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What to Expect from Hurricane Roofing Damage

September 26, 20192 min read
EducationHow-To ArticlesRoof InspectionStorms
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Hurricane Roofing Damage: How to Prepare, Spot, and Prevent It

It’s hurricane season in Sarasota—and if you live along Florida’s Gulf Coast, your roof could be at serious risk. Wind, rain, hail, and debris can cause costly hurricane roofing damage that threatens your home’s safety and value.

Don’t wait for the next storm to strike. Here’s everything you need to know about the common types of damage hurricanes cause, how to inspect your roof safely, and how to prevent damage in the first place.

1. Common Types of Hurricane Roof Damage

Wind Damage

Hurricane-force winds can splinter wood shingles, crack asphalt shingles, and lift tiles. Once shingles or tiles are compromised, wind can rip them completely off, leaving your roof deck exposed and vulnerable to leaks.

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Water Damage

When wind lifts roofing materials, rainwater finds its way in. Wooden shingles can weaken and fall. Asphalt cracks allow moisture in, and lifted tiles can expose underlayment. Always inspect your attic after a storm for any signs of moisture intrusion.

Hail Damage

Some hurricanes bring hail, which causes dimpling on shingles and cracked or shattered roof tiles. Even minor hail damage can reduce the integrity and lifespan of your roof.

Structural Damage

Flying debris and falling trees can cause severe structural damage. While some damage may be obvious (like a branch through the roof), other structural issues may not appear until it’s unsafe—so leave inspections to the pros.

2. How to Inspect Your Roof After a Hurricane

Check for Leaks and Water Stains

Start in your attic. Use a bright LED flashlight to look for dark stains, moisture, or mold around rafters, valleys, vents, and ceiling corners. These are telltale signs of leaks caused by roof failure.

Inspect from the Ground

Walk the perimeter of your home and look for shingles, tiles, flashing, or chimney caps on the ground. Debris and roofing materials scattered around your yard often point to damage above.

Avoid Getting on the Roof

Do not climb onto your roof. Post-storm roofs can be unstable and slippery. Instead, use binoculars or a ladder to inspect from the edge. If you suspect serious issues, contact a professional roofer for a full evaluation.

3. How to Prevent Roof Damage Before a Storm

Inspect, Secure, and Seal

Before hurricane season ramps up, schedule a professional roof inspection. Replace loose shingles, seal exposed seams with waterproof tape, and repair damaged flashing or underlayment.

Trim Nearby Trees

Hurricanes turn nearby trees into wrecking balls. Trim limbs that hang over your home, and remove weak or dead trees entirely. This is a simple way to reduce the chance of structural damage.

Install Roof Straps

Florida building codes require some coastal homes to install metal roof straps, which help secure the roof to the structure during high winds. If your home doesn’t have them, talk to a local roofing contractor about installing this added layer of protection.

Be Prepared for Hurricane Roofing Damage

Storm damage is unpredictable—but a strong, well-maintained roof is your first line of defense. Knowing how to spot problems early and prevent common issues can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and protect your home and family.

Need help getting your roof ready for the next hurricane? SonShine Roofing has over 38 years of experience serving Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties. Schedule a pre-storm inspection with our expert team today.

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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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