Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity in August through October. After the active 2024 and 2025 seasons, forecasters are predicting another above-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2026. The time to prepare your roof is now - not when a storm is 3 days out and every roofer in Lake County is booked solid.
In this guide
This is the exact checklist our crews use when we inspect roofs before hurricane season. Follow it yourself or schedule a professional inspection - either way, your roof will be ready.
The Complete Hurricane Roof Inspection Checklist
| Priority | Item | What to Look For | DIY or Pro? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical | Missing/damaged shingles | Curling, cracking, missing tabs | Pro |
| Critical | Flashing condition | Lifted, rusted, cracked sealant | Pro |
| Critical | Ridge cap integrity | Loose or damaged ridge shingles | Pro |
| Important | Gutter condition | Clogs, loose brackets, downspout flow | DIY |
| Important | Tree limbs | Branches within 6 ft of roof | Arborist |
| Important | Skylight seals | Cracked glazing, deteriorated flashing | Pro |
| Important | Vent boots | Cracked rubber, gaps around pipes | Pro |
| Preventive | Roof-mounted items | Satellite dishes, antennas secured | DIY |
| Preventive | Attic inspection | Daylight showing, stains, soft spots | DIY/Pro |
| Preventive | Documentation | Photos of roof, interior ceilings | DIY |
Phase 1: Pre-Season Inspection (April-May)
The best time to prepare is before hurricane season starts on June 1. Here's what to do and why.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Have a licensed roofer walk your roof and inspect every component. A professional inspection covers areas you can't safely access and identifies problems invisible from the ground:
- Nail pops - nails backing out of decking create lift points where wind gets under shingles
- Granule loss - bare spots on shingles mean they're nearing end of life and vulnerable to wind damage
- Flashing integrity - the #1 failure point in hurricanes. Flashing around chimneys, walls, vents, and skylights must be tight
- Ridge and hip cap condition - cap shingles take the most wind force and fail first in storms
- Underlayment visibility - if you can see underlayment or decking anywhere, that's an emergency repair
Minor repairs in May cost a fraction of emergency repairs in September. And finding a roofer during hurricane season? Good luck - everyone needs one at the same time.
Check the Attic from Inside
If you have attic access, go up with a flashlight and look for:
- Daylight coming through the roof deck (gaps = wind entry points)
- Water stains on rafters or decking (indicates existing leaks that will worsen)
- Soft or spongy spots in the decking (rotted wood will fail under wind pressure)
- Mold or mildew (indicates moisture intrusion already happening)
Trim Overhanging Trees
Trees near your home are the #1 source of roof damage during hurricanes. Dead branches become missiles in 80+ mph winds.
- Cut all branches within 6 feet of your roof
- Remove dead limbs from any tree near the house, even if not directly overhanging
- Hire a certified arborist for large trees - improper cutting can make trees more susceptible to storm toppling
- If a large tree concerns you, get it assessed now, not when a storm is coming
Phase 2: Clean and Secure (May-June)
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters during a hurricane are a recipe for disaster. Water backs up under the roof edge, saturates the fascia board, and can peel the drip edge off - giving wind a place to grab your roof.
- Clear all debris from gutters and downspouts
- Flush with a hose to verify water flows freely
- Repair any sagging or loose gutter brackets (these fail first in wind)
- Consider gutter guards if you have heavy tree coverage
- Ensure downspouts direct water at least 4 feet away from the foundation
Secure Roof-Mounted Equipment
Satellite dishes, antennas, solar panel mounts, and decorative elements on or near your roof become projectiles in high winds:
- Verify all mounting bolts and brackets are tight
- Check sealant around any roof penetrations from mounts
- Remove decorative items that can't withstand 100+ mph winds
- Ensure solar panel clamps and racking are rated for your wind zone
Check Soffit and Fascia
Often overlooked, damaged soffit panels allow wind-driven rain into your attic during a hurricane:
- Walk the perimeter and look up - check for loose, cracked, or missing soffit panels
- Verify fascia boards are solidly attached
- Ensure soffit vents aren't blocked (proper ventilation prevents pressure buildup)
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Phase 3: 48-Hour Pre-Storm Protocol
When a hurricane or tropical storm targets Central Florida, take these final steps.
Gather Emergency Roofing Supplies
Keep these on hand before you need them:
- Blue tarps - at least two 20×30 ft tarps for emergency covering
- 2×4 lumber - for securing tarps to the roof
- Roofing nails and a hammer - for temporary repairs
- Duct tape and roofing cement - for quick patches
- Sandbags - for securing tarps and directing water flow
- Flashlight and batteries - for assessing damage after the storm
Final Yard Walkthrough
- Remove or secure all patio furniture, grills, potted plants, and lawn decorations
- Bring in anything that can become airborne - a plastic chair at 100 mph is as damaging as a baseball bat
- Store loose items in garage or anchor them securely
Document Everything
This step is critical for insurance claims:
- Photograph your roof from all four sides and all visible angles
- Photograph interior ceilings and walls (establishes pre-storm condition)
- Video walkthrough of your home's exterior
- Save photos to cloud storage (not just your phone - your phone could be damaged)
- Note your insurance policy number, deductible amount, and agent contact info
Phase 4: After the Storm
Safety First
- Never climb a wet or damaged roof - wait for safe conditions
- Watch for downed power lines near your home
- Check for gas leaks before entering if there's structural damage
- Wear shoes with good traction if you must walk near debris
Assess and Document Damage
- Photograph all visible damage from the ground before touching anything
- Check interior ceilings and walls for new water stains
- Note the date and time of damage discovery for insurance
- If you see active leaking, place buckets and try to identify the source from inside the attic
Emergency Covering
If your roof is damaged and rain is expected:
- Use tarps to cover damaged areas (if you can safely access the roof)
- Secure tarps with 2×4s and nails - don't just weigh them down with bricks
- Call your roofer immediately for emergency service
- Do NOT attempt major repairs yourself - temporary covering only
File Your Insurance Claim
- Call your insurance company within 24-48 hours of the storm
- Provide your pre-storm documentation photos
- Request a claim number and document the adjuster's name and contact info
- Get a professional damage assessment from a licensed roofer (not a storm chaser)
- Don't sign anything with a contractor until your claim is filed
Avoid Storm Chasers
After every hurricane, out-of-state contractors flood Florida offering quick repairs. Be extremely cautious:
- Verify Florida contractor licensing (search at myfloridalicense.com)
- Never pay more than 10% deposit upfront
- Don't sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) - it gives the contractor control of your insurance claim
- Get multiple quotes from established local companies
- Check Google reviews and BBB ratings before signing any contract
Know Your Insurance Before You Need It
Review your policy now, not after a storm:
- Hurricane deductible - separate from your regular deductible, usually 2-5% of your home's insured value (on a $300K home, that's $6,000-$15,000)
- RCV vs ACV coverage - Replacement Cost Value pays to replace at current prices; Actual Cash Value deducts depreciation. Know which you have.
- Water damage coverage - some policies exclude wind-driven rain if roof damage isn't covered. Understand the fine print.
- Additional Living Expenses - know if your policy covers temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable
2026 Hurricane Season Outlook
Both NOAA and Colorado State University are forecasting above-average activity for 2026, following the active 2024 and 2025 seasons. Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic continue to fuel more frequent and intense tropical systems.
For Central Florida - including Eustis, Tavares, Mount Dora, and Leesburg - this means preparation is not optional. Even tropical storms that don't make direct landfall can produce damaging winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes.
Don't Wait for the Warning
The best hurricane preparation happens months before any storm threatens. Use winter and early spring to address roof maintenance and repairs. By June 1, you should feel confident your roof is ready for whatever the season brings.
At Pro Specialty Services, we offer pre-hurricane season roof inspections across Lake County. We identify vulnerabilities, make repairs while there's still time, and give you peace of mind heading into storm season. Schedule your inspection now - our spring calendar fills fast.
Already have storm damage? Our storm damage restoration team responds within 24 hours and handles insurance claims from start to finish.
Related Guides
Storm already happened? Follow our after-storm roof checklist to document damage and file your insurance claim. Considering a more hurricane-resistant roof? Compare your options in our metal vs shingle roofing guide. Need to check your attic ventilation? See our ridge vent vs box vent comparison.
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