Common Hurricane Roof Damage and How to Address It

Living in Central Florida means accepting that hurricanes are part of life. From tropical storms to major hurricanes, these weather events test our homes in ways that other regions never experience. Your roof, as the first line of defense against these storms, often sustains the most significant damage.

Understanding the types of damage hurricanes cause, how to identify them, and what steps to take after a storm can save you thousands of dollars and months of stress. At Pro Specialty Services, we've repaired countless roofs across Lake County after hurricane damage, and we want to share what we've learned with our community.

Understanding Hurricane Wind Damage

Hurricane winds don't just blow in one direction at a constant speed. They create complex pressure differentials and uplift forces that attack your roof from multiple angles. Understanding this helps you identify damage you might otherwise miss.

Direct Wind Damage

Shingle blow-off is the most visible wind damage. Hurricane-force winds (74+ mph) easily exceed the wind ratings of older shingles or improperly installed materials. You'll see bare spots on your roof where shingles have completely blown away, often finding them in your yard or your neighbor's property.

Lifted shingles occur when wind gets under shingle edges and breaks the seal strip. The shingle may still be attached but is now compromised. Lifted shingles often lay back down after the storm, making this damage easy to miss but critical to find. These shingles will leak during future rain and will blow off in the next high wind event.

Ridge cap damage affects the shingles running along your roof's peak. These take the brunt of wind uplift and are often the first to fail. Missing or damaged ridge caps expose the most vulnerable part of your roof.

Tile displacement and breakage affects tile roofs differently than shingle roofs. Wind can lift tiles from their clips, slide them out of position, or crack them. Even tiles that appear intact may have broken clips beneath them, making them vulnerable to the next storm.

Pressure Damage

Hurricane winds create areas of extreme low pressure that literally suck roofing materials upward. This is why you sometimes see entire roof sections lifted off homes during major hurricanes. Even when the roof stays intact, these pressure forces can:

• Break the seal between shingle layers
• Lift flashing away from the roof surface
• Pull fasteners partially out of the deck
• Stress and crack decking materials
• Damage soffit and fascia systems

Water Damage During Hurricanes

Wind damage often leads directly to water damage, but hurricanes also cause water intrusion through mechanisms you might not expect.

Wind-Driven Rain

Horizontal rain during hurricanes finds entry points that would never leak during normal rainfall. This is called "wind-driven rain intrusion" and can occur through:

• Small gaps in flashing that normally shed water but can't handle horizontal water pressure
• Ridge vents designed to prevent rain entry from above but not from the side
• Soffit vents that allow attic ventilation but also allow wind-driven rain into your attic space
• Window and door frames where water can run down walls and enter the roof system from below
• Compromised shingle seals where lifted shingles allow water to penetrate even if the shingle hasn't blown off

Flooding and Standing Water

Intense rainfall during hurricanes can overwhelm your roof's drainage system. When gutters can't handle the volume, water backs up under shingles at the eaves. Standing water on flat roofs or in low spots creates pressure that forces water through tiny gaps.

Debris Impact Damage

Flying debris during hurricanes causes puncture damage that ranges from obvious to nearly invisible.

Large debris impacts from tree limbs, fence sections, or neighbor's property create obvious holes requiring emergency tarping. These need immediate attention to prevent further damage.

Small debris impacts from gravel, small branches, and other lightweight objects can crack shingles, dent metal components, and create tiny punctures that leak slowly. This damage often isn't visible from the ground but shows up during professional inspection.

Falling tree damage requires specialized assessment. Even if the tree has been removed, impact damage to the roof structure may be hidden. The weight of a fallen tree can crack rafters, damage decking, and compromise structural integrity in ways that aren't visible from the surface.

Identifying Hidden Hurricane Damage

Much of the most serious hurricane damage isn't obvious. Here's what professionals look for that homeowners often miss:

Bruised shingles occur when hail or debris impacts damage the shingle without visibly breaking it. The internal structure is compromised, and the shingle will fail prematurely. This damage is often only visible up close or by touch.

Compromised fastener patterns happen when wind stress pulls nails partially through shingles or decking. The shingle may look fine, but its holding power is dramatically reduced.

Underlayment damage beneath intact shingles can occur from wind-driven rain or impact stress. The shingles themselves look fine, but the waterproofing layer beneath is compromised.

Structural stress from wind forces can crack rafters, split truss connections, and damage the roof deck. These issues may not cause immediate leaks but create serious long-term problems.

Temporary Fixes Homeowners Can Safely Do

While waiting for professional repairs, there are measures you can safely take to prevent further damage. Safety is paramount - never attempt these during dangerous conditions.

Emergency Tarping Guidelines

For small damaged areas that you can safely access AFTER conditions have cleared:

• Use heavy-duty tarps (at least 6-mil thickness)
• Extend the tarp at least 4 feet beyond the damage in all directions
• Secure with 2x4 boards weighted down or screwed through the tarp into the decking (as a last resort)
• Never put nails directly through the tarp and into the roof - they create new leak points
• Ensure water will shed off the tarp, not pool on it

Important safety notes:

• Only attempt roof access in dry, calm conditions
• Always have someone spot your ladder
• Wear shoes with good grip
• Never walk on a wet roof or damaged decking
• If in doubt, call for emergency professional help

Interior Protection

When your roof is leaking, focus on minimizing interior damage:

• Place containers under active leaks
• Move furniture and valuables away from affected areas
• Put plastic sheeting over items that can't be moved
• If ceiling is bulging, poke a small drain hole to prevent collapse
• Set up fans and dehumidifiers once leaking stops

Working With Insurance After Hurricane Damage

Navigating insurance claims after hurricane damage can be challenging, but proper preparation makes the process much smoother.

Documentation Is Everything

Before touching anything, document all damage thoroughly. For a comprehensive guide on what to capture and how to organize your evidence, see our detailed storm damage documentation guide.

• Take photos from multiple angles, including wide context shots
• Record video walking around your property
• Photograph the date on your phone or include a newspaper to timestamp
• Document weather conditions that caused the damage
• Save any debris that fell on your property from elsewhere
• Keep samples of damaged materials

Filing Your Claim

Report promptly. Most policies require timely reporting. Don't wait weeks to file your claim - call your insurance company within days of the storm.

Review your policy before calling so you understand your coverage, deductible (especially hurricane/wind deductibles which are often percentage-based), and any specific requirements.

Request a claim number and document the name of everyone you speak with.

Don't accept quick settlement offers before you fully understand the damage extent. Hidden damage often appears later.

Working With Adjusters

Be present during the inspection so you can point out damage you've identified and ask questions about what they're documenting.

Get your own inspection from a licensed storm damage restoration contractor. Their detailed assessment provides leverage if you need to negotiate.

Don't sign anything releasing the insurance company from further obligations until you're confident all damage has been identified and fairly valued.

Keep all receipts for emergency repairs, temporary housing, and any other storm-related expenses. These are often reimbursable.

When to Push Back

If your claim is denied or underpaid:

• Request a detailed written explanation of the denial
• Get a second opinion from a licensed contractor
• File a formal appeal with additional documentation
• Consider a public adjuster or attorney for significant claims
• Contact the Florida Department of Financial Services if you believe your claim was handled improperly

Permanent Repair Considerations

Once you're ready for permanent repairs, consider these factors:

Material Upgrades

If your roof is older or sustained significant damage, this may be the time to upgrade to more hurricane-resistant materials:

• Impact-resistant shingles with Class 4 ratings
• Metal roofing systems designed for high wind areas
• Enhanced underlayment for better waterproofing
• Hurricane clips and improved fastening patterns

Code Compliance

Florida building codes have improved significantly over the years. Major repairs may require bringing portions of your roof up to current code, which means better protection for future storms.

Contractor Selection

Choose your repair contractor carefully:

• Verify Florida contractor licensing
• Check for proper insurance (liability and workers' comp)
• Look for established local presence (not storm chasers)
• Request references from recent storm damage work
• Get detailed written estimates
• Never pay large deposits upfront

Prevention for Future Hurricanes

After repairs, take steps to reduce damage from future storms:

• Schedule annual professional roof inspections
• Trim trees that overhang your roof
• Ensure gutters and drainage are clear and functional
• Consider impact-resistant upgrades
• Maintain your roof's edges, flashing, and penetrations
• Keep emergency tarping supplies on hand

The Pro Specialty Services Commitment

When hurricanes hit Lake County, Pro Specialty Services responds. We understand the stress and urgency of storm damage, and we're committed to helping our neighbors recover quickly and completely.

Our insurance restoration team works directly with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damage. We provide detailed documentation, attend adjuster meetings, and advocate on your behalf.

If your home has sustained hurricane damage, don't wait for problems to get worse. Use our post-storm roof inspection checklist to identify immediate issues, then contact us for a comprehensive damage assessment. For guidance on working with your insurance company, see our insurance claim filing guide.