Preparing Your Roof for Hurricane Season in Florida

Florida's hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically occurring between mid-August and late October. For Central Florida homeowners, this means having several months each year when your roof may face the ultimate test.

Preparation is everything. The roofs that survive hurricane seasons with minimal damage are the ones that were properly maintained and reinforced before the storms arrived. At Pro Specialty Services, we've seen firsthand how pre-season preparation makes all the difference.

Why Pre-Season Preparation Matters

Consider what happens when a hurricane is actually approaching: hardware stores run out of plywood and tarps, contractors are fully booked, and everyone is focused on immediate safety rather than repairs. The time to address roof vulnerabilities is before storm season, when you have time to plan, budget, and execute properly.

Pre-season preparation allows you to:

• Identify and fix existing problems at your pace
• Consider upgrades that improve storm resistance
• Shop for materials and contractors without emergency pressure
• Schedule work during ideal weather conditions
• Budget appropriately instead of facing unexpected emergency costs

The Pre-Hurricane Season Roof Checklist

Work through this comprehensive checklist in the spring, before hurricane season begins:

Professional Inspection

Schedule a professional roof inspection in April or May. A trained inspector will identify issues you might miss:

• Missing, damaged, or deteriorating shingles
• Lifted or unsealed shingle edges
• Damaged or corroded flashing
• Deteriorated sealants around penetrations
• Compromised ridge caps
• Signs of previous water intrusion
• Structural issues in the attic
• Ventilation system condition

Professional roof inspection provides a detailed report of your roof's condition and prioritized recommendations for any necessary repairs or upgrades.

Shingle and Tile Assessment

For shingle roofs:

• Check for curling, cracking, or missing shingles
• Look for excessive granule loss (check gutters for granules)
• Ensure all shingles are properly sealed
• Verify adequate nailing patterns, especially at edges

For tile roofs:

• Inspect for cracked or broken tiles
• Check that tiles are properly secured to their clips
• Look for displaced or misaligned tiles
• Assess underlayment condition if tiles are lifted

For metal roofs:

• Check fasteners for looseness or corrosion
• Inspect seams and joints for separation
• Look for dents or damage that could compromise panels
• Ensure edge trim is secure

Flashing and Penetrations

Flashing failures are among the most common sources of storm leaks:

• Inspect all flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
• Check roof-to-wall flashing on any dormers or wall intersections
• Examine drip edge and rake edge flashing
• Verify that all penetration boots and seals are intact
• Look for rust, corrosion, or lifting on metal flashing

Gutter and Drainage Systems

Proper drainage prevents water backup that can damage roof edges:

• Clean all gutters and downspouts thoroughly
• Repair any sagging, loose, or damaged sections
• Ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation
• Check splash blocks and drainage paths
• Consider gutter guards if debris is a recurring problem

Soffit and Fascia

These components protect your roof's edges and provide ventilation:

• Inspect soffit panels for damage or gaps
• Check fascia boards for rot, damage, or peeling paint
• Ensure soffit vents are clear and functional
• Look for signs of animal entry or nesting

Tree and Landscape Assessment

Trees and vegetation contribute to a significant percentage of storm damage:

• Trim branches that overhang your roof by at least 10 feet
• Remove dead limbs and trees that could fall on your home
• Clear debris from roof valleys and near penetrations
• Secure or store outdoor items that could become projectiles

Reinforcement Options to Consider

If your roof is older or your inspection reveals vulnerabilities, consider these upgrades before storm season:

Hurricane Straps and Clips

Hurricane straps (also called hurricane clips or tie-downs) connect your roof structure to your walls, preventing the roof from lifting off during high winds. If your home was built before Florida's current building codes, you may lack adequate connections.

• Metal strap installation can often be done from the attic
• Provides significant protection against roof uplift
• May qualify you for insurance discounts
• Relatively affordable compared to roof replacement

Secondary Water Barrier

Florida building code requires a secondary water barrier in certain wind zones. If your roof doesn't have one, adding a self-adhering modified bitumen membrane under your roofing material provides critical backup waterproofing if shingles or tiles blow off.

Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials

When replacing shingles or planning a new roof:

• Impact-resistant shingles with Class 4 ratings withstand hail and debris
• Metal roofing offers superior wind resistance
• Concrete and clay tiles, properly installed, perform well in hurricanes
• Consider enhanced underlayment for any roofing material

Enhanced Fastening Patterns

Modern building codes require specific nailing patterns for hurricane zones, but older roofs may not meet these standards. Re-roofing with enhanced fastening dramatically improves wind resistance:

• More nails per shingle (6 instead of 4)
• Proper nail placement in the nailing strip
• Starter strip installation at eaves and rakes
• High-wind application of adhesive at roof edges

Ridge Vent Upgrades

Standard ridge vents can allow wind-driven rain entry during hurricanes. Consider:

• Hurricane-rated ridge vent products
• External baffle systems that block horizontal rain
• Alternative ventilation methods for high-wind areas

Maintenance Tasks for Storm Readiness

Beyond inspection and upgrades, regular maintenance keeps your roof storm-ready:

Seal exposed nail heads. Any nail heads visible on your roof surface should be sealed with roofing cement to prevent water entry.

Address minor flashing issues. Small gaps or lifted flashing can be sealed with appropriate caulk or roofing cement.

Replace cracked or damaged vent boots. The rubber boots around plumbing vents deteriorate over time and are easy to replace.

Clear debris from valleys and edges. Accumulated debris holds moisture and can compromise roofing materials.

Test attic ventilation. Proper ventilation reduces heat buildup that can damage roofing materials and prevents moisture problems.

Creating Your Hurricane Preparedness Kit

Have emergency supplies ready before storms threaten:

Tarping supplies:

• Heavy-duty tarps (at least 6-mil, sized for your potential damage area)
• 2x4 boards for securing tarps
• Rope or bungee cords
• Work gloves and safety glasses

Documentation materials:

• Recent roof photos stored in cloud backup
• Insurance policy information
• Contractor contact numbers
• Home inventory with photos

Emergency tools:

• Flashlights and batteries
• Battery-powered radio
• Basic hand tools
• Buckets and containers for catching water
• Plastic sheeting for protecting belongings

Insurance Review

Before hurricane season, review your homeowner's insurance:

Understand your coverage:

• What's your wind/hurricane deductible?
• What documentation does your insurer require?
• Is there a waiting period for new coverage changes?
• Are there coverage limits you should increase?

Consider additional coverage:

• Flood insurance (not covered by standard policies)
• Contents replacement value coverage
• Additional living expenses coverage

Document your home's condition:

• Take dated photos of your roof's current condition
• Keep records of all maintenance and repairs
• Store documentation off-site or in cloud backup

Timing Your Preparations

Here's a suggested timeline for hurricane season preparation:

April:

• Schedule professional roof inspection
• Review and update insurance coverage
• Start tree trimming and landscape cleanup

May:

• Complete any repairs identified during inspection
• Order supplies for emergency kit
• Clear gutters and check drainage

June (Season Start):

• Final walk-around inspection
• Verify emergency kit is complete and accessible
• Confirm contractor contact information is current
• Test any backup power equipment

Throughout the Season:

• Monitor weather forecasts regularly
• Keep gutters clear after storms
• Address any damage immediately, even minor
• Inspect after every significant storm

When a Storm Is Approaching

If a hurricane or tropical storm is forecast for your area:

48-72 hours before:

• Move outdoor furniture and items that could become projectiles
• Take current photos of your property condition
• Review your evacuation plan if applicable
• Fill vehicles with gas; withdraw cash

24-48 hours before:

• Install any permanent storm protection (shutters, etc.)
• Clear remaining yard debris
• Charge all devices and backup batteries
• Secure important documents

12-24 hours before:

• Final property walk-around
• Bring in any remaining outdoor items
• Make final preparations for sheltering in place or evacuating

Do not attempt roof repairs once a storm is imminent. It's too late and too dangerous. If you notice a problem, document it and plan to address it after the storm.

After the Season: Post-Hurricane Assessment

Even if your area avoided direct hits during the season:

Schedule a post-season inspection to identify any wear or minor damage that occurred during the season.

Address any issues before they worsen over the winter months or become problems for the next season.

Update your documentation with current photos and any repairs completed.

Replenish emergency supplies that were used or expired during the season.

The Pro Specialty Services Pre-Season Program

At Pro Specialty Services, we offer comprehensive pre-hurricane season storm preparation services for Lake County homeowners:

• Professional roof inspection with detailed report
• Priority scheduling for identified repairs
• Reinforcement recommendations based on your roof type and age
• Emergency response planning for our existing customers
• Insurance documentation assistance

Don't wait until storms are in the forecast. Contact us in the spring to schedule your pre-season roof inspection and ensure your home is ready for whatever hurricane season brings.