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Baccaro Roofing GuideHurricane Season 2026: 30-Day Roof Prep for the RGV

May 20, 20266 min read

TL;DR: Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Use the 30 days before opening day to inspect, repair, document, and prepare. Days 30-23: inspection and assessment. Days 22-15: priority repairs. Days 14-8: insurance documentation. Days 7-1: tarps, gutters, perimeter. Day 0: storm plan and contact list.

The Atlantic basin produces named storms starting around June 1, and the Rio Grande Valley has had a major hurricane impact every 2-4 years since 1980. Insurance claim data shows pre-season preparation cuts post-storm losses by 40-60%.

Days 30-23: Inspection and assessment

Free roof inspection — schedule a professional climb-on inspection with a photo report covering shingle condition, flashing, vents, and structural decking. Cost: $0 with Baccaro. Out-of-pocket inspections run $150-$300 elsewhere.

Attic inspection — look for water staining on rafters, daylight through decking, sagging insulation. These mark existing leaks that storms will amplify.

Gutter and downspout flow test — pour 5 gallons through each downspout. Should drain in under 30 seconds. Clogged gutters back water under shingles within hours during heavy rain.

Tree assessment — branches within 10 feet of the roof are projectiles in 60+ mph winds. Mark trees needing trim.

Days 22-15: Priority repairs

Replace cracked or curled shingles — single-shingle replacement runs $20-$50 each installed.

Re-seal penetrations — chimney, skylight, and vent stack flashing should have fresh sealant under 5 years old. Replacement: $150-$400 per penetration.

Replace failed pipe boots — rubber pipe boots fail at 8-12 years. Look for cracked rubber or pulled-back collars. $50-$120 each installed.

Address attic ventilation gaps — under-vented attics blow shingles off in updrafts. Soffit + ridge vent fixes: $400-$1,200.

Decking spot repairs — rotten decking blows out under wind load. Spot repair: $300-$1,500 per area.

If you find $5,000+ in needed repairs, schedule the work NOW. Roofers book solid the first week of June. Last-minute work after a named storm forms isn't an option.

Days 14-8: Insurance documentation

Pre-storm photo album — date-stamped photos of every roof slope from the ground, plus interior ceilings and walls. Smartphone is fine. Backed up to cloud (Google Photos, iCloud).

Policy review — check your declarations page for: wind/hail deductible (typically 1-5% of home value, separate from regular deductible), windstorm coverage exclusions, RCV vs ACV settlement basis.

Update contact info with insurer — confirm phone, email, mailing address. Mismatched contact info delays claims by 1-2 weeks.

Save your agent's direct cell number — not just the 1-800. After major storms the 1-800 jams for 72+ hours.

Days 7-1: Final preparations

Tarp and rope kit — 2-3 heavy-duty 16x20 tarps, 100 feet of 1/2-inch rope, roofing nails or sandbags. Stored in garage where you can reach it.

Outdoor item secure-down — patio furniture, grills, planters, kid toys. Anything not bolted down becomes a projectile.

Gutter final clean — last clean before season. Compressed leaves plus storm rain equals backed-up water under shingles.

Roof video walkaround — slow 360 video from the ground, then an attic walkthrough video. Insurance baseline.

Storm day plan

Track the storm — National Hurricane Center (NHC), local KGBT-TV / Action 4 News, City emergency notifications.

Pre-storm: Stay off the roof. Don't tarp ahead of impact unless damage already exists.

During storm: Stay inside, away from windows. Document any water entry with timestamped photos.

Post-storm (first 24 hours): Same-day photos of all damage. File insurance claim immediately. Schedule professional inspection.

Common questions

What's the difference between hurricane and named storm coverage?

Same coverage in most Texas policies. The wind/hail deductible applies to both. Read your policy's windstorm endorsement carefully — coastal counties (Cameron, Willacy) often have separate Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policies.

Should I tarp my roof before a storm?

No, unless you already have damage. Pre-storm tarping in 60+ mph winds typically rips and damages additional shingles.

How fast can Baccaro respond to storm damage?

Same-day for emergency tarp service in the RGV. Full inspection within 24 hours. Permanent repairs within 7-14 days depending on materials availability.

Will insurance cover everything?

Typically yes for direct wind/hail damage, minus your deductible. NOT covered: pre-existing damage, normal wear, cosmetic damage on impact-rated roofs in some policies.

Free pre-season inspection

(956) 600-0501 — book a free pre-season roof inspection. We'll give you a written report and prioritize any repairs that need to happen before June 1.

Related reading

_Sources: National Hurricane Center · TWIA · Texas Department of Insurance._