Roof Inspection After a Hurricane: What to Check and Document (2026)

The hurricane has passed, the winds have died down, and you are safe inside your Pinellas County home. Now comes the critical next step: assessing your roof for damage. What you do in the hours and days following a hurricane can mean the difference between a smooth insurance claim and a drawn-out battle, between a simple repair and a cascading series of problems caused by undetected water intrusion.

This guide walks you through the entire post-hurricane roof inspection process, from safety precautions that could save your life to documentation techniques that will support your insurance claim. Whether Hurricane season brought a Category 1 storm or a major Category 4 event to the Tampa Bay area, the principles are the same: stay safe, inspect systematically, document thoroughly, and act promptly.

Safety First: Before You Step Outside

Before you even open your front door to look at your roof, you need to address immediate safety hazards. Post-hurricane environments are far more dangerous than most people realize. More injuries and deaths occur after hurricanes than during them, often from preventable accidents during cleanup and inspection.

Downed Power Lines

Downed power lines are the single most dangerous post-hurricane hazard. A live wire on the ground, draped over a fence, or lying across your roof can kill instantly. In Pinellas County, where overhead power distribution is common in older neighborhoods throughout St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Largo, downed lines are almost guaranteed after any significant hurricane.

• Assume every downed wire is live and energized, even if it appears inactive
• Stay at least 35 feet away from any downed line or anything touching it
• If a line is touching your home, vehicle, or fence, do not touch those objects
• Report downed lines to Duke Energy (the primary provider in Pinellas County) at 800-228-8485
• Do not attempt to move or clear downed lines yourself under any circumstances
• Water on the ground near a downed line conducts electricity, so avoid puddles and wet areas near any line

Structural Stability

A hurricane can compromise the structural integrity of your home without making it obvious from the outside. Before entering any structure after a significant storm, look for warning signs of structural damage.

• Visible shifting or leaning of walls
• Cracks in the foundation, walls, or chimney
• The roof line appears to sag or dip in new areas
• Doors or windows that were previously straight now appear crooked in their frames
• Unusual sounds like creaking, popping, or settling noises from the structure
• The smell of natural gas or propane (leave immediately and call 911)

If you observe any signs of structural compromise, do not enter the building. Contact Pinellas County Emergency Management or a licensed structural engineer to evaluate safety before proceeding.

Other Post-Storm Hazards

• Standing water: May contain sewage, chemicals, sharp debris, or wildlife (including displaced snakes and alligators, which are not uncommon in Pinellas County after flooding)
• Unstable debris: Piled debris can shift suddenly, trees leaning against structures can fall without warning
• Sharp objects: Nails, metal, glass, and splintered wood are everywhere after a hurricane. Wear thick-soled shoes and leather gloves
• Heat and sun: Florida's post-hurricane heat can cause heat exhaustion quickly, especially during physical work. Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks

Exterior Visual Check: What to Inspect from the Ground

Your first roof inspection should always be conducted from the ground. Never climb onto your roof after a hurricane. The roof structure may be weakened, wet surfaces are extremely slippery, and hazards you cannot see from below (like downed power lines draped over the far side) could be deadly. Use binoculars to get a closer look at areas of concern.

Systematic Exterior Inspection Checklist

Walk slowly around the entire perimeter of your home, inspecting the roof from every angle. Look for the following:

Check the Ground Around Your Home

The ground around your property tells an important part of the story. Look for:

• Shingles, tiles, or metal pieces on the ground (these came from your roof or a neighbor's)
• Granules accumulated in gutters, downspouts, or at discharge points (indicates shingle damage even if shingles are still in place)
• Pieces of flashing, vent covers, or pipe boots on the ground
• Tree limbs or debris that may have struck the roof on the way down
• Evidence of water flow patterns on exterior walls below the roofline (indicates gutter or flashing failure)

Interior Inspection: Attic and Ceiling Checks

The interior inspection is just as important as the exterior. Some roof damage is not visible from outside but shows clear signs from inside the home. Water can travel along rafters and decking for surprising distances before dripping down, so the location of an interior stain may not directly correspond to the location of the roof breach.

Attic Inspection

If you have attic access and the structure appears stable, carefully inspect the attic space. Use a bright flashlight and proceed cautiously, stepping only on ceiling joists or sturdy walkways, not on the drywall between joists.

• Daylight penetration: Look for any points where daylight is visible through the roof deck. This indicates missing roofing material and exposed or damaged decking.
• Water stains on decking: Fresh water stains appear as dark, wet patches on the underside of the roof decking. Older stains may be dried but still discolored.
• Wet insulation: Check all insulation for moisture. Wet insulation loses its effectiveness and can promote mold growth. Note the location and extent of wet areas.
• Structural damage: Look for cracked, split, or broken rafters and trusses. Check for any signs that the roof structure has shifted or racked.
• Dripping water: Active water dripping from above indicates an ongoing breach that needs immediate emergency tarping.
• Mold indicators: In Florida's humidity, mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours after water intrusion. Look for any fuzzy growth or musty odors, especially in attic areas that were previously dry.

Ceiling and Wall Inspection

Go through every room in your home and inspect all ceilings and walls for signs of water intrusion.

• Water stains: Look for new brown or yellowish stains on ceilings. Check the corners where ceilings meet walls, as water often travels along framing before appearing.
• Bubbling or peeling paint: Water behind drywall causes paint to bubble, blister, or peel. Press gently on any suspicious area. If the drywall feels soft or spongy, water has saturated it.
• Sagging ceiling: A ceiling that appears to sag or bow may be holding accumulated water above the drywall. This is a dangerous situation because the ceiling can collapse under the weight. If you see a sagging, wet ceiling, place a bucket beneath it and carefully puncture a small hole at the lowest point to release the water in a controlled manner.
• Active dripping: Place buckets under any active drips immediately and note the location. Move furniture and valuables away from affected areas.
• Window and door frames: Check around all window and door frames for water intrusion. Wind-driven rain during a hurricane can force water through seals that normally keep water out.

Documentation for Insurance Claims

Proper documentation is the foundation of a successful insurance claim. Insurance companies process thousands of claims after a hurricane, and the homeowners who provide clear, thorough, organized documentation consistently receive faster and more complete settlements. Start documenting immediately and continue throughout the repair process.

Photography Guidelines

• Enable timestamps: Turn on the date and time stamp in your phone's camera settings, or ensure your camera records EXIF data. This proves when the photos were taken.
• Wide shots first: Photograph the entire roof from each side of the property, then from each corner. These establish the overall condition and context.
• Medium shots: Photograph each area of damage from about 10 feet away. This shows the damage in context with its surroundings.
• Close-ups: Get detailed close-up photos of each specific area of damage. Include a reference object (a coin, ruler, or your hand) for scale.
• Interior damage: Photograph all interior water damage with the same wide, medium, close-up approach.
• Before and after: If you have pre-storm photos of your roof (from your maintenance schedule documentation), these are extremely valuable for proving what changed during the storm.

Video Documentation

In addition to photos, take video of the damage. Walk around the entire exterior narrating what you see. Include:

• Your name, address, and the date at the beginning of the video
• Narration describing each area of damage as you film it
• Interior walkthroughs showing water damage, ceiling stains, and any other storm effects
• Video of any active leaks or water intrusion
• Footage of debris from your roof on the ground

Written Documentation

Create a detailed written log that includes:

• Date and time of initial inspection
• Location and description of each area of damage
• Estimated size of affected areas (in square feet or linear feet)
• Whether damage appears to affect only the surface material, the underlayment, or the decking
• Any emergency repairs performed and their cost
• Contact information for any contractors you speak with
• A log of all communications with your insurance company, including dates, representative names, and claim numbers

Emergency Tarping: Protecting Your Home from Further Damage

If your roof has a breach (missing shingles, exposed decking, or an active leak), emergency tarping is critical to prevent further water damage. Florida law and most insurance policies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to mitigate further damage after a loss. Failing to tarp an obvious breach can result in the insurance company denying coverage for secondary water damage that could have been prevented.

DIY Tarping Safety

If you decide to tarp your roof yourself, follow these safety guidelines:

• Never work on the roof alone. Have someone on the ground to assist and call for help if needed.
• Do not work on a wet roof surface. Wait for conditions to dry enough for safe footing.
• Use a sturdy ladder on stable, level ground. Have someone hold the base.
• Wear shoes with good traction and leather gloves.
• Secure the tarp with 2x4 boards screwed into the roof deck, not weighted down with objects that can become projectiles in the next storm.
• The tarp should extend at least 4 feet beyond the damaged area on all sides.
• If the damage is extensive or the roof appears structurally unsound, do not attempt DIY tarping. Call a professional.

Professional Tarping Services

After a major hurricane, professional emergency tarping services are in high demand throughout Pinellas County. Here is what to know:

• Reputable contractors will provide a written estimate before starting work
• Typical tarping costs range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the size of the area and roof accessibility
• Your homeowners insurance should cover reasonable tarping costs as part of your claim
• Keep all receipts and get before/after photos of the tarping work
• Be wary of storm chasers who show up unsolicited offering tarping and repair services. Verify contractor licenses through the Florida DBPR website

FEMA Blue Roof Program

After a federally declared disaster, FEMA may activate the Blue Roof Program, which provides free temporary roof covering for damaged homes. The program installs heavy-duty fiber-reinforced sheeting over damaged roofs at no cost to the homeowner. Coverage is temporary (typically rated for 30 days but often lasts longer) and buys time while you arrange permanent repairs. Check FEMA.gov or contact Pinellas County Emergency Management to determine if the program has been activated after a specific storm.

When to Call a Professional vs. DIY Assessment

Understanding the boundary between what you can safely assess yourself and what requires a professional is important for both safety and for the quality of your insurance claim.

Florida Post-Storm Inspection Resources

After a major hurricane, several government agencies and programs become available to help Pinellas County homeowners with inspection, documentation, and recovery. Knowing these resources in advance saves valuable time when you need them most.

• Pinellas County Emergency Management: Coordinates local disaster response and can direct you to available resources. Visit pinellascounty.org/emergency or call 727-464-3800.
• Florida Division of Emergency Management: Coordinates state-level response and manages FEMA assistance applications. Visit floridadisaster.org.
• FEMA: Apply for disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. FEMA assistance can cover temporary housing, emergency repairs, and other storm-related needs not covered by insurance.
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): Verify contractor licenses at myfloridalicense.com before hiring anyone for roof repairs. This is especially important after hurricanes when unlicensed storm chasers flood affected areas.
• Florida Office of Insurance Regulation: If you have disputes with your insurance company regarding claim handling, contact the OIR at floir.com or call 877-693-5236.
• Pinellas County Building Services: Permits are required for roof repairs and replacement. Contact Building Services at 727-464-3888 for permit requirements. Note that permit fees are often waived or reduced after declared disasters.

Filing Deadlines and Insurance Claim Timeline

Understanding the timeline for filing insurance claims is critical. Missing deadlines can result in denied coverage, leaving you responsible for the full cost of repairs.

Key Deadlines Under Florida Law

• Notice of loss: You must notify your insurance company of the damage as soon as reasonably possible. While Florida statute provides up to two years from the date of loss, filing sooner is always better. Contact your insurer within 24 to 72 hours of discovering damage.
• Proof of loss: Your insurance company may require a sworn proof of loss statement. The deadline for this is specified in your policy but typically ranges from 60 to 90 days after the insurer requests it.
• Supplemental claims: If additional damage is discovered after your initial claim (common with hidden water damage), you can file a supplemental claim. The same statutory deadlines apply from the date of loss, not the date of discovery.

Insurance Claim Process Timeline

Avoiding Post-Hurricane Roofing Scams

Unfortunately, hurricanes attract unscrupulous individuals who prey on desperate homeowners. After every major storm in Florida, reports of roofing scams increase dramatically. Protect yourself by knowing the warning signs.

• Unsolicited door-knocking: Be cautious of contractors who show up at your door uninvited after a storm. Legitimate contractors are busy with existing customers and rarely need to solicit door-to-door.
• Pressure to sign immediately: Any contractor who pressures you to sign a contract on the spot, before getting other estimates, is a red flag. Reputable contractors understand you need time to make informed decisions.
• Requesting large upfront payments: Florida law limits contractor deposits to 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less, for contracts subject to the Florida Home Solicitation Sales Act. Never pay in full before work is completed.
• Offering to waive your deductible: This is insurance fraud under Florida law. Any contractor who offers to waive your deductible or inflate the claim to cover it is committing a crime and involving you in it.
• No license or insurance: Always verify the contractor's Florida roofing license through the DBPR and confirm they carry liability insurance and workers compensation coverage.
• Out-of-state plates: While not automatically a scam indicator, contractors who travel from other states to work after hurricanes (storm chasers) are statistically more likely to do poor work and disappear if problems arise.

Building a Hurricane-Ready Inspection Kit

Prepare these items before hurricane season so you are ready to inspect and document damage immediately after a storm. Store them in a waterproof container in an easily accessible location.

• Fully charged phone or camera with extra battery pack or charger
• Binoculars for detailed roof inspection from the ground
• Bright flashlight with fresh batteries for attic and interior inspections
• Notebook and waterproof pen for written documentation
• Measuring tape for documenting damage dimensions
• Your insurance policy number and agent contact information
• Pre-storm photos of your roof (print copies in case digital is inaccessible)
• Thick-soled shoes and leather work gloves
• First aid kit
• Copy of this inspection checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I inspect my roof after a hurricane?

You should perform an initial visual inspection from the ground as soon as it is safe to go outside after the storm passes and local authorities issue an all-clear. This is typically within 24 hours after the storm. A professional roof inspection should be scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks, though demand for inspectors is high after a major storm so booking early is important. The sooner you identify and document damage, the stronger your insurance claim will be.

What should I document for an insurance claim after hurricane roof damage?

Document everything with dated photos and video showing all damage from multiple angles. Write detailed notes describing each area of damage, its location, and its approximate size. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs such as tarping. Take photos of the overall roof and close-ups of specific damage. Include photos of interior damage such as water stains and wet insulation. Preserve any debris from your roof as evidence of the roofing material that was damaged. The more thorough your documentation, the smoother your claim process will be.

How long do I have to file a hurricane damage insurance claim in Florida?

Under current Florida law (as of 2026), homeowners must report hurricane damage to their insurance company within two years of the date of loss. However, filing as soon as possible is strongly recommended. Delays can complicate claims, allow secondary damage to worsen, and may result in disputes about whether damage was caused by the hurricane or by subsequent neglect. Many insurers have internal deadlines that are shorter than the statutory limit, so review your policy carefully.

Should I get on my roof to inspect it after a hurricane?

No. Homeowners should never climb onto their roof after a hurricane. The roof structure may be weakened or compromised, wet surfaces are extremely slippery, and downed power lines may be draped across or near the roof. Perform your initial inspection from the ground using binoculars. Leave rooftop inspection to licensed, insured professional roofing contractors who have the proper safety equipment and training.

Does my insurance cover emergency tarping after a hurricane?

Yes. Most Florida homeowners insurance policies cover reasonable emergency repairs to prevent further damage, including tarping. Keep all receipts and take photos before and after the emergency repair. The cost of tarping is typically included in the overall claim. Some programs like FEMA Blue Roof provide free temporary tarping after declared disasters. Check with FEMA and Pinellas County Emergency Management after a storm to see if the program has been activated.

Be Prepared Before the Storm Arrives

The best time to prepare for a post-hurricane roof inspection is before hurricane season begins. Review your insurance policy, document your roof's current condition with photos and video, assemble your inspection kit, and know who to call when you need help. Following a regular roof maintenance schedule and investing in hurricane-resistant roofing features reduces the likelihood of catastrophic damage and puts you in the strongest position for recovery when a storm does hit.

Pinellas County homeowners in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Seminole, and everywhere in between share the same hurricane risk. Your preparation, your response in the critical hours after a storm, and the quality of your documentation determine how quickly and completely you recover. Take the time now to read this guide, prepare your materials, and share this information with neighbors and family. When the next hurricane comes, you will be ready.