Hurricane Season Prep
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. The time to check your roof is before the first storm watch — not after. Happy Roof offers free pre-hurricane inspections to help Tampa Bay homeowners identify vulnerabilities and make repairs while there's still time.
Before the Storm
Preparation is the single most effective way to protect your home during a hurricane. Tampa Bay has been fortunate compared to other parts of Florida in recent decades, but that can create a false sense of security. When a major storm does make landfall — as we've seen with Hurricane Milton and others — the homeowners who fare best are the ones who prepared ahead of time.
Your roof is your home's most vulnerable surface during a hurricane. Wind speeds of 100+ MPH create enormous uplift pressure, and even Category 1 storms can strip shingles, crack tiles, tear off flashing, and drive rain into every gap and weakness in your roofing system. The damage from water intrusion during and after the storm often exceeds the wind damage itself.
A professional pre-hurricane inspection identifies weak points while there's still time to fix them. Loose shingles can be re-secured. Worn flashing can be replaced. Dried sealant can be reapplied. Gutters can be cleared. These relatively inexpensive repairs can mean the difference between riding out a storm safely and facing tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
Schedule a free inspection with Happy Roof in April or May. We'll identify any weaknesses and give you time to make repairs before June 1.
Cut back branches within 10 feet of your roof. Remove dead limbs and potential projectiles from your yard. These become missiles in high winds.
Clogged gutters during a hurricane cause water to back up under your roof. Clean them thoroughly and verify all downspouts drain away from your foundation.
Know your hurricane deductible, coverage limits, and claim filing deadlines before you need them. Take photos of your roof's current condition as a pre-storm baseline.
Save (813) 595-7663 in your phone now. After a storm, you'll want a licensed local contractor you can reach immediately.
After the Storm
After a hurricane, your roof surface is wet, covered in debris, and potentially structurally compromised. Never attempt to inspect or repair your own roof after a storm. Let licensed professionals with proper safety equipment handle it.
Take photos and video of any visible damage — missing shingles, debris, damaged gutters, water intrusion inside. This documentation is important for your insurance claim. Photograph the whole house from multiple angles.
Call us at (813) 595-7663. We deploy emergency tarps to prevent further water intrusion. Every hour your roof is exposed, the interior damage grows worse and more expensive to repair.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Florida policies typically have strict deadlines for reporting storm damage. Happy Roof provides detailed damage documentation and can attend the adjuster inspection to ensure all damage is captured.
After every hurricane, unlicensed contractors flood the area with low-ball offers and pressure tactics. Always verify Florida licensing (ours is CCC1337380), ask for proof of insurance, check reviews, and never sign anything under pressure. A legitimate contractor will give you time to make an informed decision.
Emergency Contact
If your roof is damaged during a storm, you'll want a licensed local contractor you can reach immediately — not a call center or out-of-state company.
(813) 595-7663Happy Roof LLC · FL License #CCC1337380 · Tampa Bay
FAQ
Schedule your free pre-hurricane inspection now — before June 1.