7 Essential Steps to Hurricane-Proof Your Roof Before the Storm Hits

Living in Sarasota, Florida means living with the reality of hurricane season. When strong winds
and torrential rain threaten your home, your roof is your first and most critical line of defense. At
SonShine Roofing, we specialize in hurricane roof preparation to help protect your home and
your peace of mind.
Many homeowners wonder, “Is my roof ready for hurricane season?” If you are unsure, now is
the time to act. Strengthening your roof today can prevent costly storm damage later.
Here are 7 essential steps to hurricane-proof your roof before the next big storm hits:

1. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Before the storms roll in, have your roof professionally inspected by a trusted Sarasota roofing
company like SonShine Roofing. We’ll check for missing shingles, worn flashing, weak roof
decking, and any areas that could be compromised during high winds.
Ignoring small issues can lead to major water intrusion or even full roof failure during a
hurricane. Early detection saves time, money, and stress.

2. Reinforce Shingles and Tiles
Loose, curled, or missing shingles are an open invitation for hurricane winds. We recommend re-
securing or replacing any compromised shingles and tiles to prevent uplift and cascading roof
damage.
Considering an upgrade? High wind resistant shingles, metal and tile offer added protection
against flying debris and extreme conditions.

3. Install Hurricane Straps or Clips

Hurricane straps are metal connectors that anchor your roof more securely to the home’s walls.
Florida building codes now require them in new construction, but older homes often lack this
critical reinforcement.
Retrofitting your home with hurricane straps can make a huge difference in roof stability — a
service that SonShine Roofing can expertly handle when replacing the roof. If you are not
looking to replace the roof anytime soon, then we would recommend Maximum Solutions. They
can often fortify the hurricane straps without roof removal.

4. Secure or Replace Roof Vents
Roof vents, turbines, and exhaust fans are weak points that can easily be torn off. We ensure all
roof penetrations are tightly sealed and properly fastened to help prevent leaks or potential
damage during storms.

5. Clear and Strengthen Gutters
Clear gutters and downspouts ensure that water drains away properly instead of backing up onto
your roof. During hurricane season, every inch of water flow matters to prevent leaks and
structural weakening. For gutter cleaning we recommend calling Hoover Pressure.

We also recommend installing gutter guards to keep debris out and minimize maintenance during
storms. Our friends over at All About Aluminum & Screen. They have a great solution for this.

6. Trim Trees and Overhanging Branches
Flying branches are one of the most common causes of storm roof damage. Regularly trim large
trees around your home to minimize risk, especially if they hang over the roofline. If you are not
about to get to those high branches, check out Romans Lawn Professionals. They have the guys
and equipment to handle all your needs.

7. Review Your Homeowners Insurance
Even with all precautions, hurricane damage can still occur. Protect your investment by making
sure your insurance policy adequately covers hurricane-related roof repairs. For reliable
coverage, Avalon Insurance Group offers excellent policies tailored for Florida homeowners.

Why Choose SonShine Roofing for Hurricane Roof Preparation?
30+ years of Sarasota roofing experience
Licensed and insured contractors
Specializing in storm damage repair and hurricane reinforcement
5-star customer satisfaction

Call SonShine Roofing today at (941) 866-4320 or visit our website to schedule your roof
inspection and be storm-ready with confidence.