When is hurricane season on Long Island?

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity from mid-August through mid-October. Long Island is most at risk from tropical storms and hurricanes during September and October. However, storm preparedness should begin in May or early June, before the season starts, so you have time to address any roof issues without competing with other homeowners for contractor availability.

Should I get a roof inspection before hurricane season?

Yes. A professional roof inspection before hurricane season can identify loose or damaged shingles, compromised flashing, weakened seals around vents and pipes, and other vulnerabilities that high winds and heavy rain will exploit. The inspection typically costs $150-$300 and can prevent thousands of dollars in storm damage. Schedule it in April or May before contractors get busy with seasonal demand.

Does my homeowners insurance cover hurricane roof damage on Long Island?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage from hurricanes, but many policies in coastal New York include a separate hurricane or wind/hail deductible that is higher than the standard deductible. This deductible is typically 1-5% of your home's insured value, not a flat dollar amount. So on a home insured for $500,000, a 2% hurricane deductible means you pay the first $10,000 out of pocket. Review your policy before storm season so there are no surprises.

How do I protect my roof during a hurricane?

The best protection is preparation done before the storm arrives. Once a hurricane is approaching, you cannot safely do roof work. Pre-season steps include professional inspection and repair of any vulnerabilities, trimming trees that overhang or are near the roof, securing loose gutters and downspouts, and ensuring attic vents are functioning to equalize pressure. If a storm is imminent, move vehicles away from the house, secure outdoor furniture that could become projectiles, and document your roof's condition with photos for insurance purposes.

What should I do after a hurricane damages my roof?

First, stay safe. Do not climb on a damaged roof. From the ground or a window, assess visible damage and take photos and video for your insurance claim. If there is an active leak, place buckets to catch water and move valuables away from the affected area. Call your insurance company to file a claim as soon as possible. Then contact a licensed local roofing contractor for emergency tarping and a professional damage assessment. Be wary of door-to-door storm chasers offering immediate repairs, as they often do substandard work and disappear.

Storm PrepApril 17, 2026

Hurricane Season Roof Prep for Long Island Homeowners

Name: ERS Roofing & Siding
Address: 192 Ralph Ave, Babylon, NY, 11702, US
Telephone: (516) 595-5395
Price range: $$

Long Island sits in the path of Atlantic hurricanes, tropical storms, and powerful nor'easters. Your roof is the first line of defense. Here is how to make sure it is ready before storm season starts.

Long Island's Storm Risk Is Real

Long Island is not immune to serious storms. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 caused catastrophic damage across the South Shore, with wind gusts exceeding 90 mph and storm surge flooding thousands of homes. The remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021 brought record rainfall and flash flooding that damaged roofs and interiors across Nassau and Suffolk County.

Even in years without a direct hurricane hit, Long Island regularly experiences tropical storm-force winds, nor'easters with 60-80 mph gusts, and heavy rain events that can overwhelm a compromised roof. The time to prepare is before the season starts, not when a storm is in the forecast.

Pre-Season Roof Inspection Checklist

The most important thing you can do is get a professional roof inspection in late spring, before hurricane season begins on June 1. Here is what a thorough inspection covers:

Shingles and roofing material

Missing, cracked, or curling shingles that could be torn off by wind
Shingle tabs that have lost their adhesive seal and are lifting
Granule loss indicating aging shingles with reduced weather resistance
Damaged or deteriorating ridge cap shingles along the roof peaks

Flashing and seals

Chimney flashing: Check for lifted, cracked, or corroded flashing around the chimney base
Pipe boots and vent collars: Rubber boots deteriorate over time and are a common leak source during driving rain
Valley flashing: Metal flashing in roof valleys where two slopes meet
Wall-to-roof transitions: Anywhere a roof meets a vertical wall needs intact step flashing
Skylight seals: Older skylights are especially vulnerable to wind-driven rain

Gutters and drainage

Clean gutters and downspouts of all debris
Tighten loose gutter hangers and brackets
Ensure downspouts direct water at least 4-6 feet away from the foundation
Check for sagging gutter sections that could hold standing water

Structural elements

Soffit and fascia: Damaged or rotting trim boards that wind can tear away
Roof decking: Any soft spots or sagging visible from the attic
Attic ventilation: Proper ridge and soffit ventilation reduces wind-uplift pressure on the roof during storms

Our spring roof inspection checklist covers these items in detail. If you find issues, address them before June.

Timeline: When to Do What

When	Action
April - May	Schedule professional roof inspection. Address any repairs found. Trim trees near roof.
May - June	Review insurance policy. Document roof condition with dated photos. Clean gutters.
June 1	Hurricane season begins. Your roof should be in good condition by now.
Storm approaching	Secure outdoor items. Clear remaining debris from gutters. Photograph current roof condition.
After storm passes	Assess damage from ground level. Document everything. Contact insurance and contractor.

Tree Trimming: A Critical Step Most Homeowners Skip

Overhanging branches are one of the biggest risks to your roof during a hurricane or nor'easter. Falling branches can puncture shingles, break through decking, damage gutters, and even cause structural damage to the roof frame.

Trim any branches that overhang your roof or are within 6-10 feet of the roof surface
Remove dead or diseased trees that could fall on your home
Pay attention to tall trees on neighboring properties, and talk to your neighbors if their trees pose a risk
Hire a licensed arborist for large tree work, not a general handyman

This is one of the most impactful things you can do to protect your roof, and many homeowners overlook it.

Insurance Documentation: Protect Yourself Before the Storm

Insurance claims after storms are where many homeowners run into problems. Protect yourself with proper documentation before any storm hits:

Photograph your roof now: Take clear, dated photos of your roof from multiple angles while it is in good condition. These serve as your "before" documentation if you need to file a claim.
Keep records of all maintenance and repairs: Invoices, inspection reports, and receipts prove you maintained your roof properly. Insurance companies can deny claims if they determine damage was due to neglect, not the storm.
Review your policy: Know your deductible (especially hurricane/wind deductible, which is often a percentage of home value, not a flat amount). Know what is covered and what is excluded. Know the claims process and deadlines.
Video walkthrough: Record a video walkthrough of your home's exterior and interior, including the attic, narrating the condition of the roof, ceilings, and walls. Store this in the cloud, not just on your phone.

Emergency Supplies for Roof Damage

Keep these items on hand during storm season so you can respond quickly to minor roof damage:

Tarps: At least two heavy-duty tarps (10x12 minimum, larger is better). Blue poly tarps from a hardware store work fine for temporary coverage.
Roofing cement/sealant: A tube of roofing sealant and a caulking gun for temporary sealing of small leaks or lifted flashing.
Buckets and plastic bins: To catch interior leaks and protect flooring and furniture.
Plywood sheets: 4x8 sheets of plywood can be used to cover broken windows or large openings.
Battery-powered flashlights: For inspecting attic damage when power is out.
Camera/phone charger: You need to document damage immediately for insurance. Keep a portable battery bank charged.

Safety warning: Do not climb onto your roof during or immediately after a storm. Wet, damaged roofs are extremely dangerous. Assess from the ground and wait for a professional.

Post-Storm Protocol: What to Do After a Hurricane

If your area is hit by a hurricane or major storm, follow this sequence:

Stay safe. Do not go outside until the storm has fully passed. Downed power lines, flying debris, and unstable structures are lethal hazards.
Assess from the ground. Walk around your home and look for visible damage: missing shingles, damaged gutters, debris on the roof, water intrusion inside.
Document everything. Take photos and video of all damage from multiple angles. Include wide shots that show the overall roof and close-ups of specific damage. Note the date and time.
Prevent further damage. If water is coming in, place buckets and move belongings. If you can safely tarp an area from a low-slope section without climbing a steep roof, do so. Otherwise, wait for a professional.
File your insurance claim. Call your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide your documentation. Do not wait, as many policies have time limits for reporting damage.
Call a licensed local roofer. Contact a reputable local contractor for emergency tarping and a professional assessment. Avoid storm chasers going door to door.

For a step-by-step guide on handling active roof leaks, see our emergency roof leak guide.

Beware of Storm Chasers After Hurricanes

After every major storm on Long Island, out-of-state contractors arrive offering fast, cheap repairs. These "storm chasers" create several risks:

They have no local office, no local reputation, and no reason to return for warranty work
They often pressure homeowners into signing assignment of benefits (AOB) agreements that give them control of your insurance claim
Their work quality is frequently substandard because they rush through jobs and move on
They may not be licensed or insured in New York

Stick with licensed, local contractors who have an established presence on Long Island. Yes, it may take longer to get on the schedule after a major storm, but the work will be done right and backed by a real warranty.

Roof Upgrades That Improve Storm Resistance

If your roof is due for replacement, consider upgrades that improve hurricane resistance:

Impact-resistant shingles: Class 4 impact-rated shingles resist hail and wind-borne debris better than standard products. Some insurance companies offer premium discounts for Class 4 shingles.
Full ice and water shield: Instead of just the code-minimum at the eaves, consider a full deck application of ice and water shield underlayment. This creates a waterproof barrier under the entire roof surface.
6-nail pattern: Using 6 nails per shingle instead of the standard 4 significantly improves wind resistance. This is code in high-wind zones but a smart upgrade anywhere on Long Island.
Metal roofing: Standing seam metal roofs rated to 140-180 mph offer the best wind performance available for residential roofing. See our roof replacement page for options.
Ring-shank or screw-fastened decking: Upgrading the connection between the roof deck and rafters improves the overall structural wind resistance.

Start Preparing Now

The best time to prepare your roof for hurricane season is before you need to. Schedule an inspection, address repairs, and get your documentation in order while the weather is calm.

ERS Roofing & Siding provides pre-season roof inspections, storm damage repair, and emergency roof repair across Long Island. We serve Nassau and Suffolk County, including Bay Shore, Amityville, Long Beach, and Freeport.

Call (516) 595-5395 or schedule your inspection online before the season starts.