If you live on the South Shore or Cape Cod, you probably know the quiet anxiety that comes when meteorologists start tracking a tropical storm somewhere off the Atlantic. Even though New England doesn’t see the same frequency of hurricanes as the Gulf Coast, we do get our share of damaging tropical systems — and their late-summer to early-fall timing means our homes face high winds, pounding rain, and storm surge when we least expect it.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to prepare your roof so it’s ready for whatever the hurricane season sends our way whether you’re in Hull staring at open ocean, in Plymouth with a mix of coastal and inland exposure, or in Chatham where storms sometimes feel like they’re right on top of you.
1. Why Hurricane Prep Matters in New England
While our storms tend to weaken compared to those in the South, the combination of wind, rain, and saturated ground can still wreak havoc. A Category 1 hurricane in Massachusetts can produce:
Winds exceeding 75 mph, capable of ripping shingles and flashing loose.
Torrential rain that tests every seam and vent.
Uprooted trees that crash onto roofs in wooded areas like Hanover or Pembroke.
Add in the salt spray of coastal towns like Scituate, Falmouth, or Orleans, and even “minor” storms can shorten a roof’s life if it’s not well-prepared.
2. Start with a Roof Inspection
Schedule a professional inspection before the peak season (August–October). A local roofer knows the problem spots hurricane winds love to exploit:
Loose or missing shingles.
Lifted ridge caps.
Rested or gapped flashing.
Loose gutter fasteners.
Pro Tip: Ask for photos so you can keep a “before” record. This helps with insurance claims if you need to prove storm damage later.
3. Secure Loose Shingles and Flashing
High winds don’t just take whole shingles — they get under edges and peel them back. A roofer can:
Re-seal or re-nail lifted shingles.
Reinforce ridge caps with additional fasteners.
Replace brittle sealant around chimneys and vents.
In Hull and Marshfield, where wind exposure is intense, enhanced nailing patterns (like six nails per shingle instead of four) can make a big difference.
4. Check & Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Hurricane rains can dump several inches of water in a short time. Clogged gutters force that water back under shingles or into your fascia boards.
Clear leaves, twigs, and pine needles.
Flush with a hose to make sure downspouts are clear.
Add downspout extenders to move water away from your foundation.
5. Trim Surrounding Trees
Inland or coastal, falling branches are a major source of hurricane roof damage. Trim back anything that could hit your roof during high winds — especially dead limbs. In Norwell, Hanover, and wooded parts of Sandwich, overhanging oaks and pines are frequent culprits.
6. Reinforce the Roof Structure
For those building new or doing major renovations, ask your contractor about:
Hurricane clips/straps: Metal connectors that tie the roof framing to the walls, reducing uplift risk.
Sealed roof decks: Special tape or sealant over sheathing seams before underlayment, preventing water intrusion even if shingles blow off.
Even existing homes can sometimes be retrofitted with clips in accessible attic spaces.
7. Install or Inspect Ice & Water Shield
While it’s named for winter use, ice & water shield also protects against wind-driven rain during hurricanes.
Apply at eaves, valleys, and around penetrations.
In coastal towns like Chatham or Wellfleet, many roofers extend it along rake edges too.
8. Prepare an Emergency Roof Kit
If your roof does sustain damage, a temporary patch can prevent further destruction until pros arrive. Keep on hand:
Heavy-duty tarps.
Roofing nails or cap nails.
Hammer or cordless drill.
Safety gloves and goggles.
(Important: Only attempt temporary patches if conditions are safe — never in active storms or from dangerous heights.)
9. Special Considerations for Coastal Towns
Salt corrosion: Inspect metal flashing and fasteners more often — salt accelerates rust, especially after storms.
Wind-driven rain: Steeper slopes and tighter underlayment laps are critical; ask your roofer about best practices for your exact wind zone.
Storm surge debris: In low-lying areas like Hull or Sandwich, floating debris during surge events can impact siding, vents, or low roofs.
10. Insurance Prep Before the Storm
Review your homeowners policy to know your hurricane/windstorm deductible.
Keep a current set of roof photos and documentation in a safe place.
Have your roofer’s contact info handy — local crews book up fast after storm
11. Post-Storm Roof Check
After it’s safe:
Walk your property to spot missing shingles, bent flashing, or damaged gutters.
Check attic for leaks or daylight through the roof deck.
Call your roofer immediately — quick response can make the difference between a patch and a full replacement.
12. Final Thoughts
Hurricane season in New England may not bring storms every year, but when they do hit, they can be just as destructive as their southern counterparts. With a solid inspection, targeted reinforcements, and a few proactive steps, homeowners from Hingham to Provincetown can ride out the season with far less worry.