This past week, Helene hit us hard. As a community and as roofers, we learned a lot about preparedness, resilience, and the unpredictability of Mother Nature. Although we were about 50% prepared, many of us faced the storm without power or cell phone service, making communication difficult. Still, Hickory came together. Neighbors helped each other, and even in the absence of modern technology, we saw cash and word-of-mouth become the primary forms of exchange in our community. It felt like a throwback, but it reminded us of the power of community.

One of the most important lessons learned was that Mother Nature is stronger than any of us can imagine. While Hickory’s roofs took a serious beating, just an hour away, homes, towns, and major highways were destroyed by Helene. Words can’t capture the devastation felt by our neighbors in Western North Carolina (WNC). Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones and to the first responders who worked tirelessly through sleepless nights. Burke County, just west of us, was hit especially hard. Meanwhile, Caldwell County experienced widespread power outages, and Catawba County dealt with flooding, outages, and tragic car accidents.

We’re still learning the full extent of the damage, as services have only been restored for a few hours. But amid the chaos, we saw hope. The Hickory Chamber of Commerce set up a mobile workspace for anyone who needed it, whether they were a member or not. Meals were prepared and shared, and although some people lost patience and hope, the spirit of community shone through.

At Roof Worx, our instinct was to work, and that’s exactly what we did the day after the storm. As roofers, we know the importance of roof inspections, especially after a major storm. We cannot stress enough how regular roof maintenance can prevent leaks and more significant issues down the road. We urge homeowners to schedule roof inspections at least once a year. Simple maintenance can make all the difference.

Preparing for Future Storms: A Community Effort

Helene taught us that we need to be better prepared for future storms, and communication is key. The storm showed us how fragile our infrastructure is. With no internet, no phones, no power, and no debit systems, we were essentially disconnected from the world.

If you want to book an appointment, you can always come see us. When we’re out working on homes, we’re happy to inspect other houses in the neighborhood. If you see us, don’t hesitate to say hello!

Creating Care Plans for Hickory Homes

As East Coast residents, we’re familiar with hurricanes and tornadoes, but Helene was a perfect storm—one that caught many of us off guard. We faced a supply crisis, roads washed out, no phone or internet, no power, no water. In many ways, we weren’t ready. Moving forward, we need to make roof inspections as routine as changing your air filters.

As we move into next year, let’s create care plans for Hickory homes that include preparation for tropical storms. Roof Worx is offering maintenance plans, which include bi-annual free roof inspections. Regular inspections are critical in identifying potential issues before they become major problems. Our changing climate means we must adapt to new challenges. Aside from roof inspections, some other maintenance tasks we recommend include:

• Clearing gutters to prevent blockages and water damage. ( The Worx Plan includes 1 yearly cleaning)
• Checking roof flashing to ensure it’s properly sealed.
• Inspecting attic ventilation to prevent excess moisture buildup. (Homeowners can do this on their own or we are happy to if the area is hard to access)
• Trimming tree branches away from your roof to avoid damage during high winds.

Inspect Now, Inspect Often, Stay Safe

The lessons learned from Helene have given us a new perspective on preparedness. By staying proactive and ensuring that our homes are ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at us, we can reduce the damage and inconvenience caused by future storms. Roof Worx is here to help, and we’re committed to making sure your roof—and your home—are in the best possible shape.

Let’s work together as a community to make sure every home in Hickory is prepared. Inspect now, inspect often, and above all, stay safe.