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Don’t Wait for Storm Damage: Get the Wheels of Roof Repair in Motion Now

June 6, 20162 min read
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Sarasota weather is among the most gratifying in the nation. Even those subtropical temperatures of summer are easily tolerable thanks to our faithful ocean breezes. You may even be one of the many area residents who loves to sit on the beach and watch the light, airy clouds swell into one of our well-known coastal thunderstorms.

Whether you’re a year-round resident or a seasonal part-timer, you’re probably well aware of the power some of those storms hold over your property. Now that hurricane season is upon us, the potential for storm damage roof repair will only grow over the next few months. If you own property here, you obviously have an insurance policy to cover anything this time of year may hold in store, but would it surprise you to learn coverage alone may not be enough to protect your interests?

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Here, as well as in many other areas across the United States, we’re seeing a surge in the number of insurance providers refusing to pay out on roof repair claims. After all, they’re in business to make money, not share it. In an effort to increase their own bottom lines, coverage providers are insisting policyholders’ roof damage was in place long before the most recent storm hit. In a number of cases, they’re getting away with it, too.

What can you do to safeguard yourself against a situation like this? Foolproof roof protection begins with laying the groundwork before you find yourself in a position to request a payout from your insurance company. This means having a qualified Sarasota roofer inspect your roof now in advance of summer’s full-blown storm season. Create a solid paper trail consisting of documentation (along with photos) showing that your roof is in optimum condition.

As is true in most situations, there’s a bit of a catch here. In order for any of your local Sarasota roofing companies to state your roof is sound, it actually has to be in good repair. Maintenance is the key to it all, and we’ve created our Roof Care Club for just that purpose. Membership includes annual inspections to catch any existing damage, so it can be promptly repaired. Of course, these inspections and your roof repair history are all well documented, giving you the proof you need to keep your insurance company honest.

Don’t take our word for it—industry experts like the National Hurricane Center strongly advise homeowners to take proactive steps for storm readiness. This includes inspecting and reinforcing your roof before hurricane season. Without this preparation, homeowners risk severe damage, costly repairs, and potential claim denials.

A few tropical storms have already passed us by, and several more are sure to come. Join our Roof Care Club, and let us help you create not only an effective action plan but concrete proof of your efforts. Don’t wait for storm damage to become an issue. Get the wheels in motion now so you’ll be protected well in advance of this season’s threats.

Need help understanding your insurance policy or documenting your roof’s condition? Contact us today to schedule an inspection and get peace of mind before the next storm strikes.

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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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