If you've lived in Dallas for any length of time, you know that Texas storms are no joke. We're talking about straight-line winds over 60 mph, hail the size of golf balls, and flash flooding that can overwhelm drainage systems in minutes. After winter storm Uri in 2021, every Dallas homeowner has a healthy respect for what 'bad weather' actually looks like here. Here's how to get ahead of storm season every year.
Roof and Gutters
Your roof is your first and most critical line of defense. Every spring, do a visual inspection from the ground with binoculars, looking for: missing or lifted shingles, damaged flashing around chimneys and vents, sagging areas or visible damage to the decking, and granule loss in your gutters (granule loss indicates aging shingles). Clean your gutters in early spring and again in late fall. Clogged gutters force water to back up under roof shingles and against your fascia — a leading cause of interior water damage during heavy rain.
Gutter checklist:
- Clear all debris, especially around downspout openings
- Check that gutters are firmly attached to the fascia (no sagging or pulled screws)
- Verify downspouts extend at least 4 feet from the foundation
- Install gutter guards if debris buildup is a recurring problem
Windows and Doors
Inspect the caulking and weatherstripping around every exterior window and door before storm season. Cracked caulk allows water infiltration during driven rain — this is one of the most common causes of interior wall water damage I see. Reapply exterior-grade caulk wherever you see gaps, cracks, or hardened/shrinking material. For doors, check that weatherstripping seals properly when the door closes — you shouldn't see daylight around any edge.
HVAC and Outdoor Equipment
Secure any outdoor equipment before a major storm. This means: bringing in or anchoring patio furniture, pool accessories, and umbrellas; making sure your condenser unit is on a properly leveled pad (a tilted unit can cause compressor damage); and trimming any tree branches overhanging the unit or the roof. During hail events, a condenser unit's coil fins can be damaged — if you've had a significant hail event, have an HVAC tech check the coil before running the system.
Foundation and Drainage
Dallas's expansive clay soil already creates foundation challenges — and heavy rain followed by drought makes it worse. Make sure all grading around your foundation slopes away from the house at a minimum of 1 inch per foot for the first 6 feet. Fill in any low spots where water pools against the foundation. If you have a sump pump, test it before storm season — pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it activates and drains properly.
Emergency Preparedness
- Know where your main water shutoff is — burst pipe scenarios require immediate action
- Know where your electrical panel is and which breakers control which circuits
- Keep a flashlight, battery backup, and a few days of water stored
- Take photos of your home's interior and exterior for insurance documentation — do this now, before you need it
- Have your HVAC company and plumber's numbers saved — after a major storm, wait times can stretch to days
Joey's Pro Tip: The best time to fix a roof leak or reseal windows is before a storm, not after. Post-storm repair queues in Dallas can stretch 2–4 weeks. A $200 caulking and weatherstripping job in March is worth 10x that in emergency repairs after a storm gets in.
Want a pre-storm-season home inspection? I'll walk through your home's exterior and identify vulnerabilities before they become problems. Call (214) 293-8857 to schedule.
