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5 Must-Do Roofing Tips to Survive Hurricane Season in Sarasota

May 22, 20253 min read
EducationHurricane Preparation
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5 must-do roofing tips

If you live in Sarasota or anywhere along Florida’s Gulf Coast, you know hurricane season isn’t something to take lightly. Between high winds, torrential rain, and flying debris, your roof takes the brunt of every storm. At SonShine Roofing, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port prepare for hurricane season and repair storm-damaged roofs after the skies clear.

Your roof isn’t just the top of your home — it’s your first and most important line of defense. With the right preparation, inspections, and reinforcements, you can dramatically reduce your risk of costly damage and ensure your family’s safety.

1. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection Before Storm Season Starts

Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 to November 30. Proactive homeowners begin preparations in early spring. Why act early? Because small roofing issues can quickly turn into major disasters under hurricane-force winds. Our comprehensive Tip Top Roof Checkup is designed to identify and fix weak spots before the storm hits.

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  • Loose or missing shingles
  • Corroded or detached flashing
  • Moisture stains or sagging areas in your attic
  • Potentially weak decking that may need reinforcement

These issues can often be resolved through targeted roof repairs before a storm arrives.

2. Repair or Replace Roofing Materials Before They Fail

Neglected maintenance is one of the most common reasons roofs fail during a hurricane. If your roof has curling, cracked, or missing shingles, its structural integrity is already compromised.

Depending on your roof’s condition, our Roofing Specialists may recommend:

  • Spot repairs for localized damage
  • Re-roofing certain sections
  • Full roof replacement for aging or compromised systems

We also offer premium hurricane-ready materials such as:

  • Impact-resistant shingles
  • Metal roofing systems rated for high wind zones
  • Architectural asphalt shingles with superior wind uplift resistance

These options may also qualify for discounts under certain Florida insurance policies.

3. Reinforce Your Roof with Bracing and Hurricane Clips

A strong roof depends on more than shingles—it’s about how it’s tied to your home. Hurricane clips are metal connectors that attach roof trusses or rafters directly to your home’s walls for added strength. Bracing adds extra resistance against uplift during high winds.

We follow Florida Building Code standards and offer upgrades that reinforce your home’s entire roofing system.

4. Upgrade to a Waterproof Underlayment System

Shingles are the first line of defense, but underlayment is the critical backup. A high-quality, waterproof underlayment ensures that even if shingles blow off, your home stays dry underneath.

During your inspection, we’ll assess your current setup and recommend modern synthetic or peel-and-stick underlayments built for hurricane conditions.

5. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Even the best roof may be damaged by an extreme storm. Be sure your policy provides sufficient coverage. Review it with a Florida-specific agent to confirm:

  • Coverage for wind and hurricane damage
  • Roof replacement eligibility
  • Reasonable deductibles for hurricane-related claims

For more information, visit Florida’s Department of Financial Services.

Frequently Asked Hurricane Roofing Questions

How often should I inspect my roof?
At least once a year—preferably before hurricane season—and after any major storm. You can learn more in our guide: How to Make Your Roof Last.

What roofing materials offer the best hurricane protection?
We recommend metal roofs or Class 4 impact-resistant asphalt shingles designed to withstand Florida storms.

Can you help with emergency roofing after a hurricane?
Yes. We offer emergency roof repairs and damage assessments for homes in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, North Port, and surrounding areas. However, keep in mind that if roads are impassable or power goes out for a significant portion of our employees, we cannot provide service.

Be Proactive—Not Reactive

Each year, storms become more severe across Florida. Protect your home and family with expert service and preparation from SonShine Roofing.

📅 Schedule Your Hurricane Roof Inspection Today

📞 Call us at (941) 866-4320
🌐 Visit SonShineRoofing.com
📍 Proudly serving Sarasota, Venice, Siesta Key, and surrounding areas

We believe a well-prepared roof can protect your home—and your family. Don’t wait until the storm is knocking—contact the roofing experts who care about your safety and your future.

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General FAQs

Does attic insulation and ventilation really make a difference?

Yes—more than most homeowners realize. Your roof surface can run nearly 100°F hotter than the air on summer days, and attics can hit the high 100s. Without proper insulation and balanced airflow, that heat and moisture can warp beams, fry shingles from beneath, and invite rot. The fix is straightforward: sufficient attic insulation plus soffit intake + ridge exhaust ventilation to move hot, wet air out. 

How do the main roofing materials compare in Sarasota’s climate?

  • Asphalt shingles: Affordable, easy to source, and versatile. Pros: fire/water resistance, low maintenance, ~25-year lifespan. Cons: lighter weight can mean blow-offs in big storms; extreme summer heat can warp/crack; expect occasional repair budgeting. 
  • Clay tile: Classic look, handles heat and salt spray, long-lasting (up to ~50 years). Pros: fire/rot resistance, stays put in wind. Cons: pricey, heavy (may need structural reinforcement), and fragile during handling. 
  • Concrete tile: Popular in Florida and lighter than many expect. Pros: durable (about 50–100 years), low maintenance, fire/water resistance, strong wind performance, color options (can mimic wood/other looks). Cons: somewhat expensive; design options are more limited than premium materials. 
  • Metal roofing: Comes in profiles that resemble shingles/tiles/shakes. Pros: little maintenance, fire/water/insect resistance, stands up to salt spray, reflects heat (can lower cooling bills), up to ~40-year lifespan. Cons: higher upfront cost and more limited design choices. 
  • Slate: Stunning and extremely durable (often 100+ years). Pros: water/rot/fire resistance, high hurricane tolerance. Cons: very heavy (reinforcement likely), fragile to walk on, and the most expensive option here. 

What causes roof leaks?

Leaks usually start at weak points—not just during hurricanes. In Florida, extreme heat and UV make materials expand/contract, turning brittle and cracking over time; even asphalt tar can soften and lose its seal. 

  • Aging roof: Heat/UV cycles degrade shingles and seals, opening paths for water. 
  • Flashing failures: Cracked, rusted, or separated metal around chimneys, vents, valleys, and walls.  
  • Missing/damaged shingles: Wind and storms pull or crack shingles, exposing underlayment and decking.  
  • Clogged gutters: Standing water backs up under edges and soaks materials—especially in rainy season.
  • Skylight leaks: Worn rubber seals or loose skylight flashing let water in at the frame.

Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. If you browse our Roofing Project Gallery, you will see high-resolution drone videos of our featured projects with links to the materials we used.

How can I extend my roof’s lifespan?

Treat it like preventive medicine.

  • Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t back up under edges and soak the decking—check especially after storms. 
  • Manage trees: trim back overhangs; big branches are a real hazard in wind events. 
  • Insulate the attic to reduce heat transfer that can stress rafters and age materials faster. 
  • Ventilate the attic (intake at soffits, exhaust at ridge) to dump heat and moisture before they warp wood or cook shingles from below. 
  • Do regular roof cleanups/visual checks for debris, missing/curling shingles, or granule loss. 
  • Schedule professional inspections to catch small issues before they snowball. Sarasota heat + summer storms reward proactive care. 

What’s the best roof type for Florida homes?

There isn’t a single winner—it’s about matching material to Sarasota’s heat, humidity, storms, wind, and (for coastal folks) salt spray. Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly and common; concrete and clay tiles bring serious longevity and wind resistance; metal reflects heat and shrugs off salt; slate is gorgeous and ultra-durable but heavy and costly. The “best” choice balances your budget, aesthetics, structural needs, and how exposed your home is to wind and sea air.  

Do you employ subcontractors?

No, we do not employ subcontractors. All of the crews we employ are W-2 employees and on our payroll.

Are you licensed and insured in the State of Florida?

Yes, we are licensed by the State of Florida, which you can verify here. We also carry comprehensive liability insurance.

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