June 1st to November 30th—hurricane season in Central Florida
Living in Central Florida means dealing with hurricane season every year. While we can’t control the weather, we can make sure our homes are ready for whatever comes our way. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against high winds and heavy rain, so let’s talk about getting it ready.
Before the Storm: Getting Your Roof Ready
Check These Things Now, Not When a Storm is Coming
The best time to prepare for hurricane season is before it starts. Here’s what you should check:
Walk Around Your House
Take a look at your roof from the ground. You don’t need to climb up there—just walk around your house and look for obvious problems:
- Missing or loose shingles
- Cracked or damaged tiles
- Gutters that are sagging or pulling away
- Tree branches hanging over your roof
- Loose flashing around chimneys or vents
Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can’t handle heavy rain, which means water backs up and can damage your roof and home. Clean them out or have them cleaned before storm season starts.
Trim Those Trees
Dead or weak branches become flying missiles in high winds. Trim any branches that hang over your roof or could fall on it during a storm.
Check Your Attic
Go up in your attic on a sunny day and look for any spots of light coming through. If you can see light, water can get in too. Also look for water stains on the wood—these show where you’ve had leaks before.
During the Storm: Stay Safe
Don’t Be a Hero
When a storm is hitting, stay inside and away from windows. Don’t go outside to check on your roof or try to fix anything. If you hear unusual sounds from your roof, note where they’re coming from, but don’t investigate until the storm passes.
If You Have a Leak If water starts coming in during the storm:
- Put buckets or tarps down to catch water
- Move furniture and belongings out of the way
- Take pictures if you can do it safely
- Don’t try to go on the roof to fix anything
After the Storm: Assessing the Damage
What to Look For Once It’s Safe
After the storm passes and it’s safe to go outside, here’s how to check your roof:
From the Ground First
Walk around your house and look for:
- Shingles or tiles in your yard
- Damaged gutters or downspouts
- Dents in metal roofing
- Tarps or debris on your roof
- Damaged flashing around chimneys
Check Inside Too
Look in your attic and throughout your house for:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Wet insulation
- New cracks in walls or ceilings
- Doors or windows that won’t close properly
Document Everything
Take pictures of any damage you find. Your insurance company will want to see them. Write down what you see and when you first noticed it.
When to Call for Help
Don’t Wait If You See These Problems
Some damage needs immediate attention:
- Water coming into your house
- Large sections of roofing missing
- Structural damage to your roof
- Electrical issues near water damage
For emergency repairs, call a trusted roofing company right away. They can do temporary fixes to prevent more damage until permanent repairs can be made.
Working with Insurance
Make the Process Easier
If you have storm damage:
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible
- Keep all your photos and documentation
- Get estimates from licensed contractors
- Don’t sign anything with your insurance company until you understand what’s covered
- Be wary of contractors who show up uninvited after storms
Getting Ready for Next Time
Small Steps Make a Big Difference
After dealing with storm damage, think about what you can do to be better prepared next time:
- Fix any minor issues before they become major problems
- Consider impact-resistant roofing materials when it’s time to replace your roof
- Keep trees trimmed regularly
- Have your roof inspected annually
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Hurricane season comes every year, and Central Florida will see more storms. The best time to prepare your roof is before you need it to perform. Small problems become big problems when they’re tested by 100+ mph winds and heavy rain.
If you’re not sure about your roof’s condition, have it inspected by a qualified roofing contractor. It’s much cheaper to fix small issues now than to deal with major damage after a storm.
Need Help Getting Ready?
At Adroit Roofing, we’ve been helping Central Florida homeowners prepare for hurricane season for years. We can inspect your roof, fix problems before they become emergencies, and help you understand what your roof needs to weather the next storm.
Don’t wait until a storm is on the way—by then it’s too late. Contact us today to make sure your roof is ready for whatever this hurricane season brings.
Remember: Your roof protects everything you care about inside your home. Taking care of it now means it’ll take care of you when you need it most.