Is Your Roof Hurricane Ready? How to Prepare Your Home For a Hurricane

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

August 28, 2018•3 min read•

EducationHow-To Articles

Copied!

how to prepare your home for a hurricane hurricane roof prep florida hurricane checklist hurricane-proofing your home sarasota roofing contractor

Hurricane season is in full swing. Do you know how to prepare your home for a hurricane in Florida?

When Hurricane Irma hit, more than a million people were affected. While you can’t stop a hurricane or relocate your home, you can take steps to minimize the potential damage. The sooner you act, the better protected your property and family will be.

Below is a comprehensive Florida hurricane prep checklist to help you secure your home—especially your roof—before the next storm rolls in.

Take the first step

Schedule a fast, no-pressure visit. Since 1987 we’ve got you covered.

Get started

Basic Home Storm-Guarding Steps

Here are a few basic precautions that go a long way:

Perform necessary roof repairs now to avoid emergency leaks.
Clear out gutters and downspouts to allow rainwater to drain properly.
Move outdoor furniture and decorations inside to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
Have a generator and fuel supply ready for use during potential outages.
Know how to shut off your home’s gas, water, and electricity safely.

These are just the start. For more comprehensive protection, follow the next steps.

1. Secure the Roof

Install hurricane straps or clips to fasten the roof to your home’s frame. Roof uplift is one of the most dangerous hurricane impacts. You may also want to invest in a professional roof inspection to ensure your home is ready.

2. Reinforce Doors

Install head and foot bolts on all entry doors to keep them secure during high winds. Garage doors can also be reinforced with retrofit kits to prevent collapse.

3. Cover Windows

Use storm shutters or cut-to-size plywood (at least 5/8″ thick) to protect windows and glass doors. Reinforced plywood is best for sliding glass doors or larger openings.

4. Caulk Entry Points

Use weatherproof caulk around windows and doors to prevent wind-driven rain from seeping into your home and causing costly water damage.

5. Secure External Structures

Reinforce or anchor carports, sheds, decks, and awnings. These can be torn away in a storm and cause damage to your home or neighboring properties.

6. Test Drainage

Make sure your yard and driveway drains are functional. Flooding can start when water has nowhere to go.

Landscape Protection

Yard prep is an important part of hurricane-proofing your house. Follow these tips:

Trim tree limbs and overgrown shrubs. Learn how to prune trees effectively.
Swap out gravel for shredded bark to reduce airborne debris.
Have a certified arborist inspect large trees that could fall on your home.
Tie down small shrubs and trees with soft rope or commercial straps.

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Wind Insurance

Standard homeowner’s insurance in Florida typically covers wind damage. However, check with your provider about your coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions before storm season intensifies.

Flood Insurance

Hurricane damage often includes flooding—but your standard policy won’t cover it. Flood insurance is a separate policy available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Even if you’re not in a designated flood zone, it may be worth the investment.

Act Early—Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The time to prepare your home for a hurricane is now—not when the storm is already on its way. Roof damage is among the most common and most expensive hurricane repairs. Protecting your roof is critical to protecting everything underneath it.

Need expert help getting your roof hurricane-ready in Sarasota or surrounding areas? Contact SonShine Roofing today for an inspection or repair quote. We’ll help you storm-proof your roof and give you peace of mind before the next storm hits.

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.