Arkansas Storm Season: Is Your Roof Ready for “Tornado Alley”?

Living in White County, we don’t just watch the weather forecast—we live by it. Whether you are in Searcy, Heber Springs, or Beebe, you know that when the sirens go off, the threat is real.

But here is a fact that catches many Arkansas homeowners off guard: We don’t just have one storm season. We have two.

While the rest of the country worries about storms in April and May, Arkansas sees a second, dangerous peak in severe weather during November and December. At Absolute Roofing & Construction, we want to make sure your roof is ready for both rounds of “Tornado Alley.”

The Arkansas Threat: It’s Not Just About the Funnel

When we talk about tornado prep, most people think of the catastrophic EF4s. But for your roof, the real enemy is usually the “straight-line” wind and hail that accompanies these systems.

• The “Zipper” Effect: High winds can catch the edge of a loose shingle and peel back an entire section of your roof like a zipper. This happens instantly, often leaving your home exposed to torrential rain while the storm is still raging.
• The Hail Bruise: You might not see holes in your roof after a hailstorm. But hail can “bruise” a shingle, cracking the fiberglass mat underneath and knocking off the protective granules. This kills the shingle’s lifespan, leading to leaks months later.

The 10-Minute Ground Inspection

You do not need to climb a ladder to check your roof’s health. In fact, we advise against it. You can spot the warning signs safely from your driveway.

Look for these three red flags before the clouds roll in:

1. The Gutter Test: Look at your downspouts. Do you see a pile of black grit (granules)? That means your shingles are aging and shedding their armor.
2. The Metal Test: Check your mailbox, AC unit, or aluminum window wraps. If they are dented, your roof likely has similar damage.
3. The Shingle Scan: Look up at the ridges of your roof. Do you see any shingles that look “lifted” or darker than the others? Those are loose tabs waiting for the next gust of wind to rip them off.

What to Do When the Storm Hits

If a tree falls or shingles rip off in the middle of the night, safety comes first. Do not go outside during the storm.

Once the threat has passed:

• Don’t Panic: Most insurance policies cover storm damage, but you need to document it.
• Take Photos: Snap pictures of shingles in the yard or water stains on your ceiling.
• Call the Pros: We offer Emergency Tarping Services. We can install a temporary waterproof barrier to stop the leak immediately, giving you time to file your claim properly.

We Are Your Local First Responders

When the big storms hit Searcy, “storm chasers” from out of state flock to our town. They knock on doors, take deposits, and disappear.

Absolute Roofing & Construction is right here on Highway 367. We are GAF Master Elite contractors, and we will be here long after the storm clears to stand behind our warranty.

Worried about your roof? Call our 24/7 Emergency Line.

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