While Massachusetts doesn’t get hurricanes every year, coastal towns like Hull, Cohasset, and even inland Norwell know that late summer and early fall can bring strong tropical systems or remnants that pack high winds and heavy rain.
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense, and preparing it before hurricane season can mean the difference between a minor repair and thousands in storm damage.
When Is Hurricane Season in Massachusetts?
Officially, hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak in late August through October. Even if we’re not in the direct path, we can experience:
Wind gusts over 70 mph in exposed areas like Hull.
Storm surge in low-lying coastal neighborhoods in Cohasset.
Heavy rain and falling branches in Norwell.
Step 1: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Before hurricane season ramps up, have a licensed roofer check for:
Loose or missing shingles
Rusted or damaged flashing
Worn sealant around vents, skylights, and chimneys
Gutters clogged with debris
In Hull, where winds hit hardest, roofers may recommend additional fasteners or adhesive strips for high-wind protection.
Step 2: Reinforce Roof Fasteners
Hurricanes create powerful uplift forces that can peel shingles from the roof deck.
Upgrade to six nails per shingle instead of the standard four.
Use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails to resist salt corrosion in Cohasset.
Step 3: Secure Roof Decking
If your decking is older, hurricane-force winds can rip entire sheets off. Roofers can install hurricane clips or re-nail decking with ring-shank nails for extra hold.
Step 4: Check and Seal Flashing
Flashing is especially vulnerable during wind-driven rain events. In Norwell, heavy rainfall can force water under poorly sealed flashing, leading to attic leaks.
Inspect flashing around chimneys, valleys, and skylights.
Seal gaps with high-quality roofing sealant rated for coastal environments.
Step 5: Trim Overhanging Branches
Inland Norwell may not face the same storm surge risks as Hull, but falling limbs are a major cause of roof punctures during hurricanes. Trim trees back at least 6–8 feet from the roofline.
Step 6: Clean and Secure Gutters
Clogged gutters cause water to back up under shingles. During a hurricane, heavy rain can quickly overwhelm poor drainage systems.
Clear debris before storms arrive.
Install gutter brackets to keep them from pulling loose in high winds.
Step 7: Install a Secondary Water Barrier
In high-risk areas like Cohasset and Hull, roofers may add a self-adhering membrane under shingles to prevent leaks if the roof covering is damaged during a storm.
Step 8: Know Your Insurance Coverage
Review your homeowner’s policy. Some plans require separate windstorm or hurricane coverage. Document your roof’s current condition with photos in case you need to file a claim.
Step 9: Have an Emergency Repair Kit
Keep tarps, nails, roofing cement, and a ladder on hand (only use if it’s safe after a storm). Quick temporary fixes can prevent further damage until a pro arrives.
Special Considerations by Town
Hull: High wind exposure — reinforce roof edges and upgrade to high-wind shingles.
Cohasset: Salt corrosion risk — choose stainless or copper flashing to prevent failures.
Norwell: Falling debris from trees — trim regularly and inspect after every major storm.
Final Word
You can’t stop the wind or rain, but you can make sure your roof is ready to face it. In Norwell, Hull, and Cohasset, hurricane preparation is about smart, proactive maintenance and using materials designed for coastal weather. If you take steps now, you’ll sleep easier when the storm warnings go out.