SonShine Roofing – How to Prepare Your Roof for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season in Florida isn’t a “maybe” — it’s a yearly reality. Preparing your roof ahead of time can be the difference between minor repairs and a full-blown insurance nightmare. Think of it like giving your home a pre-season tune-up: the goal is to protect the structure, safeguard your family, and set yourself up for a smoother claims process if damage does occur.
1. Physical Preparations
- Schedule a professional inspection – Even if your roof looks fine from the ground, hidden vulnerabilities like lifted shingles, worn flashing, or soft spots in decking can be exposed under hurricane-force winds. Have a licensed roofer do a close-up inspection and address small problems now — they’ll be far cheaper to fix before a storm hits.
- Reinforce weak points – Pay extra attention to ridge caps, edges, and valleys where wind can grab first. Seal loose shingles, replace rusted nails with hurricane-rated fasteners, and ensure flashing is tight against walls and chimneys.
- Clear gutters and downspouts – Backed-up gutters aren’t just a water problem — they can overflow and soak the roof’s edges, making them more vulnerable to wind damage.
- Trim overhanging branches – Even healthy limbs can break in hurricane-force winds and puncture a roof. Maintain a safe clearance between trees and your home.
- Check attic ventilation – Adequate ventilation can help equalize pressure inside and outside the home during strong winds, reducing the risk of roof uplift.
- Join our Roof Care Club – If all of this sounds too daunting to handle every year, SonShine Roofing’s Roof Care Club is the perfect solution. We take care of your yearly maintenance needs AND provide you with a full 18-point written inspection with visual documentation of your roof. Say goodbye to denied claims and back-breaking work.
2. Documentation for Insurance
In the weeks after a hurricane, insurance adjusters will be stretched thin, and every piece of evidence you can provide will help speed up your claim.
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Get started- Take clear, dated photos and videos – Capture every slope, ridge, and flashing detail, both close-up and wide shots.
- Save inspection reports – Having a recent professional inspection report can be valuable proof that your roof was in good condition before the storm.
- Keep receipts for maintenance and repairs – This includes everything from replacing a few shingles to sealing flashing — all proof of upkeep that can strengthen your claim.
- Back up your records – Store digital copies in a cloud folder so they’re accessible even if your home loses power or internet.
Why SonShine Roofing is the Solution to Your Hurricane Woes
At SonShine Roofing, we’ve been helping Florida homeowners weather storms for nearly 40 years. If you’re not sure whether your roof is hurricane-ready, or you’d like professional documentation before the next major storm, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today and let’s make sure your home is ready for whatever the Gulf throws our way.
True Fence Florida – How to Prepare Your Fence for Hurricane Season
When hurricane winds roar through Florida, a fence that isn’t properly secured can become one of the first casualties — or worse, a dangerous projectile. That’s why preparation isn’t just about preventing damage; it’s also about making sure you can recover costs through your insurance company if damage does happen.
1. Physical Preparations
- Inspect every inch of your fence: Walk the full length and check that posts are sturdy and anchored. If a post moves when pushed, it needs to be reset in concrete.
- Upgrade hardware: Replace nails and corroded fasteners with stainless steel or galvanized screws that can better withstand high winds.
- Attach the fence to your house: Many homeowners don’t realize that for certain insurance claims, having the fence connected to the home by at least one screw can make a difference. This simple step can strengthen your claim — just be sure to photograph it before the storm.
- Strengthen gates: Install heavy-duty hinges and latches, and consider temporarily securing gates shut or removing them completely before a storm to prevent them from swinging.
- Remove nearby loose items: Garbage bins, yard tools, and decorative items can become dangerous if they’re hurled against your fence.
2. Documentation for Insurance
After a hurricane, insurance claim timelines can be frustratingly long — anywhere from six months to two years in many cases. That’s why your pre-storm documentation matters.
- Take clear, date-stamped photos from multiple angles.
- Include close-ups of posts, fasteners, and the connection to your home.
- Save repair invoices and inspection reports from licensed contractors.
- Keep all records in a dedicated folder so they’re easy to access if you need to file a claim.
3. Why True Fence Florida is Different After a Hurricane
True Fence Florida understands that storm damage is more than an inconvenience — it’s a disruption to your life and community. That’s why they’ve built their reputation on:
- Outstanding customer service — prompt responses, clear communication, and respect for your time.
- Record-setting lead times — often completing hurricane repairs in less than 30 days, compared to the months-long delays common in the industry.
- Full insurance support — we provide detailed estimates tailored for insurance claims and connect you with trusted adjusters and attorneys when needed.
- All fence types, all repair needs — whether your fence is wood, vinyl, aluminum, or chain link, we’ve got you covered.
- A community-first approach — our mission is to help neighborhoods recover quickly without exploiting those in need.
From preparation to restoration, True Fence Florida is committed to protecting your property — and your peace of mind — before, during, and after the storm.
Final Word for Homeowners
Hurricane prep isn’t about fear — it’s about foresight. Taking the time now to inspect, reinforce, and document your property can save you thousands in repairs and months of frustration in the aftermath of a storm.
Whether it’s making sure your shingles stay put, your fence stays standing, or your insurance payout doesn’t get bogged down in red tape, the best results come from planning ahead.
