and 25 years, though the exact lifespan depends on the materials, installation quality and local climate. If your roof is approaching its second decade, a replacement is not a bad idea. New roofs can and should be fortified to withstand high winds and impact, especially if you live in a storm-prone area.

"When replacing, you can ask the company doing the work about fortified standards and impact-rated materials, especially if you live in hurricane prone states," says McGavin. "Once the roof is replaced, get a wind mitigation inspection done and keep all of the paperwork in a safe place."

What homeowners should do before a storm arrives

If a hurricane is brewing, there are a few immediate steps to take. You should pick up your yard, check your windows, close any shutters and make sure you have your emergency supplies handy.

So that you can be prepared should the worst happen and your home is damaged by the storm, document the condition of your property.

"Before a storm arrives, the most important thing you can do is document your property's condition," says Andreas Study, an insurance claims attorney at Farah & Farah. "Create a baseline by taking clear, timestamped photos of your roof, interior ceilings, attic spaces, gutters and downspouts." He recommends using both wide shots to capture the overall condition of your home as well as some close-ups to show the condition of the specific materials.

"Update this documentation at least once a year and immediately following any roof repairs or significant weather events," Study says. Well-documented home conditions make insurance claims so much easier.

Can your homeowners insurance cover hurricane roof damage?

According to Andreas Study, coverage for roof damage after a storm is not guaranteed. It often depends on your policy.

"It really depends on the policy, which makes understanding your coverage before the storm hits so important. If your roof had previously unrepaired damage or if it wasn't maintained properly, the insurance company could potentially deny claims," says McGavin.

Study agrees: "If your roof is already compromised by long-term wear, an insurance company will almost certainly use that as grounds to deny coverage for water intrusion."

Home insurance companies don't typically flood damage unless you have a separate flood insurance policy.