How to Get a Roof Ready for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. During Hurricane Jeanne on September 26, 2004, the National Weather Service recorded a 74-knot peak wind at Palm Bay, and a preliminary count put Brevard County homes damaged at more than 14,000.
Prepare the Roof Before the Season Starts
Before the season
Before June, photograph every side of the roof for your records and have a roofing contractor check for loose shingles and worn flashing. Trim branches that hang over the roof, clear debris from the roof and gutters, and secure loose yard items.
What storm damage looks like
Shingles in the yard, lifted or creased tabs, bent metal at roof edges, new ceiling stains and drips in the attic can all point to storm damage. Stay off a wet roof.
After the storm passes
Keep your insurer's contact and policy number handy, photograph damage from the ground, and note the storm date. Temporary tarping needs no city permit. Florida law bars contractors from offering to waive your deductible for an inspection or claim.
Call to reach a roofer before water damage spreads inside.
Before June, photograph every side of the roof for your records and have a roofing contractor check for loose shingles and worn flashing. Trim branches that hang over the roof, clear debris from the roof and gutters, and secure loose yard items.
What storm damage looks like
Shingles in the yard, lifted or creased tabs, bent metal at roof edges, new ceiling stains and drips in the attic can all point to storm damage. Stay off a wet roof.
After the storm passes
Keep your insurer's contact and policy number handy, photograph damage from the ground, and note the storm date. Temporary tarping needs no city permit. Florida law bars contractors from offering to waive your deductible for an inspection or claim.
Call to reach a roofer before water damage spreads inside.