What You Need to Know About Roofing After 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.

September 27, 2017•2 min read•

Storms

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roofing after a hurricane sarasota roofing contractor

On September 15, 2017, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) took a step toward protecting Florida consumers dealing with roof damage from Hurricane Irma. Under Governor Scott’s emergency declaration, the DBPR issued Emergency Rule 2017-07396 (Order 17-235), allowing certain exceptions to licensing rules. This order will remain in effect until officially rescinded.

While the rule may seem helpful on the surface, it has potentially harmful consequences for homeowners seeking quality roofing repairs in the aftermath of a storm.

How Emergency Rules Can Create More Problems

The emergency rule allows two major exceptions to Florida’s usual roofing license requirements:

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Division I contractors (general, building, or residential contractors) can now legally perform re-roofing work.
County-level roofing contractors can pull permits and perform work outside their local jurisdiction.

While this may speed up recovery efforts, it opens the door for “storm chaser” contractors—those who travel to disaster zones, complete quick jobs, and then leave. These out-of-town contractors often aren’t familiar with Florida’s unique building codes and weather challenges, and they won’t be around to service the roof when issues arise.

Additionally, allowing more contractors to pull permits doesn’t increase the local labor force or improve material availability. In fact, it often creates shortages and drives up costs for materials and services. Loopholes also increase the risk of unlicensed subcontracting, further compromising quality.

Bottom line: Just because work is legal under an emergency rule doesn’t mean it’s the best or safest option. It’s worth waiting for a trusted local roofing contractor.

What Should Homeowners Consider After a Hurricane?

We understand that storm damage is urgent and stressful. But rushing into a roofing contract with an unknown or non-local company can cost you more in the long run.

It’s common to hear complaints from homeowners who went with the first available roofer—only to discover shoddy work or incomplete jobs after the contractor disappears.

At SonShine Roofing, we’ve been serving Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties for over 30 years. We understand Florida’s codes, climate, and construction standards—and we’re here to stay. While we may be busy after a storm, the benefits of waiting for a quality contractor far outweigh the risks of hiring a fly-by-night operation.

To protect yourself, always verify a contractor’s license status using the Florida DBPR license search and ask whether they’ll be available for warranty follow-up after the work is done.

Don’t Get Caught by Storm Chasers

Quality roof repair matters more than ever after a hurricane. Choose a local expert who will be here tomorrow, not just today. Contact SonShine Roofing to discuss your post-hurricane roof repair options.

We’ll help you make decisions that protect your home—not just now, but for years to come.

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.