How to Protect Your Mobile Roof Before Storm Season Hits
If you’ve lived in Mobile long enough, you know storm season isn’t a matter of if — it’s when. Heavy rain, strong wind gusts, hail, and the occasional tropical system are part of life along the Gulf Coast.
What many homeowners don’t realize is that most major roofing problems during storm season start as small, preventable issues.
This guide will walk you through what to check, what to fix, and when to call a professional — so your roof is ready before the next system rolls in.
Why Storm Season Hits Mobile Roofs Harder
Mobile homes face a unique mix of weather challenges:
High humidity year-round
Heavy spring thunderstorms
Hurricane season beginning June 1
Strong wind uplift from coastal systems
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Alabama consistently experiences severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and hail throughout spring and summer months. You can review seasonal storm outlooks directly from NOAA here:
https://www.noaa.gov/
Wind is often the biggest culprit. It doesn’t have to rip shingles off completely to cause damage. Even minor lifting can break the seal that keeps water out. Once that seal is compromised, the next heavy rain can turn into a leak inside your attic.
1. Start with a Visual Roof Inspection (From the Ground)
You don’t need to climb onto your roof to spot early warning signs. Walk around your home and look for:
Missing or lifted shingles
Dark streaks or discoloration
Shingle granules collecting in gutters
Sagging areas
Loose flashing around chimneys or vents
If you see any of these signs, it’s worth scheduling a roof inspection in Mobile before storm season peaks. (Internal link to your inspection page here.)
A small repair now is significantly less expensive than structural repairs later.
2. Check Your Gutters and Drainage
Clogged gutters are one of the most overlooked causes of storm-related roof damage.
When gutters fill with debris:
Water backs up under shingles
Fascia boards begin to rot
Moisture seeps into attic spaces
Mobile’s tree coverage makes this especially common in established neighborhoods.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends maintaining proper drainage systems as part of storm mitigation planning. You can read their homeowner preparedness guidance here:
https://www.ready.gov/
Clean gutters before storm season begins. If you notice separation or sagging, have them repaired quickly. Proper drainage keeps water moving away from your roof and foundation.
3. Secure or Replace Loose Shingles
Wind uplift is one of the most common issues we see after Mobile storms. Even 40–50 mph gusts can loosen shingles if they’re aging or improperly sealed.
Pay attention if:
Your roof is over 15 years old
You’ve had prior storm repairs
You notice shingles that look slightly raised
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) provides research-backed guidance on strengthening homes against severe weather, including roofing recommendations:
https://ibhs.org/
If you suspect wind damage, it’s smart to schedule a roof repair in Mobile before storms intensify. (Internal link to your roof repair page here.)
Waiting until after a major storm often turns a minor fix into widespread water intrusion.
4. Trim Back Overhanging Branches
Tree limbs are responsible for a surprising number of roof insurance claims in coastal Alabama.
During storms, branches can:
Scrape and remove granules
Crack shingles
Puncture roofing systems
Fall entirely during high winds
Keeping limbs trimmed at least 6–10 feet from your roofline can dramatically reduce risk.
If you’re unsure how much clearance is needed, IBHS offers storm mitigation resources for homeowners here:
https://fortifiedhome.org/
5. Check Your Attic Before Storm Season
Many homeowners forget that the attic tells you what’s happening above.
Before storm season, look for:
Moisture stains on decking
Soft wood or sagging
Mold or mildew smells
Daylight showing through boards
Even small leaks can spread quickly once heavy rain arrives.
6. Know When It’s Time for Replacement
Sometimes preparation reveals a bigger truth: the roof may simply be at the end of its lifespan.
In Mobile’s climate:
Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 15–20 years
Poor ventilation can shorten that
Repeated storm repairs can weaken the system overall
If your roof has required multiple repairs in recent years, it may be time to consider a roof replacement in Mobile instead of patchwork fixes. (Internal link to replacement page here.)
What Mobile Homeowners Are Searching For Right Now
Across the Southeast, search trends show rising interest in:
“roof repair near me”
“storm damage roof inspection”
“how to know if roof has hail damage”
“roof replacement cost Alabama”
“emergency roofing Mobile”
That tells us homeowners are thinking about storm damage before it happens — and looking for guidance they can trust.
Final Thoughts
Mobile storm season is predictable in one way — it always comes.
The homeowners who avoid major repairs are usually the ones who:
Schedule inspections early
Fix small issues quickly
Maintain gutters and drainage
Keep trees trimmed
Replace aging roofs before failure
Storms are unavoidable. Expensive roof damage often isn’t.