What To Do If Your Roof Is Damaged In A Storm?

Storms in Orlando move fast and hit hard. One hour it is a sunny afternoon in Lake Nona or Winter Park, and the next hour wind-driven rain is pushing under shingles and oak limbs are bouncing on the ridge. After thousands of roof inspections across Orange County and Seminole County, a clear pattern stands out: the first 24 to 72 hours after a storm decide whether a roof needs a simple repair or a full replacement. This article maps out what to do, what to avoid, and how to move from shock to a clean, documented storm damage roof repair with minimal disruption.

First, get safe and get the facts

No roof is worth a fall. If shingles are missing, branches are down, or lines are tangled, stay on the ground. A quick interior walk-through tells a lot. Look for new water spots on ceilings, damp drywall seams, bubbling paint, or musty smells in closets and hallways. In the attic, a flashlight will reveal darkened sheathing, wet insulation, or visible daylight through fastener holes and lifted shingles. A homeowner does not need to diagnose. The goal is to establish whether water is entering and where it shows up inside.

Photographs matter. Wide shots that show the room and the stain, then close-ups with a coin or tape measure for scale, create strong documentation. Outside, stand back and use zoom. Missing shingles, lifted ridge caps, displaced soffit, and dented gutters tell a story. If hail was reported in your neighborhood near Conway, Baldwin Park, or Hunters Creek, check metal items like mailbox tops, downspout elbows, and AC units for fresh dings. Those marks often confirm hail size and direction for the insurance adjuster.

Tarping quickly prevents costly secondary damage

In Central Florida, small roof openings become soaked drywall within hours. The fastest way to stop that spiral is a tight emergency tarp. A proper tarp is more than blue plastic and hope. An experienced crew anchors through the ridge into framing, seals edges with batten boards, and lays the tarp so water runs off cleanly without ponding. Poor tarping causes blow-offs and leaks at the tarp edge, which can void parts of a policy if the carrier believes the loss was made worse by delay or poor temporary protection.

Hurricane Roofer crews run emergency tarps across Orlando, often the same day, even during evening hours when the radar shows a second wave coming. The team uses thicker 8 to 10 mil tarps and screws with washers rather than loose nails. On tile roofs in Dr. Phillips or Windermere, the method shifts to avoid cracking adjacent tiles. On flat sections in College Park, sandbags and perimeter sealing prevent uplift. Quick, correct tarping buys time for a full inspection and avoids mold growth that can start within 24 to 48 hours in Florida humidity.

How storm damage shows up on different roof types

An asphalt shingle roof reacts to wind and rain differently than tile or metal. Shingles lose granules, tear at the seal strip, or crease. A clean, horizontal crease across a shingle tab usually means wind lifted it and broke the mat, which leads to leaks even if the shingle lies back down. Granule piles at downspouts after a storm are another clue. Around Conway Chain of Lakes, winds often funnel and create lift near gable ends and rakes, so those edges deserve close attention.

Concrete tile roofs resist hail better but are vulnerable to uplift and broken corners. A few cracked tiles may look minor. The risk is water traveling under tiles if the underlayment is torn. In neighborhoods with taller oaks like in Winter Park and Delaney Park, falling limbs can crack rows of tiles, leaving the felt exposed. Metal roofs shed water well, but dents from hail can be widespread. Fastener back-out is a quiet problem on older screw-down panels on workshops and porches around East Orlando. A storm can accelerate that movement and start slow leaks along seams.

Flat roofs on West Colonial commercial buildings and many Florida rooms around Azalea Park often leak at penetrations and ponding areas. After a strong cell, look at scuppers and drains. If water stands more than one inch for longer than 48 hours, the membrane may need attention. A local contractor knows where ponding tends to occur and how to correct slope or add crickets.

Insurance basics Orlando homeowners ask about

Every policy reads a bit differently, but the core items repeat. Most carriers cover sudden, accidental storm damage. They do not cover age-related wear. The inspection and photo record should separate the two. Insurers look for wind creases, missing tabs, fresh impact marks, lifted flashing, and new water stains. Age shows as brittle shingles, smooth bald spots, and long-term nail pops with rust.

Actual cash value versus replacement cost matters. Older policies or budget options pay a depreciated amount first, then release the rest after the work is completed. Deductibles in Orlando range widely, and some policies have a wind or hurricane deductible that is a percentage of the insured value. Homeowners sometimes misunderstand timing here. The deductible is not a bill from the roofer; it is the portion the carrier does not pay. A reputable contractor walks through this in plain terms and shows it line by line.

Carriers often prefer to see an estimate written in Xactimate or a similar format. Hurricane Roofer prepares those with photographs labeled by slope, orientation, and elevation, which speeds approval. On larger losses, a public adjuster may get involved, but for most wind events in Orlando that is not necessary if documentation is clean and the scope is fair.

Why fast documentation helps claim approval

Claims move faster when evidence is fresh. Rain marks on underlayment fade within days. Shingle creases flatten somewhat in heat. A week of Central Florida sun can erase the clear edges of hail spatter on soft metals. That is why a next-day inspection is valuable. A roof report that includes date-stamped photos, wind direction from the nearest weather station, and a diagram marked with slopes and slopes’ pitch gives an adjuster what they need to connect the loss to the event.

Hurricane Roofer often references local radar archives from storms that hit Conway, Belle Isle, or SoDo, and pairs those with neighborhood-specific photos. That level of detail reduces back-and-forth and keeps the claim on track. It also protects the homeowner from lowball scopes that miss starter course damage, ridge vent cracks, or flashing failures at sidewalls.

Common mistakes that make a small leak a big problem

Rooftop walking after rain breaks granules loose and scuffs coatings, which can void warranties or worsen leaks. Another mistake is using tar or mastic as a fix-all. Heavy mastic at shingle edges traps water and heat, often causing more damage. On tile roofs, sliding a cracked tile without replacing underlayment invites hidden rot. In a pinch, some homeowners staple a plastic sheet under drywall to catch water; that hides the leak path and can slow drying, leading to mold.

Waiting on interior repairs until the roof is watertight is the right call. Painting over a wet spot without drying the cavity traps moisture. Dehumidifiers and air movers help, and in Orlando’s climate, a proper dry-out often takes two to five days depending on how long the leak ran. Hurricane Roofer refers trusted water mitigation pros for that phase and coordinates timing so the roof and interior move in step.

What a professional inspection includes

A thorough storm inspection is systematic. From the ground, binoculars or a drone capture ridge lines, valleys, and soft metals. On the roof, the inspector checks all slopes, not just the visibly damaged ones. Wind damage often concentrates on leeward slopes. The ridge, hips, rakes, and eaves get close attention. Flashing at chimneys and sidewalls, pipe boots, satellite mounts, and solar attachments need hands-on checks. The attic is the final step. Nails that show fresh rust, wet sheathing around protrusions, and trails on rafters confirm active water entry.

Expect a written report within 24 hours. It should include the number of damaged shingles or tiles per slope, measurements, photos, and a recommendation. Minor storm damage roof repair might involve replacing 10 to 30 shingles, a boot, and a small section of flashing. Widespread creasing or lifted ridge across multiple slopes usually points to replacement, especially if the roof is older. On tile, the test is whether the underlayment has failed. Tile itself is a cladding; the underlayment does the waterproofing. If it is compromised in broad areas, a re-roof with new high-temp underlayment is the long-term fix.

Repair or replace: the real-world trade-offs

A small, defined area of wind damage on a relatively young shingle roof often repairs well. The repair team carefully removes the damaged shingles, replaces underlayment if torn, and weaves in new shingles. The catch is color match. Even within the same product line, batches vary. Sun-faded slopes in Lake Nona or Avalon Park will show a patch. Some homeowners accept that, especially on slopes not visible from the street. Others push for a larger scope through insurance based on matching laws or policy language. Florida case law on matching can be nuanced; a contractor familiar with local carriers can explain where it stands.

On older roofs, repairs can cause collateral damage. Breaking the seal on brittle shingles often creates new cracks. If a slope needs 25 or more shingle replacements spread across it, that slope may not hold up to surgical work. In those cases, a full slope replacement is cleaner and safer. With tile, spot replacements can work if the tiles are still available. Many older profiles are discontinued. A tile lift and re-lay with new underlayment may be the better path if the goal is long-term performance and a uniform look.

How Orlando weather shapes material choices

Central Florida roofs face year-round UV, daily thermal cycling, and wind gusts that can exceed 60 mph in summer storms. High-heat underlayment performs better than standard felt. On shingle roofs, starter strips with solid adhesive at eaves and rakes help fight uplift. Six nails per shingle, not four, often makes the difference during gusts. Ridge vents should be storm-rated and properly baffled to keep wind-driven rain out. On tile roofs, stainless or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners and foam or screws that meet high-wind specs cut down on post-storm call-backs.

Hurricane Roofer outfits crews for these local demands. The team sees what fails most often on Conway bungalows compared to Lake Nona two-story homes and adjusts flashing and fastening accordingly. Small details such as closed-cut valleys versus woven valleys, or the direction of lap joints relative to prevailing winds off Lake Eola, reduce future leaks.

Timelines homeowners can expect

Emergency tarping typically happens within hours of contact during active events. Inspections usually take 60 to 90 minutes for an average single-family home and can be scheduled the same or next day. Insurance adjuster meetings often occur three to seven days after a claim is filed. Material lead times vary. Shingles are usually available in 2 to 7 days, though specific colors may take a bit longer after a widespread storm. Popular tile profiles sometimes run backordered for weeks; temporary measures keep the home dry while scheduling the permanent fix.

A standard shingle replacement on a 2,000 to 2,400 square-foot home takes one to two days, plus a day for gutters or small carpentry if needed. Tile re-roofs stretch longer, often five to seven days due to underlayment work and detail cutting. Throughout, good communication beats assumptions. Hurricane Roofer provides a point of contact who updates homeowners before crews arrive, when inspections are complete, and if weather shifts the schedule.

What to do in the first 48 hours

• Photograph interior and exterior damage clearly, then cover furniture and place buckets where drips occur.
• Call Hurricane Roofer for emergency tarping and a storm inspection; ask for an ETA and inspection window.
• If you plan to file a claim, notify the carrier, and log the claim number and adjuster contact.
• Save receipts for temporary repairs, tarps, and mitigation; insurers often reimburse reasonable emergency costs.
• Avoid signing any high-pressure contracts at the door; wait for a documented inspection and scope.

How Hurricane Roofer handles storm damage roof repair

Local knowledge matters. The company works across Orlando, from SoDo bungalows to new builds in Laureate Park. Technicians know the quirks of older framing, the way wind gusts funnel near lakes, and which materials hold up best in our heat. The process is simple. First comes the inspection, with photos and a clear written scope. If the roof can be made sound with a repair, the crew schedules it promptly, often within a few days. If replacement is warranted, the estimator explains options, costs, and the insurance path in direct, plain language.

During repair, the crew protects landscaping, covers pools, and uses catch nets for nails. A magnet sweep happens daily, not just at the end. Valleys and penetrations get extra attention. Before the team leaves, the lead walks the homeowner through what was fixed and shows photos of the work under the new shingles or tiles. That transparency helps if the carrier wants proof that the scope was completed as approved.

Pricing clarity and what affects it

Costs vary based on steepness, height, access, material type, and how much decking needs replacement. A small wind repair to replace a boot, a few shingles, and reseal a vent might land in the low hundreds. Larger repairs run higher, especially if scaffolding or specialized tile handling is involved. Full replacements for shingle roofs in Orlando typically land in the mid to high four figures to low five figures depending on home size and options. Add-ons like ridge vent upgrades, new gutters, or impact-rated shingles change the number. A reputable contractor explains any price change before work begins and avoids line-item surprises.

For insurance work, the scope often drives pricing rather than a lump sum. If the adjuster approved a certain number of squares, ridge, and vents, the contractor works within that scope and supplements with documentation when field conditions demand additional items, like local storm damage roof repair replacing rotten decking that was hidden.

A note on permits and code in Orlando

The City of Orlando and Orange County require permits for re-roofs and for significant structural repair. Roofers pull the permit, schedule the inspection, and post the permit card on-site. Florida Building Code calls for specific nailing patterns, underlayment types, and secondary water barriers in some cases. After storms, code enforcement can be strict as the city tries to prevent quick, sloppy installs. Hurricane Roofer welcomes that scrutiny. The team meets code, photographs details the inspector cannot see later, and provides copies for the homeowner’s records.

Why local references matter after a storm

Storm chasers show up with out-of-state plates after every large event. Some do good work; many disappear. A homeowner should ask for addresses of recent jobs in the same neighborhood. Drive by and look. Ask for proof of Florida licensure and active general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Confirm the business address is local. Hurricane Roofer provides that information up front, plus contact names for nearby clients who agree to share their experience.

Preventing the next leak

Storm damage cannot be avoided, but impact can be reduced. Trimming limbs that overhang the roof line cuts down on punctures and scuffs. Cleaning gutters before summer reduces overflow during downpours. Replacing aged pipe boots and re-sealing flashing ahead of storm season is inexpensive compared to interior repairs. For homes near open water where winds hit harder, upgrading to shingles with higher wind ratings and using a six-nail pattern is a smart move. On tile roofs, inspecting ridge and hip mortar or foam annually prevents blow-offs.

Signs it is time to call a pro right now

• Water is dripping inside, staining ceilings, or running down walls during rain.
• Multiple shingles are missing, creased, or lifted along the ridge or edges.
• A limb struck the roof, even if the damage looks small from the ground.
• Granules are piling at downspouts and new dark spots appear after storms.
• The attic smells damp or shows fresh daylight through the roof deck.

Ready for help in Orlando, FL

A storm-damaged roof feels stressful, but the path to a sound fix is clear with the right partner. Hurricane Roofer offers fast emergency tarping, honest inspections, and storm damage roof repair across Orlando, including Winter Park, Conway, Lake Nona, Dr. Phillips, College Park, and nearby communities. The team documents the loss, coordinates with your insurer, and repairs or replaces the roof to meet Florida code and local conditions.

Call Hurricane Roofer – Roofing Contractor Orlando FL to schedule an inspection today. A few photographs and a same-day visit can stop the leak, protect the home, and move your claim forward without drama.