If you've lived in central Ohio for more than a year, you already know the drill: a hot, still afternoon turns green, your phone screams a tornado warning, and forty-five minutes later you're walking the yard looking for shingles. Severe weather season here typically peaks between late May and early August, and the homes that come through it cleanest are the ones that were prepared before the radar lit up.
Start at the Roof
Your roof is the single most expensive thing a storm can take from you. Walk the perimeter of the house with binoculars and look for:
- Lifted, curled, or missing shingles, especially along ridges and eaves
- Exposed nail heads or popped fasteners
- Damaged or rusted flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Granules collecting in gutters and downspout splash zones
Small issues become big ones when 60-mph winds get underneath a loose tab. If you spot anything questionable, a quick targeted roof repair now is dramatically cheaper than the emergency call you'll make after the next front rolls through.
Clear and Secure the Gutter System
Clogged gutters during a Midwest downpour push water back under the roof deck and over the fascia. Before storm season:
- Flush every run and confirm downspouts discharge at least four feet from the foundation
- Re-secure any sections that have pulled away from the fascia
- Consider upgrading to a heavier-gauge system — our overview of seamless gutter options covers what actually holds up in Ohio storms
Inspect Siding, Trim, and Caulking
Wind-driven rain finds every gap. Check for cracked caulk around window and door trim, loose siding panels (especially on the west and southwest exposures that catch most Ohio storms), and any soft spots in wood trim that hint at moisture intrusion. If your siding is showing its age, this is the part of the house most likely to fail dramatically in a wind event.
Walk the Yard
The most preventable storm damage comes from things that weren't attached. Trim dead branches over the roof, anchor or store patio furniture, and clear loose items from window wells and the perimeter of the house.
Document Everything Now
Take dated photos of your roof, siding, windows, and outdoor systems while they're in good condition. If you ever need to file a storm damage insurance claim, the difference between "this was new damage" and "we'll have to investigate" often comes down to before-and-after photos.
Know Who You'll Call
After a major storm in Columbus, the phones at every reputable contractor ring nonstop, and out-of-town storm-chasers flood the neighborhoods. Save the number of a licensed, locally bonded contractor in your contacts now, so you're not making that decision under pressure later.
ACI Contractors has been serving Ohio homeowners through every kind of weather event the state can throw at us. If you'd like a no-cost pre-season inspection, get in touch and we'll walk your property before the next warning hits.