Post-Storm Roof Inspection: What to Do After a Hurricane (2026)

After a hurricane passes through Pinellas County, adrenaline and urgency push homeowners to act quickly. That instinct is good, but it must be channeled correctly. The wrong actions after a storm can put your life at risk, void insurance coverage, or make damage worse. This guide walks you through every step, from the moment the winds die down to the completion of your insurance claim and permanent repairs.

The priority order after any hurricane is always the same: personal safety first, damage documentation second, temporary protection third, and permanent repairs last. Every step in this guide follows that priority order.

Safety First: Before You Inspect Anything

The first hours after a hurricane are among the most dangerous. More injuries and deaths occur during post-storm activities than during the storm itself. Before you even look at your roof, follow these safety protocols:

Critical Safety Warnings

⚠Never climb onto a wet roof. Wet shingles, tiles, and metal panels are extremely slippery. Even experienced roofers avoid wet roofs. Wait for completely dry conditions before any roof access.
⚠Watch for downed power lines. Assume every downed wire is live. Stay at least 35 feet away from any downed line. Report downed lines to Duke Energy (Pinellas County utility) immediately.
⚠Beware of structural damage. If your roof is visibly sagging, walls are cracked, or the building appears structurally compromised, do not enter. Call emergency services or a structural engineer.
⚠Check for gas leaks. If you smell natural gas or propane, leave immediately and call 911. Do not flip light switches or use anything that could create a spark.
⚠Standing water hazards. Flood water may contain sewage, chemicals, sharp debris, and wildlife. Do not wade through standing water unnecessarily. Wear protective boots if you must.
⚠Weakened roof structures. A roof that looks intact from below may have weakened trusses, rotted decking, or compromised connections. The roof may not support your weight even if it looks solid. Do not walk on any damaged roof.

Step 1: Ground-Level Exterior Visual Inspection

Your first inspection should be from the ground, walking the perimeter of your home and looking up at the roof from all four sides. Use binoculars if available for a closer view. Here is what to look for:

Exterior Inspection Checklist

☐Missing shingles or tiles: Look for bare spots on the roof where the covering has been torn away. Check the yard and surrounding area for roofing debris that came from your roof.
☐Lifted or displaced shingles: Shingles that are raised, flipped, or out of position may not be visible as "missing" but still allow water entry.
☐Damaged or missing ridge caps: The caps along the ridge and hips of the roof are particularly vulnerable. Check these areas carefully.
☐Damaged flashing: Look at areas where the roof meets walls, around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Bent, loose, or missing flashing is a major water entry point.
☐Dented or punctured metal: For metal roofs, look for dents from debris impact, punctures, or panels that have shifted or lifted at the seams.
☐Fallen trees or large debris: Note any trees, branches, or large objects on or near the roof. Do not attempt to remove large debris yourself.
☐Gutter and downspout damage: Check for detached, crushed, or missing gutters. Damaged gutters cause water to pool and flow where it should not.
☐Soffit and fascia damage: Look for sections that are hanging, missing, or damaged. These areas often show wind damage first.
☐Visible roof deck exposure: If you can see the plywood or OSB decking beneath where shingles or tiles were, the roof is actively exposed and needs immediate temporary covering.

Step 2: Interior Leak Check

After completing your exterior walkthrough, move inside and systematically check every room for signs of water intrusion from the roof:

Interior Inspection Checklist

☐Ceiling stains and discoloration: Fresh water stains appear as darker patches, often with a defined edge. Mark the edges with a pencil and date so you can track whether they are expanding.
☐Active dripping: Place buckets or containers under any active drips. Note the location and rate of dripping for your documentation.
☐Bulging or sagging ceiling areas: Water pooling above the ceiling creates visible bulges. These can collapse suddenly. If you see a bulge, place a container underneath and carefully puncture the center of the bulge with a screwdriver to release the water in a controlled way, preventing a larger collapse.
☐Wet walls and wall stains: Water can travel along roof structures and enter walls some distance from the actual roof penetration. Check walls on the top floor and around window frames.
☐Attic inspection: If you can safely access the attic, look for daylight coming through the roof, wet insulation, standing water on the attic floor, and any visible structural damage to trusses or rafters.
☐Musty or mold smell: A sudden musty odor after a storm indicates moisture intrusion even if you cannot see water. This needs investigation.
☐Electrical concerns: If water is near any electrical fixtures, outlets, or the breaker panel, turn off power to the affected circuit and contact an electrician. Water and electricity together are deadly.

Step 3: Documentation for Insurance Claims

Thorough documentation is the foundation of a successful insurance claim. Start documenting from the moment it is safe to do so, and continue throughout the entire repair process.

Photography and Video Best Practices

Your documentation should tell a complete visual story of the damage. Insurance adjusters and claims professionals rely heavily on photos and video to assess and approve claims.

What to Capture	How to Capture It	Why It Matters
Overall property from all 4 sides	Wide-angle photos showing the full exterior of the home	Establishes the scope and context of damage
Roof surface from ground level	Zoom photos of each roof slope showing damage areas	Shows missing materials, debris, and visible damage
Close-up damage details	Close photos of each damaged area with a reference object (ruler, coin) for scale	Proves the extent and nature of specific damage
Fallen debris from the roof	Photos of shingles, tiles, flashing pieces on the ground	Confirms material loss from the roof surface
Interior water damage	Photos and video of stains, drips, bulging ceilings, wet floors	Documents consequential damage from roof failure
Damaged personal property	Photos of any belongings damaged by water from roof leaks	Supports contents portion of the claim
Video walkthrough	Narrated video walking the entire property, interior and exterior	Provides comprehensive context photos alone cannot

Documentation Tips

Enable timestamps. Make sure your phone or camera has the correct date and time. Timestamps prove when damage was documented, which is important for claims.
Enable GPS/location tagging. Geotagged photos prove the damage is at your property. This can be important if the insurance company questions the claim.
Do not clean up before documenting. The natural instinct is to start cleaning debris and making repairs. Resist this urge until you have thorough documentation. Take all photos and video first, then begin cleanup and temporary repairs.
Compare with pre-storm photos. If you took pre-storm documentation (which we recommend in our hurricane damage guide), having before-and-after comparisons strengthens your claim significantly.
Back up everything immediately. Upload photos and video to cloud storage as soon as you have connectivity. Your phone could be lost, stolen, or damaged before you file the claim.
Keep a written log. Note the date and time of your inspection, weather conditions, specific observations, and any actions taken. This creates a chronological record that supports your claim.

Step 4: When to Call a Professional vs. DIY Assessment

Understanding the boundary between what you can assess yourself and what requires a professional is important for both safety and accuracy:

Situation	DIY Assessment OK	Call a Professional
A few missing shingles, no visible decking	Yes (ground-level observation)	For repair, not assessment
Large area of missing roof covering	Document from ground	Yes, emergency tarp service needed
Tree on the roof	Document from ground only	Yes, tree removal and structural assessment
Minor interior ceiling stain	Yes (document and monitor)	If stain grows or dripping starts
Sagging or deformed roof line	Do not enter the building	Yes, structural engineer needed immediately
Damaged flashing around vents	Document from ground	Yes, for repair to prevent further water entry
No visible exterior damage but interior leaks	Document interior signs	Yes, hidden damage needs professional detection

For any situation beyond minor cosmetic damage visible from the ground, a licensed roofing contractor with a thorough inspection process should evaluate your roof. They have the equipment, training, and experience to identify damage that is invisible from ground level.

Step 5: Temporary Repairs and Emergency Tarping

Temporary repairs serve one critical purpose: preventing further damage until permanent repairs can be completed. In Florida, your insurance policy likely requires you to take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage after a covered event. This is called your duty to mitigate.

Professional Tarping

The safest and most effective option is professional tarping by a licensed roofing contractor. After major storms in Pinellas County, FEMA and state emergency management sometimes deploy the Blue Roof program, which provides free temporary tarping for eligible homeowners. Check with Pinellas County Emergency Management for current programs after any declared disaster.

If you need private tarping service, expect costs between $300 and $1,500 depending on the size of the area and the complexity of the installation. Keep the receipt and submit it to your insurance company as a mitigation expense.

DIY Temporary Repairs (When Safe)

If professional help is not available immediately and you must protect your home from ongoing water damage, here are safety guidelines for temporary repairs:

Interior protection first. Before going on the roof, protect your interior. Place containers under drips, cover furniture and belongings with plastic sheeting, and move valuables away from wet areas.
Wait for dry conditions. Never attempt roof work on a wet surface. Wait until the roof has dried completely, which may take 24-48 hours after the storm.
Never work alone. Always have someone on the ground watching and ready to call for help if something goes wrong.
Use proper equipment. A stable extension ladder rated for your weight, non-slip shoes, and ideally a safety harness. Do not use chairs, tables, or unstable platforms.
Tarp installation basics. Drape the tarp over the damaged area with at least 4 feet of overlap past the damage on all sides. Secure the edges with 1x3 lumber strips screwed into the roof deck (not just into shingles). Wrap the top edge over the ridge if possible to prevent water from getting under the tarp.
Small patch repairs. Roofing cement can temporarily seal small cracks, gaps around flashing, and areas where sealant has failed. Apply generously to the affected area and extend the sealant at least 2 inches beyond the damage in all directions.

Remember to document your temporary repairs with photos showing what you did and keep all receipts for materials. Your insurance company should reimburse reasonable temporary repair costs.

Step 6: Filing Your Insurance Claim

The insurance claims process after a hurricane in Pinellas County follows a specific sequence. Understanding this process before you need it reduces stress and improves your outcome.

Timeline	Action	Details
Day 1-2	Report the claim to your insurer	Call the claims number on your policy. Have your policy number ready. Provide a brief description of the damage.
Day 1-3	Complete temporary repairs	Tarp the roof, protect the interior, prevent further damage. Keep all receipts.
Day 3-7	Prepare your documentation package	Organize photos, video, written observations, pre-storm photos, receipts, and your policy information.
Week 1-4	Insurance adjuster inspection	The adjuster will inspect the damage. Be present if possible. Have your documentation ready to share.
Week 2-6	Get contractor estimates	Get 2-3 written estimates from licensed local contractors. Share with your adjuster if their estimate seems low.
Week 4-12	Claim decision and payment	Under Florida law, insurers must acknowledge a claim within 14 days and make a payment decision within 90 days of a complete claim.
Ongoing	Dispute resolution if needed	If you disagree with the settlement, you can request re-inspection, hire a public adjuster, or pursue appraisal.

Important Florida Insurance Claim Rights

You can choose your own contractor. Your insurance company cannot require you to use their preferred vendor. You have the right to hire any licensed contractor.
You can be present during the adjuster inspection. This is your right and your opportunity to point out all damage areas.
You can hire a public adjuster. If you feel the insurance company is undervaluing your claim, a licensed public adjuster works on your behalf. They typically charge 10% to 15% of the claim settlement.
You have the right to a written explanation. If any part of your claim is denied, the insurer must provide a written explanation citing the specific policy provision.

Avoiding Storm Chasers and Roofing Scams

After every hurricane that hits Pinellas County, a wave of out-of-state contractors descends on the area. While some are legitimate companies expanding to help with disaster recovery, many are storm chasers who do substandard work, take deposits and disappear, or pressure homeowners into signing away their insurance benefits.

Storm Chaser Warning Signs

⚠Door-to-door solicitation: Legitimate contractors are overwhelmed with work after a storm. They are not going door to door looking for customers.
⚠Pressure to sign immediately: Any contractor who pressures you to sign a contract on the spot, claims the deal is "today only," or says they can only hold a spot if you commit now is using high-pressure tactics that legitimate businesses do not need.
⚠Offering to waive your deductible: In Florida, it is illegal for a contractor to offer to waive, pay, or absorb your insurance deductible. This is a clear sign of a dishonest operator.
⚠Large upfront payment demands: Legitimate Florida contractors are limited by law in how much they can collect upfront. Be wary of any contractor asking for more than 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) as a down payment.
⚠No local business address: Ask for a physical business address in the Tampa Bay area. A P.O. box or out-of-state address is a red flag.
⚠Out-of-state license plates on work vehicles: While not definitive, company trucks with out-of-state plates warrant extra scrutiny.
⚠Asking you to sign over insurance benefits: Never sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) without fully understanding what you are agreeing to. Florida has reformed AOB laws, but you should still be extremely cautious.
⚠Unable to provide a Florida contractor license number: Every legitimate roofing contractor in Florida must hold a state or county license. Verify at myfloridalicense.com before signing anything.

How to Verify a Roofing Contractor After a Storm

Search their name and license number at myfloridalicense.com (Florida DBPR)
Check for complaints at the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org)
Verify their insurance certificates are current and adequate
Search for Google reviews, Yelp reviews, and local community recommendations
Ask for at least three local references from recent projects
Confirm they have a physical office in the Pinellas or Tampa Bay area

FEMA Assistance After a Hurricane

If Pinellas County is included in a federal disaster declaration, FEMA assistance may be available for homeowners whose insurance does not fully cover their losses. FEMA is not a replacement for insurance. It provides supplemental assistance for uninsured or underinsured losses.

Types of FEMA Assistance for Roof Damage

Individuals and Households Program (IHP): Grants for essential home repairs to make your home safe and habitable. This can include temporary roof repairs and essential structural work.
Temporary housing assistance: If your home is uninhabitable due to roof damage, FEMA may provide rental assistance while repairs are completed.
SBA Disaster Loans: The Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners for repair costs that exceed insurance coverage. Despite the name, these loans are available to homeowners, not just businesses.
Blue Roof Program: After major hurricanes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may operate the Blue Roof program, providing free temporary tarping to eligible homeowners with roof damage.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 (1-800-621-FEMA). You can also visit a local Disaster Recovery Center if one is established in Pinellas County.
Have your information ready: Social Security number, address of the damaged property, current phone number, insurance information, and a description of the damage.
A FEMA inspector will be assigned to visit your property and verify the damage. Be present for this inspection if possible.
FEMA will determine eligibility and the amount of assistance. If you disagree with the determination, you can appeal within 60 days.

Important: You must file with your insurance company first. FEMA requires that you pursue insurance benefits before they will provide assistance. If your insurance fully covers your losses, you will not qualify for FEMA grants for those same losses.

Timeline from Damage to Permanent Repair

After a major hurricane, the timeline from damage to permanent roof repair can stretch longer than many homeowners expect. Understanding realistic timelines helps you plan and reduces frustration:

Phase	Typical Timeline	Variables
Emergency tarping	1-14 days after the storm	Depends on storm severity and contractor availability
Insurance adjuster visit	1-6 weeks after filing claim	Depends on claim volume; after major storms, adjusters are in very high demand
Claim approval and payment	4-12 weeks after adjuster visit	Depends on claim complexity and any disputes
Contractor scheduling	2-6 months after claim approval	After major storms, roofing contractors may be booked months out
Permanent roof repair/replacement	1-5 days for the actual work	Depends on scope, weather, and material availability
Total timeline (major storm)	3-12 months from damage to completion	Material shortages after widespread storms can extend this further

This is why pre-arranging a contractor relationship and maintaining adequate insurance coverage are so important. Homeowners who had established contractor relationships before recent Florida hurricanes typically received permanent repairs months before those who had to find contractors after the storm.

Choosing Between Repair and Full Replacement

After storm damage, you and your contractor must decide whether to repair the damaged areas or replace the entire roof. The Florida Building Code influences this decision through the 25% rule: if more than 25% of the roof covering is damaged or removed, a full replacement may be required to bring the entire roof up to current code.

Factors that push toward full replacement include:

The roof was already nearing end of life before the storm
Damage is widespread across multiple areas
The roof deck has sustained significant damage
Matching materials are no longer available
Insurance settlement is sufficient for replacement
Upgrading to current code provides wind mitigation benefits

Read our complete roofing guide for detailed information about replacement options and what to expect from the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to go on my roof after a hurricane?

Do not go on your roof after a hurricane unless you are certain it is safe. Wet, damaged, or debris-covered roofs are extremely dangerous. The roof structure may be weakened and unable to support your weight. Always do your initial assessment from the ground using binoculars. If you need a closer look, hire a licensed roofing contractor with proper safety equipment and insurance.

How soon should I file an insurance claim after hurricane roof damage?

File your insurance claim as soon as possible after discovering damage. Most Florida policies require prompt notification. Contact your insurance company within 24 to 48 hours of the storm passing if you have any damage. Document all damage with photos and video before making temporary repairs. Keep all receipts for temporary repair materials and labor.

How do I identify a storm chaser roofing scam?

Warning signs of storm chaser scams include door-to-door solicitation immediately after a storm, pressure to sign contracts quickly, requests for large upfront payments, offering to pay your insurance deductible, out-of-state license plates, no local business address, and unwillingness to provide a written detailed estimate. Always verify the contractor's Florida license at myfloridalicense.com and check for local reviews and references.

Can I do temporary roof repairs myself after a hurricane?

Minor temporary repairs like placing buckets under leaks, applying roofing cement to small cracks, or covering broken windows with plastic sheeting can be done safely from inside your home. Tarping a roof requires getting on the roof, which is dangerous after a storm. If possible, hire a professional for exterior temporary repairs. If you must do it yourself, wait for completely dry conditions, use proper safety equipment, and never work alone.

What should I photograph for my hurricane roof damage insurance claim?

Photograph everything from multiple angles: missing or damaged shingles and tiles, damaged flashing, broken vents or skylights, fallen trees or debris on the roof, interior water stains and leaks, damaged personal property, debris in the yard from the roof, and the overall condition of the home exterior. Include wide shots showing the full roof and close-ups of specific damage. Take video as well, and ensure your camera timestamps are accurate.

Does FEMA help with roof repairs after a hurricane in Florida?

FEMA may provide assistance for roof repairs after a federally declared disaster, but only if your insurance does not cover the damage or you are underinsured. FEMA assistance is not a substitute for insurance. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. FEMA assistance may include grants for temporary repairs, rental assistance if your home is uninhabitable, and referrals to the SBA for low-interest disaster loans.

Be Ready Before the Storm Hits

The best time to prepare for post-storm roof recovery is before the storm arrives. Read our hurricane roof damage guide to understand the types of damage storms cause and how to protect your home. Review your Florida roof insurance policy now, establish a contractor relationship, and create your pre-storm documentation. When the next hurricane targets Pinellas County, homeowners who prepared will recover faster, get better insurance outcomes, and return to normal life sooner.