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Hurricane season in Florida runs from June through November, with peak activity in August through October. The time to prepare your roof is before the season starts—not when a storm is heading our way. Here's what every Lake County homeowner should do.
Schedule a Pre-Season Inspection
Have a professional inspect your roof before hurricane season. They'll identify loose shingles, damaged flashing, deteriorating seals around vents and skylights, and other vulnerabilities that could fail during high winds.
Minor repairs made in May cost a fraction of emergency repairs made during storm season—and good luck finding a roofer when everyone needs one.
Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under roof edges during heavy rain. Before storm season, clear all debris from gutters and downspouts. Verify that water flows freely away from your foundation.
Consider installing gutter guards if you have significant tree coverage—they'll reduce debris buildup throughout the season.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Trees near your home should be trimmed so no branches hang over the roof. High winds turn loose branches into projectiles that can puncture shingles or worse. Even branches that just scrape across the roof cause damage.
Hire a professional arborist for large trees—improper cutting can make trees more susceptible to storm damage, not less.
Check Flashing and Seals
Flashing around vents, skylights, and where roof meets walls is often the first failure point in high winds. Verify that all flashing is securely fastened and that sealant isn't cracked or deteriorated.
If you have an older skylight, consider having it inspected or upgraded—they're a common weak point during storms.
Secure Loose Items
Satellite dishes, antennas, and decorative features mounted on or near your roof should be firmly secured. Loose items become projectiles in high winds and can damage your roof and your neighbors'.
Document Everything
Before storm season, photograph your roof from multiple angles. If you have attic access, photograph the underside of the roof deck too. This documentation is invaluable for insurance claims if storm damage occurs.
Also photograph the interior of your home, especially ceilings and walls near exterior walls. This establishes the pre-storm condition.
Know Your Insurance Coverage
Review your homeowner's policy to understand your hurricane deductible (usually separate from your regular deductible) and what's covered. Know whether you have RCV (replacement cost value) or ACV (actual cash value) coverage.
If you're unsure about your coverage, contact your insurance agent before storm season. Understanding your policy before you need it is much less stressful.
Have Emergency Supplies Ready
Keep a supply of tarps, plywood, and sandbags on hand. If your roof is damaged during a storm, temporary protection prevents further interior damage while waiting for permanent repairs.
Store contact information for your roofing contractor. After a hurricane, cell service may be unreliable and finding contractor contact info can be difficult.
After a Storm
Never climb on a wet or damaged roof yourself. Wait for safe conditions and have a professional assess damage. Take photos of any visible damage for insurance purposes.
Be wary of storm chasers who appear immediately after hurricanes offering quick repairs. Verify licensing and references before signing any contracts.
Don't Wait for the Warning
The best hurricane preparation happens months before any storm threatens. Use the winter and early spring to address roof maintenance and repairs. By June, you should feel confident that your roof is ready for whatever the season brings.
At Pro Specialty Services, we offer pre-hurricane season inspections to identify and address vulnerabilities before they become problems. Contact us early in the year when scheduling is flexible.
Caleb Hutchinson
Owner, Pro Specialty Services
"Every year I see the same thing—homeowners scrambling to prepare their roofs when a hurricane is announced. By then, there's no time to do it right. The smart homeowners get their inspection in April or May, fix any issues, and spend hurricane season confident their roof is ready. That peace of mind is worth the small investment."
