Texas storm season is no joke. From March through June, the Dallas-Fort Worth area faces severe thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and heavy rainfall. Your gutters are your home's first line of defense against water damage. Here's how to prepare them.
When Is Texas Storm Season?
While storms can happen year-round, peak severe weather season in DFW runs from March through June. This is when we see:
- Large hail (sometimes baseball-sized or larger)
- Damaging straight-line winds (60+ mph)
- Heavy rainfall (2-4+ inches in hours)
- Occasional tornadoes
Pre-Season Gutter Checklist
Complete these tasks before storm season arrives:
1. Clean Everything Out
Start with a thorough cleaning. Remove all leaves, debris, and sediment from gutters and downspouts. Even small blockages become big problems when 3 inches of rain falls in an hour.
2. Check for Damage
Inspect gutters for:
- Cracks, holes, or rust spots
- Loose or missing fasteners
- Sections pulling away from the house
- Sagging or improper slope
- Damaged or disconnected downspouts
3. Test Water Flow
Run water through your gutters with a hose. Watch for leaks, slow drainage, or overflow points. Water should flow smoothly to downspouts and drain away from your foundation.
4. Secure Loose Sections
Tighten loose brackets and hangers. High winds can tear loose gutters completely off. Proper fastening every 2-3 feet ensures gutters stay put during storms.
5. Clear Downspout Extensions
Make sure downspout extensions direct water at least 4-6 feet from your foundation. Consider adding splash blocks or underground drainage for added protection.
Upgrades to Consider Before Storm Season
If your gutters are due for improvement, storm season is extra motivation:
6-Inch Gutters
Standard 5-inch gutters handle normal rain, but Texas storms can overwhelm them. 6-inch gutters handle 40% more water—a significant upgrade for heavy rainfall areas.
Gutter Guards
Guards keep debris out so gutters perform when you need them most. Nothing's worse than clogged gutters during a major storm. Quality guards also reduce the pre-storm inspection workload.
Heavy-Duty Fasteners
Standard hangers may not withstand 60+ mph winds. Heavy-duty hidden hangers with screws (not nails) provide superior storm resistance.
What to Do After a Storm
Post-storm inspection is crucial:
- Visual check: Look for obvious damage, debris accumulation, or displaced sections
- Hail damage: Check for dents, cracks, or holes from hail impact
- Downspout function: Ensure water still flows freely
- Foundation check: Look for water pooling near your home
Document Everything for Insurance
If you have storm damage:
- Take photos before cleaning up
- Note the date and type of storm
- Contact your insurance company promptly
- Get professional estimates for repairs
Spring Water Gutters provides detailed documentation and works with insurance companies on storm damage claims.
Emergency Storm Damage Service
If your gutters suffer damage during a storm, don't wait. Water can cause thousands in damage quickly. We offer emergency storm damage service with same-day response for urgent situations. Call us immediately if you notice gutters hanging loose, major leaks, or water entering your home.