Why Central Florida Needs Hurricane Prep Different From Coastal
We're not on the water, but don't kid yourself Central Florida gets hammered. Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Milton, all caused massive inland damage. Our latitude means we often face Category 1-3 winds inland, and those are enough to destroy an unprepared roof.
Pre-Season Roof Inspection (What We Check)
An hour-long hurricane prep inspection covers:
Roof Surface
- Shingle adhesion proper seal strips bonded
- Ridge and hip cap condition
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Granule loss patterns
- Nail pops or lifted areas
Flashing & Penetrations
- Pipe boots and plumbing vent flashings
- Chimney step and counter flashing
- Skylight perimeter seals
- Wall-to-roof transition flashings
- Satellite dish and solar penetrations
Structural & Strapping
- Attic inspection for hurricane ties/clips
- Truss-to-wall connections visible
- Gable end bracing
- Soffit condition
- Fascia board integrity
Drainage
- Gutter condition and securement
- Downspout extensions
- Valley cleanliness
- Emergency water diversion paths
Things You Can Do Yourself
- Trim trees away from roof (10-foot minimum clearance)
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Secure or store loose items from yard (deck furniture, grills, toys)
- Document roof with photos annually for insurance baseline
- Verify your insurance policy is active and covers wind/hurricane
- Tighten loose satellite dish mounts or antenna supports
- Secure pool cage and patio screen attachments
Things You Cannot Fix Yourself (Call Us)
- Missing or loose shingles
- Damaged or missing flashing
- Soft or sagging roof areas
- Roof-to-wall transitions that don't look right
- Missing fasteners or pop-outs
- Questionable attic strapping
What to Do BEFORE a Storm Is 72 Hours Out
- Know your insurance policy number and carrier phone
- Take current photos of your roof (phone is fine, just document)
- Secure or bring in outdoor items
- Trim any branches that could fall on the roof
- Have our phone number saved: (352) 696-8989
What to Do DURING a Storm
- Stay inside, away from windows
- Don't try to climb on the roof ever
- If you hear water intrusion, identify the room, not the source
- Move valuables away from leak areas if safe
- Wait for the storm to pass before attempting exterior inspection
What to Do AFTER a Storm
- Safety first avoid downed power lines, check structural soundness
- Document damage photos and video of everything visible from ground
- Don't climb up leave roof inspection to professionals
- Call us for emergency tarping if active water is entering
- File insurance claim if damage is significant
- Get professional inspection for full damage assessment
- Beware storm chasers out-of-state contractors targeting damaged neighborhoods
Storm Chaser Warning (Again This Is Important)
After every major storm, non-local contractors descend on damaged neighborhoods. Red flags:
- Out-of-state license plates on trucks
- Door-to-door sales pitches
- "We'll waive your deductible" promises (illegal in Florida)
- Pressure to sign immediately
- Assignment of Benefits (AOB) contracts
- No verifiable Florida license
Always verify FL license at myfloridalicense.com. Our licenses: CCC1334499 + CRC1335172.