Hurricane season in Florida brings the risk of severe roof damage. When storms hit, knowing what to do immediately can protect your property, ensure your safety, and help you navigate insurance claims effectively. This guide walks you through the critical steps to take after hurricane damage, from initial safety precautions to finding qualified roofers who can properly repair or replace your roof.
Immediate Safety Steps (First 24 Hours)
Your safety is the top priority after a hurricane. Follow these steps immediately:
1. Assess Safety Before Entering
Do not enter your home if:
- You smell gas or see structural damage
- Power lines are down near your property
- There are visible signs of structural compromise
- Water is still entering the building
Contact emergency services if you suspect gas leaks or structural damage.
2. Document Everything
Once it's safe, document all damage:
- Take photos and videos of all visible damage, inside and out
- Document the date and time of photos
- Take wide shots and close-ups of specific damage
- Note any missing shingles, damaged flashing, or visible leaks
- Document water damage inside your home
This documentation is crucial for insurance claims.
3. Prevent Further Damage
Take temporary measures to prevent additional damage:
- Cover exposed areas with tarps (if safe to do so)
- Move valuables away from leaks
- Place buckets under active leaks
- Remove standing water if possible
Important: Only perform these tasks if it's safe. Don't risk injury by climbing on a damaged roof.
Contacting Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally within 24-48 hours:
What to Have Ready
- Your policy number
- Photos and videos of damage
- List of damaged items
- Receipts for any temporary repairs
What to Expect
- Claim Number: You'll receive a claim number—write it down and keep it handy
- Adjuster Visit: An insurance adjuster will inspect your property, usually within a few days to a week
- Multiple Estimates: Your insurance may require estimates from licensed roofers
Understanding Your Policy
Review your policy to understand:
- Deductible: Know your hurricane deductible, which may be different from your standard deductible
- Coverage Limits: Understand what's covered and any exclusions
- Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value: Know which applies to your policy
Many Florida policies have separate hurricane deductibles, typically 2-5% of your home's insured value.
Finding Legitimate Roofers (Avoiding Storm Chasers)
After major storms, storm chasers flood affected areas. Protect yourself by knowing how to identify legitimate roofers:
Red Flags of Storm Chasers
- Door-to-door solicitation immediately after storms
- Pressure tactics ("limited time offers," "insurance will pay")
- Requests for upfront payment or large deposits
- Out-of-state license plates and temporary local addresses
- Unwillingness to provide references or local business history
- Vague or missing licensing information
- Requests to sign over insurance benefits
How to Verify Legitimate Roofers
- Check Florida Licensing: Verify the roofer holds a valid Florida contractor's license at myfloridalicense.com
- Verify Insurance: Request proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance
- Check Local Presence: Look for established local businesses with physical addresses
- Read Reviews: Check Google reviews, Better Business Bureau, and local references
- Get Multiple Estimates: Always get at least 2-3 estimates from different roofers
- Ask for References: Request local references you can contact
Working with RIF-Certified Roofers
RIF maintains a network of vetted, certified roofers throughout Florida. These roofers are:
- Licensed and insured in Florida
- Trained on specific product systems
- Held to higher standards for installation quality
- Familiar with local building codes and insurance processes
- Part of a network with distributor-level material pricing
Find RIF-certified roofers in your area through our roofer directory.
The Repair vs. Replacement Decision
After hurricane damage, you and your insurance adjuster must determine whether to repair or replace:
When Repair May Be Sufficient
- Isolated damage to small areas (less than 25% of roof)
- No structural damage to decking or framing
- Remaining roof has significant life left
- Damage is cosmetic or limited to surface materials
When Replacement Is Necessary
- Extensive damage (25% or more of roof surface)
- Structural damage to decking or framing
- Multiple layers of existing roofing
- Roof is near end of expected lifespan
- Code requirements have changed since original installation
- Insurance company determines replacement is more cost-effective
Code Compliance Considerations
If your roof is being replaced, it must meet current Florida Building Code requirements, which may include:
- Higher wind resistance ratings
- Updated energy code requirements
- Improved installation methods
This may increase costs but ensures your new roof meets current standards.
Timeline Expectations
Understanding typical timelines helps set realistic expectations:
Immediate (0-7 days)
- Safety assessment and temporary repairs
- Insurance claim filing
- Initial adjuster contact
Short-term (1-4 weeks)
- Insurance adjuster inspection
- Roofer estimates and selection
- Permit applications (if needed)
- Material ordering
Medium-term (1-3 months)
- Actual repair or replacement work
- Inspections and approvals
- Final insurance settlement
Note: After major hurricanes affecting large areas, timelines may be longer due to high demand for materials and contractors. RIF's relationship with Premium Roofing Products (PRP Roofing) provides priority access to materials and distributor-level pricing, helping projects start sooner.
Preventing Future Hurricane Damage
While you can't prevent hurricanes, you can reduce future damage risk:
Choose Wind-Resistant Materials
Stone-coated metal roofing systems offer superior wind resistance, with many systems rated for 140+ mph winds, exceeding Florida Building Code requirements.
Ensure Proper Installation
Proper installation by trained professionals is critical. RIF-certified roofers are trained on specific product systems and installation methods that maximize wind resistance.
Regular Maintenance
- Annual roof inspections
- Prompt repair of minor damage
- Keep gutters clear
- Trim overhanging branches
- Check flashing and seals regularly
Consider Upgrades
If replacing your roof, consider:
- Higher wind ratings than minimum requirements
- Impact-resistant materials
- Improved ventilation systems
- Energy-efficient options that reduce cooling costs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file an insurance claim after hurricane damage?
Most insurance policies require you to report damage "promptly" or "as soon as practicable." While there's no strict deadline, file your claim within 24-48 hours if possible. Delays can complicate the claims process and may affect coverage. Document everything immediately and contact your insurance company right away.
Will my insurance cover a full roof replacement?
Coverage depends on your policy, the extent of damage, and your insurance company's assessment. If damage exceeds 25% of your roof or meets other policy criteria, replacement may be covered. However, you'll still pay your deductible. Review your policy and work with your adjuster to understand what's covered.
What if my insurance estimate is too low?
If you believe the insurance estimate is insufficient, you can: 1) Get multiple estimates from licensed roofers, 2) Request a re-inspection with your roofer present, 3) Hire a public adjuster, or 4) File an appeal with your insurance company. Document everything and work with qualified professionals who understand insurance processes.
Should I wait for insurance approval before starting repairs?
For temporary repairs to prevent further damage, you can proceed immediately and submit receipts. For permanent repairs, it's generally best to wait for insurance approval to ensure coverage. However, don't delay temporary measures that prevent additional damage—these are typically covered.
How can I tell if a roofer is a storm chaser?
Storm chasers typically: show up uninvited after storms, use high-pressure sales tactics, have out-of-state licenses or temporary local presence, request upfront payments, and can't provide local references. Legitimate roofers have established local businesses, Florida licenses, local references, and don't pressure you to sign immediately.
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