Hurricane Damage Roof Repair Guide

A hurricane has struck, and your roof has sustained damage. The wind may have stopped, but the challenges are just beginning. Between protecting your home from further damage, navigating insurance claims, and finding a trustworthy contractor, the path forward can feel overwhelming.

This guide walks you through every step of the hurricane roof damage recovery process. From the immediate actions you should take right after the storm to the final inspection of your repaired roof, we'll help you understand what to expect and how to protect your interests throughout the process.

Immediate Safety Priorities

Before assessing damage, ensure everyone is safe.

Personal Safety First

During the storm

• Stay inside until the all-clear is given
• If in the eye of a hurricane, remain sheltered; the backside is coming
• Monitor official emergency channels for updates

After the storm passes

• Wait for official all-clear before going outside
• Watch for downed power lines
• Be alert for weakened trees and structures
• Wear protective footwear due to debris

Structural Safety

Before entering your home after a hurricane:

• Check for obvious structural damage: Visible collapse, major cracks
• Smell for gas: Leave immediately and call utility company if detected
• Look for electrical hazards: Sparks, standing water near outlets
• Listen for unusual sounds: Creaking, groaning may indicate instability

If in doubt, stay out until professional inspection.

Assessing Your Roof Damage

Once safe, begin evaluating the damage to your roof.

Ground-Level Assessment

Start from the ground, without climbing on the roof:

Look for visible damage

• Missing shingles or tiles: Bare areas on the roof
• Debris on roof: Branches, other materials
• Displaced flashing: Metal around vents, chimney, edges
• Sagging areas: Changes in roof line
• Damaged gutters: Hanging, bent, or missing sections
• Impact marks: Dents or holes from flying debris

Check the perimeter

• Shingles or tiles on the ground
• Pieces of flashing or metal
• Soffit or fascia damage
• Gutter pieces or contents

Interior Inspection

Check inside your home for signs of water intrusion:

Attic inspection (if safely accessible)

• Visible daylight through roof deck
• Wet insulation
• Water stains on decking
• Puddles or dripping water

Ceiling inspection

• Water stains (new or expanding)
• Bubbling or peeling paint
• Sagging ceiling sections
• Active dripping

Wall inspection

• Water marks near roofline
• Dampness in upper walls
• New cracks (may indicate structural movement)

Documentation

Document everything before making any repairs:

Photography best practices

• Take wide shots showing overall damage
• Take close-up shots of specific damage
• Include reference points for scale
• Photograph interior water damage
• Capture debris on ground that came from roof
• Time-stamp photos (most phones do this automatically)

Video documentation

• Walk around home narrating damage observed
• Capture water intrusion while it's occurring if safe
• Document any sounds of ongoing problems

Written notes

• Date and time of observation
• Description of each area of damage
• Measurements if possible
• Weather conditions during observation

For comprehensive documentation tips, see our storm damage documentation guide.

Emergency Protective Measures

Prevent additional damage with temporary repairs.

Tarping Your Roof

The most important emergency measure is keeping water out:

When to tarp

• Any time shingles or covering materials are missing
• When there are holes or obvious penetrations
• If you see or suspect water intrusion

Professional vs. DIY tarping

• Professional recommended: Safer, more effective, often covered by insurance
• DIY considerations: Only if you can do so safely and properly
• Emergency services: Many roofing companies offer 24/7 tarping

Tarping basics (if you must DIY)

• Use quality tarps rated for outdoor/weather use
• Extend tarp over the ridge and well past damaged area
• Secure with sandbags, lumber, or appropriate fasteners
• Create drainage paths away from problem areas
• Check and resecure after any additional weather

Interior Protection

Minimize interior damage while awaiting repairs:

• Move belongings: Away from water entry points
• Place containers: Catch active drips
• Protect flooring: Plastic sheeting under leak areas
• Improve ventilation: Help wet areas dry (if safe)
• Document ongoing damage: Continue photography

What Insurance Covers

Emergency protective measures are typically covered:

• Tarping and board-up costs
• Reasonable expenses to prevent further damage
• Keep all receipts and documentation
• Take photos of temporary repairs installed

Filing Your Insurance Claim

Proper claims filing is crucial for full recovery.

Immediate Steps

Contact your insurer promptly

• Call your insurance company within 24-48 hours if possible
• Note your claim number and adjuster contact information
• Ask about specific documentation requirements
• Inquire about advance payments for emergency repairs

Review your policy

• Understand your deductible (hurricane deductibles are often percentage-based)
• Know your coverage limits
• Check for specific requirements or exclusions
• Note any time limits for filing or completing repairs

Working with Adjusters

Preparing for the adjuster visit

• Have your documentation organized
• Note all areas of damage to show them
• Have your contractor present if possible
• Be prepared to access attic and all affected areas

During the inspection

• Walk through all damage with the adjuster
• Ensure they see every affected area
• Point out less obvious damage
• Ask questions about their assessment
• Request a copy of their report

If you disagree with the assessment

• Request reconsideration with additional documentation
• Get an independent contractor estimate
• Consider a public adjuster for major disputes
• Understand your appeal rights

For more detail, see our insurance claims guide.

Understanding Your Settlement

Actual Cash Value (ACV) vs. Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

• ACV: Depreciated value of your roof at time of loss
• RCV: Full cost to replace with similar materials today
• Many policies pay ACV initially, RCV upon repair completion
• Understand which your policy provides

Deductible considerations

• Hurricane deductibles are often 2-5% of insured value
• Example: $400,000 home with 2% hurricane deductible = $8,000 deductible
• This is your responsibility; insurance covers above this amount
• Never accept offers to "waive" your deductible (this is fraud)

Choosing Your Repair Contractor

Take time to find the right contractor, even when you feel urgency.

Vetting Contractors After Hurricanes

Storm situations bring both legitimate contractors and scammers. Thorough vetting is essential:

Verification requirements

• Valid Florida roofing license (verify at MyFloridaLicense.com)
• Proof of insurance (liability and workers' compensation)
• Physical local business presence
• References for similar work
• Written detailed estimates

Red flags to avoid

• Door-to-door solicitation with pressure tactics
• Cash-only requirements
• Large upfront payments demanded
• Offers to waive your deductible
• Out-of-state license plates and no local address
• Unwillingness to provide credentials

For comprehensive contractor selection guidance, see our storm damage contractor guide.

Getting Estimates

Best practices

• Get at least 3 written estimates
• Ensure all estimates cover the same scope of work
• Ask about how they handle discovered damage
• Understand payment terms and schedules
• Compare warranties offered

What estimates should include

• Detailed scope of all work
• Specific materials with product names
• Timeline for completion
• Payment terms and schedule
• Warranty information
• How insurance payments are handled

Types of Hurricane Roof Damage

Understanding damage types helps you evaluate repair needs.

Wind Damage

Shingle and tile issues

• Missing materials: Completely blown off
• Lifted materials: Edges raised, seal broken
• Creased shingles: Bent from wind stress
• Cracked tiles: Stress fractures from movement

Structural wind damage

• Lifted decking: Plywood pulled from rafters
• Shifted components: Vents, caps displaced
• Flashing failure: Metal pulled away from surfaces
• Soffit and fascia damage: Torn or displaced

Impact Damage

Common impact sources

• Falling tree limbs
• Airborne debris
• Neighboring property materials
• Hail (in some storms)

Impact damage signs

• Holes or punctures in roofing
• Dents in metal roofing or flashing
• Cracked or broken tiles
• Bruised shingles (may not be obvious immediately)

Water Damage

Direct water intrusion

• Through missing roofing materials
• Through failed flashings
• Through damaged vents or penetrations
• Through compromised seams

Secondary water damage

• Wet insulation (loses effectiveness, grows mold)
• Damaged decking (rot, delamination)
• Interior damage (ceilings, walls, flooring)
• Mold growth (begins within 24-48 hours)

The Repair Process

Understand what to expect during repairs.

Pre-Repair Steps

Permits and approvals

• Most repairs require permits
• Your contractor should handle permit applications
• Inspections will be required at various stages
• Don't allow work without proper permits

Material ordering

• After major storms, materials may be in short supply
• Some delays are unavoidable
• Quality materials are worth waiting for
• Beware contractors using substandard materials to meet demand

During Repairs

What to expect

• Significant noise during work hours
• Workers on and around your property
• Delivery of materials
• Disposal of damaged materials
• Dust and debris (should be controlled)

Your responsibilities

• Provide access as needed
• Secure pets during work
• Move vehicles if needed for access or protection
• Be available for questions
• Communicate any concerns promptly

Monitoring progress

• Daily check-ins if possible
• Document progress with photos
• Note any concerns to discuss with contractor
• Verify work matches agreed scope

Inspections

Required inspections

• Most repair work requires building department inspection
• Inspector verifies code compliance
• Failed inspections require corrections
• Final approval is essential for insurance and future sale

Your role

• Request copies of inspection results
• Don't make final payment until inspections pass
• Verify permit is closed out properly

Timelines and Expectations

Set realistic expectations for the recovery process.

Typical Timeline After Hurricanes

Week 1-2

• Emergency tarping completed
• Initial insurance claim filed
• Begin contractor research
• Adjuster scheduled

Weeks 2-4

• Adjuster inspection completed
• Contractor estimates received
• Insurance settlement determined
• Contractor selection made

Weeks 4-8

• Contract signed
• Permits applied for
• Materials ordered
• Repairs scheduled

Weeks 8-16 (or longer after major hurricanes)

• Repairs completed
• Inspections passed
• Final documentation completed
• Claim closed

Factors That Extend Timelines

After major hurricanes, expect longer waits due to:

• Material shortages: High demand depletes inventory
• Labor shortage: Every contractor is booked
• Permit backlogs: Building departments overwhelmed
• Insurance delays: Adjusters processing thousands of claims

Managing expectations

• Plan for best case but prepare for delays
• Maintain communication with contractor and insurer
• Ensure temporary protection remains effective
• Be patient; rushing leads to poor outcomes

Preventing Future Hurricane Damage

Once repaired, take steps to reduce future damage.

Roof Upgrades to Consider

During replacement, consider improvements:

Material upgrades

• Impact-resistant shingles (Class 3 or 4 rated)
• Metal roofing for maximum wind resistance
• Reinforced underlayment

Structural improvements

• Hurricane straps and clips (improved roof-to-wall connection)
• Secondary water barrier (sealed roof deck)
• Enhanced fastening patterns

See our hurricane preparation guide for more on protective upgrades.

Ongoing Maintenance

Regular maintenance reduces storm damage:

• Annual professional inspections
• Prompt repair of any damage
• Tree trimming to reduce impact risk
• Gutter maintenance for proper drainage

For a complete approach, see our Florida roof maintenance checklist.

Insurance Considerations

After repairs, update your coverage:

• Get a wind mitigation inspection for premium discounts
• Document all upgrades for future claims
• Review coverage limits as property value increases
• Understand your updated deductible obligations

Conclusion

Recovering from hurricane roof damage is a process that requires patience, diligence, and the right partners. By following proper procedures, including thorough documentation, careful contractor selection, and coordinated insurance claims, you can restore your home's protection and emerge better prepared for future storms.

At Pro Specialty Services, we've helped countless Lake County homeowners recover from hurricane damage. We provide emergency tarping, work with your insurance company, and deliver quality repairs that protect your home for the long term. If your roof has suffered storm damage, contact us for an assessment. We're your neighbors, and we're here to help you rebuild.