Storm Season in Clarksburg: Is Your Home Ready?

Clarksburg gets hit. Heavy rain in spring, ice storms in winter, wind events that come out of nowhere. If you've lived here long enough, you've seen what a bad storm can do to a house that wasn't ready for it.

Most of the damage we see after a storm wasn't caused by the storm alone. It was caused by a problem that already existed: a weak spot in the roof, a gutter pulling away from the fascia, siding that had been buckling for a season. The storm just finished the job.

Here's what to look at before storm season gets moving.

Start With the Roof

Your roof is the first thing a storm tests. If it has existing issues like cracked or missing shingles, failing flashing around a chimney or valley, or granule loss from age, a heavy rain event will find those weak points fast.

From the ground, look for shingles that are curling at the edges or visibly missing, dark patches or sagging areas, granules collecting in your gutters or downspouts (a sign shingles are breaking down), and flashing that looks lifted, rusted, or separated at the seams.

You won't catch everything from the ground. If your roof is more than 15 years old or took any damage last season, a professional inspection before storm season is worth it, and a good roofing contractor will tell you honestly what needs attention and what can wait.

Check Your Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters that are clogged or pulling away from the fascia can't do their job. When they fail during a heavy rain, water doesn't just go in the yard. It runs down the side of your house, gets behind your siding, and can work its way into your foundation over time.

Before storm season, clear out any debris from winter: leaves, sticks, anything blocking flow. Check that gutters are still firmly attached and sloping correctly toward downspouts. Make sure downspouts are directing water away from the foundation, not pooling against it.

Look at Your Siding

Siding that's cracked, warped, or has gaps at the seams is an open door for wind-driven rain. Once moisture gets behind siding, it doesn't just dry out. It sits against the sheathing and starts breaking things down from the inside.

Walk the perimeter of your house and look for boards that are visibly warped, cracked, or pulling away from the wall. Check for gaps or missing caulk at seams, corners, and around windows. Press on sections. Soft spots are a sign moisture is already there.

Secure What's Outside

This one is straightforward. Anything that isn't bolted down is a projectile in a wind event. Before a storm rolls in, bring in or tie down patio furniture, grills, planters, and anything else that can move. Trim dead branches away from the house. A heavy limb on a roof is a bad day and an expensive fix.

After the Storm: What to Do First

Once it passes, do a walk-around before you call anyone. Document everything with your phone: photos of any visible damage to the roof, siding, gutters, or structure. If you see damage, call a roofer before you call your insurance company. A contractor can help you understand what you're actually looking at and whether it's worth filing a claim.

Avoid going on the roof yourself. What looks like a minor issue from the edge can be more serious, and wet roofs are dangerous.

If you see downed power lines anywhere on or near your property, don't approach them. Call the utility company and keep everyone away until it's cleared.

E&E Exteriors serves Clarksburg and surrounding areas across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. If your home took damage this season or you want to get ahead of storm season with a free inspection, give us a call at 304-216-0557. Free estimates, no obligation.