Vera’s RoofingQuick answer
Get the roof ready before a storm is in the forecast.
NOAA says the best time to prepare is well before hurricane season starts on June 1, and the season runs through November 30. For a home in Wilmington or around Cape Fear, it comes down to four things: have the roof inspected in calm weather, take your own dated photos of the roof and attic, secure anything that could blow onto it, and keep your paperwork current and easy to find. Does Wilmington get hurricanes and tropical storms? Yes. NWS Wilmington recorded a 51 mph gust at Wilmington's airport during Tropical Storm Debby in August 2024, and a 59 mph gust there during Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight in September 2024.
Local storm record
Why folks around here plan ahead
The last couple of years show why. NWS Wilmington recorded 15.75 inches of rain in Leland during Debby (Aug. 5 to 9, 2024). During PTC Eight (Sept. 15 to 16, 2024), it recorded 20.81 inches at Carolina Beach and 16.61 inches on Oak Island. Ready.gov points out that rain, wind and even tornadoes can reach well beyond where a storm comes ashore. Our recent storms timeline has the dates and sources.
Calm-weather checklist
A hurricane roof prep checklist
1. Get the roof inspected in calm weather
Here's a roof vent repair we did in Southport. (See that project.)
Start with Roof Inspection. Our inspection is free and comes with photos and notes, so you've got a record of how the roof looked before the next storm.
2. Take your own "before" photos
Ready.gov recommends photographing property damage after a hurricane, so it helps to have your own shots from before. From the ground, get a shot of each side of the roof. If you can safely get into the attic, photograph the underside of the roof deck too. Hang on to the dates.
3. Check the attic after a heavy rain
If you spot a problem up there, see Roof Vent Leak Repair or Roof Repair.
4. Secure what can blow around
Ready.gov suggests bringing outdoor furniture inside and considering hurricane shutters.
5. Keep paperwork current
Ready.gov recommends keeping insurance policies and ID up to date, with copies in a secure, password-protected digital space. Our insurance claim guide covers what happens after a storm.
6. Know your plan
Know your evacuation zone and set up more than one way to get alerts (Ready.gov). Follow what local emergency managers tell you.
Roof replacement
If your roof is near the end of its life
If your roof is getting up there in years, we install CertainTeed and GAF 30-year shingles, and metal roofs in 5-V, Multi-Rib and standing seam (26-gauge minimum, painted). We handle permits when they're required, and our installs carry a one-year labor-and-materials warranty plus manufacturer warranties. See Roof Replacement, Metal Roofing and metal roof vs. shingles.
After the storm
Once it's safe, check the roof from the ground
Once it's safe, use our after-storm roof check guide. If something needs fixing, our storm damage roof repair cost guide explains what moves the cost, and our leak and storm repair page covers repairs. If part of the roof is open, we can tarp it when needed.
Call 910.228.8034 or use the contact form to ask for a free roof inspection for your Wilmington or Leland home.
FAQs
Common questions about hurricane roof prep.
Does Wilmington, NC get hurricanes?
Yes, tropical systems reach Wilmington. Two recent examples: NWS recorded a 51 mph gust at Wilmington's airport during Tropical Storm Debby (Aug. 2024) and 59 mph during Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight (Sept. 2024).
What is Leland, NC's hurricane risk?
NWS recorded 15.75 inches of rain in Leland during Tropical Storm Debby in 2024. Ready.gov recommends knowing your evacuation zone.
When should I prepare my roof for hurricane season?
NOAA says to prepare well before hurricane season starts on June 1.
What does Vera's free roof inspection include?
Photos and notes on what we found.
Sourced records