Hurricane Season Roof Preparation: Complete Florida Checklist (2026)

Your roof is the first line of defense against hurricane-force winds and rain. When that defense fails, the damage cascades rapidly: water enters the attic, soaks insulation and drywall, ruins ceilings and walls, destroys personal property, and creates conditions for mold growth that can make your home uninhabitable. Every dollar and hour spent on pre-season roof preparation pays for itself many times over when a storm arrives.

Pinellas County sits in one of the most hurricane-vulnerable locations in the United States. Surrounded by water on three sides, with barrier islands directly exposed to Gulf of Mexico storm surge and winds, the county faces both wind damage and water intrusion risks that are among the highest in Florida. This guide covers everything you need to do to prepare your roof for hurricane season, from early spring inspections through post-storm protocols.

Hurricane Season Timeline: When to Do What

Month	Action Items	Priority
March - April	Schedule professional roof inspection; complete any major repairs or replacements	Critical
May	Complete minor repairs; trim trees; review insurance; arrange contractor emergency contact	High
June 1	Hurricane season begins; all preparation should be complete	Deadline
June - November	Monitor forecasts; execute storm-specific preparations when storms approach	Ongoing
August - October	Peak hurricane activity; maintain heightened readiness	Critical
November 30	Hurricane season ends; schedule post-season inspection if any storms impacted area	Standard

Pre-Season Roof Inspection Checklist

A thorough roof inspection before hurricane season is the foundation of your preparation strategy. Here is what should be examined:

Exterior Roof Inspection Points

☐Shingles/tiles/panels: Look for cracked, curling, loose, or missing pieces. Any compromised area is a potential entry point for wind-driven rain.
☐Flashing: Check all flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, walls, and valleys. Flashing failure is one of the most common sources of hurricane water intrusion.
☐Ridge caps and hip caps: These are especially vulnerable to wind uplift. Verify they are securely attached.
☐Gutters and downspouts: Clean and secure all gutters. Clogged gutters cause water backup under shingles. Loose gutters become projectiles.
☐Soffit and fascia: Check for rot, damage, or detachment. Soffits that blow off allow wind to enter the attic and pressurize the roof from below.
☐Roof vents and turbines: Verify they are secure and properly sealed. A loose vent is both a wind entry point and a water entry point.
☐Sealant and caulking: Check all sealant around penetrations. UV degradation causes sealant to crack and fail over time.
☐Edge metal and drip edge: Ensure the roof edge is properly finished and secured. Edges are where wind uplift begins.

Interior Inspection Points

☐Attic inspection: Look for daylight coming through the roof deck, water stains, mold, damaged insulation, or signs of previous leaks.
☐Roof deck condition: From the attic, check the underside of the roof deck for delamination, rot, or sagging. Weakened decking fails first in hurricanes.
☐Truss and rafter connections: Look at how the roof structure connects to the walls. Are hurricane straps or clips visible and properly installed?
☐Ceiling stains: Inside the living space, check ceilings and upper walls for water stains that indicate existing leaks needing repair before storm season.

Roof Reinforcement Options for Hurricane Protection

Beyond basic maintenance, several structural and material upgrades can significantly improve your roof's ability to survive a hurricane. These investments also qualify for insurance discounts through Florida wind mitigation credits.

Hurricane Straps and Clips

Hurricane straps (also called tie-downs or clips) are galvanized steel connectors that anchor your roof trusses or rafters to the top of your walls. Without them, hurricane winds can lift the entire roof structure off the walls. The Florida Building Code requires hurricane straps on all new construction and re-roofing projects, but many older Pinellas County homes built before 2002 may have inadequate or no hurricane connections.

Types of hurricane connections, from least to most effective:

Connection Type	Description	Wind Mitigation Rating	Retrofit Cost (Typical Home)
Toe nails only	Trusses nailed at an angle into the top plate	Lowest (no discount)	N/A (needs upgrade)
Clips	Metal connector on one side of the truss	Moderate	$1,500 - $3,000
Single wraps	Metal strap wrapping over the truss on one side	Good	$2,000 - $4,000
Double wraps	Metal straps wrapping completely around the truss and nailed on both sides	Best (highest discount)	$3,000 - $5,000

Retrofitting hurricane straps is one of the highest-return investments a Pinellas County homeowner can make. The insurance premium reduction from upgrading your roof-to-wall connection often covers the installation cost within a few years.

Secondary Water Barrier

A secondary water barrier is an underlayment system that prevents water intrusion even if the primary roof covering (shingles, tiles, or panels) is torn away by wind. The most effective secondary water barriers use self-adhering modified bitumen membrane applied directly to the roof deck. When shingles blow off, this membrane keeps water out of your attic and living space.

The secondary water barrier is one of the most valuable items on the wind mitigation inspection form. Having one can produce significant insurance savings. It is most cost-effective to install during a complete re-roofing project, as it goes down before the primary roof covering.

Enhanced Roof Deck Attachment

The roof deck (typically plywood or OSB sheathing) must be securely fastened to the trusses or rafters. Enhanced attachment uses ring-shank nails or screws at closer spacing than the minimum code requirement. The wind mitigation inspection evaluates deck attachment on a scale from weakest (staples, 6-inch spacing) to strongest (8d ring-shank nails at 6-inch spacing on center, 12-inch on edges).

Impact-Rated Roof Covering

Choosing roofing products with high wind and impact ratings provides another layer of protection. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, for example, have been tested to withstand the impact of a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet. These products resist the flying debris that causes much of the roof damage during hurricanes.

Tree Trimming and Yard Preparation

Trees are one of the greatest threats to your roof during a hurricane. Overhanging branches can snap and puncture your roof, and entire trees can fall across your home. Proper tree maintenance is a critical part of roof preparation:

Trim branches within 10 feet of your roof. Branches that touch or overhang your roof should be cut back well before storm season. During a hurricane, wind-whipped branches abrade shingle surfaces and can tear off roof components.
Remove dead trees and dead branches. Dead wood is far more likely to break and become airborne. Have a certified arborist evaluate any questionable trees on your property.
Thin dense tree canopies. A professionally thinned canopy allows wind to pass through rather than catching it like a sail. This reduces the chance of the tree uprooting or losing major limbs.
Know your tree species. Some trees common in Pinellas County are particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage. Laurel oaks, water oaks, and queen palms have shallow root systems that make them more likely to topple. Live oaks, sabal palms, and slash pines are generally more wind-resistant.
Document your trees. Take photos of mature trees near your home before hurricane season. If a tree falls on your roof, this documentation helps with insurance claims by showing the tree was healthy and maintained.

Securing Loose Materials Around Your Property

During a hurricane, any unsecured item becomes a potential missile that can damage your roof. Before a storm approaches:

Property Securing Checklist

☐Bring in all patio furniture, grills, planters, and decorations
☐Secure or store garbage cans and recycling bins
☐Remove satellite dishes if they are not bolted and sealed to the roof properly
☐Secure pool screen enclosures (remove panels if recommended by manufacturer)
☐Store children's outdoor toys, trampolines, and play equipment
☐Secure boat trailers and any items stored in the yard
☐Close and lock all garage doors (reinforce if they are not wind-rated)
☐Board up or shutter windows to prevent pressure changes that affect the roof
☐Remove hanging plants from porch areas and hooks
☐Secure shed doors and ensure shed roofs are in good condition

Remember that your neighbor's unsecured items can damage your roof. In an HOA community, encourage your management company to send out preparation reminders to all residents. In non-HOA neighborhoods, a friendly conversation with neighbors about securing their property protects everyone.

Insurance Review and Documentation

Reviewing your homeowners insurance before hurricane season is not just smart planning. It could be the difference between a smooth claims process and a financial disaster. Here is what to review:

Know Your Hurricane Deductible

Florida homeowners policies typically have a separate hurricane deductible, usually expressed as a percentage of your dwelling coverage (commonly 2%, 5%, or 10%). On a home insured for $400,000, a 2% hurricane deductible means you pay the first $8,000 of any hurricane claim. A 5% deductible means $20,000 out of pocket. Know your number before storm season so there are no surprises.

Document Your Current Roof Condition

Before any storm threatens, create a thorough photographic and video record of your roof and home:

Take photos of your roof from all four sides of the house
Photograph close-up details of shingles, tiles, or metal panels showing their current condition
Document all flashing, vents, gutters, and edge details
Photograph the interior of your attic showing the underside of the roof deck
Record video walking around the exterior and interior of your home
Save receipts from any recent roof repairs or maintenance
Keep your roof inspection report and wind mitigation inspection in a safe, accessible location
Store digital copies of all documentation in cloud storage (not just on a local device that could be damaged)

Wind Mitigation Inspection

If you do not have a current wind mitigation inspection, get one before hurricane season. This inspection documents the hurricane-resistant features of your roof and qualifies you for insurance discounts. It also creates a professional baseline record of your roof features that is valuable for post-storm claims.

Pre-Arranging Contractor Emergency Service

After a hurricane, every homeowner in the affected area needs a roofer at the same time. Contractors are overwhelmed, wait times stretch to weeks or months, and out-of-town storm chasers flood the area. Pre-arranging emergency roofing service is one of the most valuable things you can do before hurricane season.

Contractor Pre-Arrangement Steps

☐Establish a relationship with a licensed, local Pinellas County roofing contractor before storm season
☐Ask if they offer emergency tarp service for existing customers
☐Get their emergency contact number (not just the office line)
☐Understand their post-storm response protocol and expected timelines
☐Verify their license and insurance are current (Florida contractor license search at myfloridalicense.com)
☐Ask about their capacity and how they prioritize post-storm work

Emergency Supply Kit for Roof Emergencies

Having basic materials on hand before a storm allows you to make temporary repairs quickly if your roof is damaged. Waiting until after a storm to buy supplies means competing with every other homeowner at already-stressed hardware stores.

Item	Quantity	Purpose
Heavy-duty tarps (blue or silver)	2-3 large (20x30 or bigger)	Temporary covering for roof openings
1x3 or 2x4 lumber strips	8-10 pieces, 8 feet long	Securing tarps to the roof with screws
Roofing screws or nails	1-2 boxes	Fastening lumber strips over tarp edges
Roofing cement/sealant	2-3 tubes	Sealing small holes and cracks
Buckets and large containers	3-5 large	Catching interior leaks to prevent further damage
Cordless drill with charged batteries	1 (with extra batteries)	Driving screws for tarp installation
Plastic sheeting	1-2 rolls (6 mil thickness)	Protecting interior belongings from water
Duct tape	2-3 rolls	Temporary sealing and securing plastic sheeting

Store these supplies in a waterproof container in your garage or storage area. Check them annually to ensure tarps are not deteriorated and batteries are charged.

When a Storm Is Approaching: 72-Hour Countdown

When a tropical system enters the Gulf of Mexico or threatens Pinellas County, shift from general preparedness to active response:

72 Hours Out (Storm in the Gulf)

Review your evacuation zone (know if you are in Zone A, B, C, etc.)
Confirm your emergency supply kit is complete and accessible
Begin securing outdoor items that are not bolted down
Verify your contractor emergency contact information is accessible
Review your insurance policy and know your claim filing process
Top off your vehicle fuel tank and withdraw some cash

48 Hours Out (Watch or Warning Possible)

Complete all outdoor securing tasks
Take final pre-storm photos and video of your property and roof from all angles
Install hurricane shutters or plywood on windows
Move vehicles into the garage if possible
Fill bathtubs and containers with water for emergency use
Prepare an interior safe room (interior closet or bathroom on lowest floor)

24 Hours Out (Warning Issued)

Final walkthrough of the property exterior checking for anything missed
Verify all shutters and protections are secured
Move valuables and important documents to interior rooms
Charge all devices and backup batteries fully
If in an evacuation zone and ordered to evacuate, leave immediately
Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings in case of power loss

Post-Storm Roof Protocol

After the storm passes, the work of protecting your home continues. For detailed guidance on what to do immediately after a hurricane, see our comprehensive hurricane roof damage guide. Here is the immediate priority list:

Immediate Post-Storm Checklist

Wait for safety. Do not go outside until local authorities confirm it is safe. Downed power lines, standing water, and unstable structures create life-threatening hazards.
Inspect from the ground first. Walk the perimeter of your home and look up at the roof for visible damage. Use binoculars if available. Never climb onto a wet or potentially damaged roof.
Check interior ceilings for leaks. Water stains, dripping, or bulging drywall indicate roof penetration. Place containers to catch water and move belongings away from the affected area.
Document everything. Photograph and video all visible damage from every angle. Include timestamps and GPS data if your camera supports it. This documentation is essential for insurance claims.
Apply temporary protection. If you can safely access the roof and conditions are dry, tarp any visible openings. If you cannot safely access the roof, call your pre-arranged contractor for emergency tarp service.
Contact your insurance company. File your claim as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notification of damage.
Contact your pre-arranged contractor. Schedule a professional assessment as soon as conditions allow.

Special Considerations for Pinellas County Barrier Islands

Homeowners on Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Shores, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Pass-a-Grille face unique challenges that require additional preparation:

Higher wind exposure. Barrier island homes experience the full force of Gulf winds with no land-based wind breaks. Consider upgrading to products with higher wind ratings than minimum code requires.
Salt air corrosion. Saltwater exposure accelerates corrosion of metal components including flashing, fasteners, vents, and metal roofing. Inspect metal components more frequently and replace corroded items promptly.
Evacuation timing. Barrier islands are typically the first areas ordered to evacuate. Complete your roof preparation earlier than mainland residents because you may need to leave well before the storm arrives.
Storm surge risk. While not directly a roof issue, storm surge can undermine foundations and walls, which affects the entire structural system including the roof. Understanding your surge zone helps you plan for worst-case scenarios.
Access after the storm. Barrier island bridges may be closed after a hurricane, preventing you from returning to assess damage for days or even weeks. This makes pre-storm documentation even more critical.

Year-Round Roof Maintenance for Storm Readiness

Hurricane preparation is not a once-a-year event. Maintaining your roof year-round keeps it in the best possible condition to withstand storms:

Quarterly gutter cleaning. Florida's heavy rainfall and tree debris fill gutters quickly. Clean gutters every three months to maintain proper drainage.
Annual professional inspection. Schedule a professional roof inspection annually, ideally in March or April before hurricane season.
Prompt repair of any damage. Do not wait until hurricane season to fix loose shingles, damaged flashing, or cracked sealant. Small issues become major failures during high winds.
Keep trees maintained year-round. Regular pruning is safer, less expensive, and more effective than emergency trimming before a storm.
Update your documentation. After any repair or modification, update your photo records and keep receipts organized.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I prepare my roof for hurricane season in Florida?

Start roof preparation in April or early May, well before hurricane season begins on June 1. This gives you time to schedule a professional inspection, complete any necessary repairs, and arrange for reinforcement upgrades. Waiting until a storm is in the forecast makes it nearly impossible to find available contractors.

What are hurricane straps and do I need them?

Hurricane straps (also called hurricane clips or tie-downs) are metal connectors that secure your roof framing to the walls of your home. They prevent the roof from lifting off during high winds. Florida Building Code requires hurricane straps on new construction and re-roofing projects. If your Pinellas County home was built before 2002, it may not have adequate hurricane straps and should be evaluated by a professional.

How much does it cost to prepare a roof for hurricane season in Pinellas County?

Basic roof preparation including a professional inspection, minor repairs, and maintenance typically costs $200 to $800. Adding hurricane straps can cost $1,500 to $5,000 depending on your roof structure. A secondary water barrier (peel-and-stick underlayment) adds $1,000 to $3,000 during a re-roofing project. These costs are often offset by insurance premium reductions through wind mitigation credits.

Should I tarp my roof before a hurricane?

Pre-tarping your roof before a hurricane is generally not recommended. Tarps can become projectiles in high winds and may cause more damage. Instead, focus on having your roof professionally inspected and repaired before hurricane season. Have tarping materials and a contractor contact ready for post-storm emergency use if your roof is damaged.

What should I do with my roof after a hurricane passes?

After a hurricane, wait until conditions are safe before inspecting your property. Check for visible damage from the ground first. Never climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Document any damage with photos and video. Cover any openings with tarps to prevent further water damage. Contact your insurance company to file a claim, and reach out to a licensed roofing contractor for a professional assessment.

Does my homeowners insurance cover hurricane roof damage in Pinellas County?

Most Florida homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage from hurricanes, but with a separate hurricane deductible that is typically 2% to 5% of your dwelling coverage. Review your policy before hurricane season to understand your deductible amount, coverage limits, and any exclusions. Some older policies may have limitations on roof coverage based on the roof age.

Start Preparing Now

The best time to prepare your roof for hurricane season is right now, regardless of what month you are reading this. Every improvement you make, from fixing a loose shingle to installing hurricane straps, reduces your risk when the next storm arrives. Pinellas County will face another hurricane. The only question is whether your roof will be ready.

Begin with a professional roof inspection, address any issues found, and work through the checklists in this guide. Then read our complete roofing guide to understand all of your options for protecting your Pinellas County home.