Hurricane Season Gutter Checklist

Why plan early

NOAA's National Hurricane Center says the Atlantic season runs June 1 to November 30, and that the 1991–2020 average season brings 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes (NOAA National Hurricane Center, tropical cyclone climatology). Not every season sends a storm to the Coastal Bend, but the record here is long. The NWS office in Corpus Christi notes that Celia made landfall near Aransas Pass in 1970 as a Category 4 hurricane, and that Harvey in 2017 was the first Category 4 to make landfall on the Middle Texas Coast since then (NWS Corpus Christi, Hurricane Celia (Aug. 3, 1970); NWS Corpus Christi, Major Hurricane Harvey (Aug. 25–29, 2017)).

NWS also notes Harvey grew from a tropical depression to a major hurricane in around 40 hours (NWS Corpus Christi, Major Hurricane Harvey (Aug. 25–29, 2017)). Storms can intensify quickly, so gutter prep is a spring job, not a forecast-week job. The National Weather Service's own preparedness advice focuses on knowing your evacuation zone, building a kit and checking equipment such as storm shutters well ahead of time (National Weather Service, hurricane preparedness plan).

Spring: after the live oak drop

Texas A&M AgriLife's plant lab explains that live oaks drop their old leaves in spring as new leaves emerge (Texas A&M AgriLife Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, live oak spring leaf drop). Wait until that shed is mostly done, then:

• Clean every trough completely, including corners and behind hangers.
• Flush every downspout and clear elbows and buried lines.
• Rinse salt film off gutters and downspouts with fresh water if you live near the water.
• Look up through each trough for pinholes and check for rust or white residue at seams.

Late spring: fastening and repairs

• Check every hanger. Loose spikes or screws backing out should be replaced with hidden hangers into solid wood. AgriLife's guidance is about every three feet (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Rainwater Harvesting: Conveyance (gutters and downspouts)).
• Re-pitch sections that hold water.
• Reseal leaking corners and end caps.
• Inspect fascia for soft spots. A gutter on rotten wood is the first to go in wind.
• Strap every downspout to the wall every few feet with corrosion-resistant straps.
• Make sure extensions are attached and discharge away from the slab.

Trees and loose items near the roof

• Have dead or overhanging limbs trimmed well before the season. Branches dropped by wind dent and tear gutters.
• Check palms for dead fronds and fruit stalks that can blow onto the roof.
• Note anything attached to gutters such as lights, wires or decorations, and plan to secure or remove them.

Records before any storm

Take a set of dated photos of each side of the house showing roof edge, gutters, downspouts and fascia in their pre-storm condition. Store them somewhere off the phone too. If you ever need to file a claim, clear before-and-after photos make the conversation easier. Keep a copy of any recent gutter work invoice with the materials and date.

Peak season: September

NOAA normals show September is the wettest month at the Corpus Christi airport, averaging about 5.4 inches (NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 monthly normals, Corpus Christi International Airport). A quick look from the ground after big rains in late summer can catch a plugged downspout or a sagging run before the next system. Watch for:

• Water overflowing at one corner.
• Downspouts that drip instead of gush during rain.
• A run that has dropped away from the fascia.
• Water pooling at the slab.

When a storm is coming

Once a tropical system is forecast, follow official guidance from the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi (National Weather Service Corpus Christi) and local emergency management. This is not the time for ladder work. If you prepared in spring, there is nothing more to do to the gutters. Secure patio items and loose objects at ground level instead.

After the storm

Stay off ladders until conditions are safe. Photograph damage before touching it, contact your insurer before discarding pieces, and be cautious of door-to-door repair offers. The after-the-storm guide covers the Texas Department of Insurance advice on avoiding scams, and the storm damage page explains repair options.

A one-page version

1. Spring: clean, flush, rinse, inspect.
2. Late spring: fix hangers, pitch, seams, fascia; strap downspouts.
3. Early summer: trim trees, document the house with photos.
4. Late summer: watch from the ground during rains.
5. Storm coming: stay off ladders, follow official guidance.
6. After: document, contact insurer, get written estimates.

For help with any of these steps, request a free estimate. The estimate factors page explains what changes a pre-season repair or cleaning scope.

If a storm has already done its damage, start with storm and hurricane gutter damage.

Sources: NOAA National Hurricane Center, tropical cyclone climatology; NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 monthly normals, Corpus Christi International Airport; NWS Corpus Christi, Hurricane Celia (Aug. 3, 1970); NWS Corpus Christi, Major Hurricane Harvey (Aug. 25–29, 2017); National Weather Service, hurricane preparedness plan; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Rainwater Harvesting: Conveyance (gutters and downspouts); Texas A&M AgriLife Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, live oak spring leaf drop.