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Replacing Your Roof After Hurricane Damage - Step-by-Step Guide for Florida
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How To Replace Your Roof After Hurricane Damage
When a hurricane hits Florida, roofs take the bulk of the impact. If your roof has been damaged during a storm, knowing exactly what to do next can save you time, money, and stress. This step-by-step guide from R.I.G. Roofing walks you through the full process, from assessing storm damage to choosing a contractor and replacing your roof safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety When Assessing Storm Damage
After a hurricane, conditions can be unpredictable. Follow these tips to avoid unnecessary risks.
Do Not:
- Climb onto the roof
- Walk on wet or loose shingles
- Touch exposed wires or metal
Do:
- Check for visible hazards from the ground
- Look for downed power lines
- Shut off main breakers if water entered the home
- Take photos from a safe distance
Step 2: Document All Visible Roof Damage
Insurance companies must have proof of your roof damage before they will approve your claim. The better detail you provide with your documentation, the easier your claim will be to get approved.
Photograph the following:
- Missing shingles
- Lifted shingles or popped nails
- Damaged metal panels
- Cracked or displaced tiles
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Damaged gutters or flashing
- Debris impact marks
- Exposed underlayment
Take wide photos and close-ups. Document everything, even if you are not sure it qualifies as damage.
Step 3: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Hurricane damage is not always visible to the untrained eye. Hidden damage can worsen over time, leading to rot, mold, interior leaks or structural problems.
A licensed Florida roofing contractor will check for:
- Damaged shingles, tiles, or metal panels
- Compromised flashing and failed sealants
- Exposed or damaged underlayment
- Decking damage
- Structural weakness
- Moisture intrusion
R.I.G. Roofing provides free storm damage assessments and detailed reports that homeowners can use to supplement their insurance claims.
Step 4: Prevent Further Water Intrusion
If your roof is compromised and is letting in water, temporary protection is crucial.
R.I.G. Roofing Emergency Dry-In Services Include:
- Covering and securing affected areas
- Sealing damaged penetrations
- Securing loose roofing sections
Florida storms often occur back-to-back, so preventing secondary damage is essential.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
Most hurricane-related roof damage qualifies for an insurance claim, but the process must be followed correctly.
When file an insurance claim:
- Report that your home sustained hurricane damage, including the date and name of the storm.
- Follow all instructions for filing a claim listed on your providers website or online form.
- Provide initial photos as attachments
- Give as much detail as you can
After submitting your claim, do not start on permanent repairs yet. Your insurance provider must verify damage before your claim can be approved. Emergency repairs are okay to stop active leaks and prevent further water intrusion.
Step 6: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster
When you meet with your insurance adjuster, your roofing contractor should be present during the visit to:
- Point out hidden damage and provide proof
- Understand technical language and roofing terms you might not be familiar with
- Ensure nothing is overlooked
- Provide professional measurements and documentation
This significantly increases the accuracy of the insurance adjuster's assessment.
R.I.G. Roofing is happy to meet with you insurance adjuster on your behalf to streamline this process.
Step 7: Review the Insurance Claim Estimate
Once your insurance company processes the claim, they will issue a Statement of Loss that outlines:
- Approved repairs or replacement
- Material allowances
- Labor coverage
- Depreciation
- Deductible information
Compare the estimate with your roofing contractor’s estimate to ensure accuracy.Â
Step 8: Choose the Right Roofing Material for Replacement
After a hurricane, many homeowners choose to upgrade to stronger roofing materials for better protection.
Roofing Material Options:
- Architectural shingles – Affordable and durable
- Metal roofing – High wind ratings and long lasting
- Tile roofing – Long-lasting, resistant to rot
- Stone coated steel – Lightweight, Class 4 (highest) impact rating
When replacing your roof after hurricane damage, it is an ideal time to assess what roof will best protect your home long-term.
If you're unsure which material to choose, see some of our other content for guidance:
- How to Choose the Right Roofing Material for Your Florida Home
- Asphalt Shingles vs Metal Roofing: What’s Best for You?
- Why Boral Stone Coated Steel Is a Game-Changer for Roofing
Step 9: Begin the Roof Replacement Process
Once insurance approves the claim and materials are selected, your contractor will:
- Schedule installation
- Remove damaged roofing
- Thoroughly inspect the decking
- Replace damaged wood
- Install underlayment and flashing
- Install the new roof covering (shingles, metal, tile)
- Perform final cleanup
- Conduct a final walk through
- As an additional help to our customers R.I.G. Roofing provides a free wind mitigation report for you to give to your insurance provider so they can see the improved weathertightness of your new roofing system. This could save you $$$ on your insurance bill.
A reputable roofing contractor will keep you updated throughout the entire process.
Step 10: Request All Documentation and WarrantiesÂ
After your new roof is installed, be sure to ask for and manufacturer warranties, as well as contractor workmanship warranty information.Â
This documentation may also help reduce insurance premiums.
Signs You Need a Roof Replacement After a Hurricane
Sometimes repairs are enough. However, if you notice these signs you are likely in need of a full roof replacement.
- Missing shingles (more than 20%)
- Multiple leaks
- Exposed underlayment in multiple areas
- Structural sagging
- Significant tile cracking (20% or more)
- Missing or warped metal panels
- Soft or wavy looking decking
Choose R.I.G. Roofing for Replacing Your Roof After Hurricane Damage
R.I.G. Roofing has extensive experience helping Florida homeowners restore their homes after hurricanes. Our team assists with:
- Emergency dry-in services to stop water intrustion
- Insurance documentation
- Adjuster meetings
- Roof repairs and replacements
- Material upgrades
- Wind mitigation report
- Helping you manage everything from start to finish
We never sell you a roof you don’t need. We'll also help protect your home with long-lasting roofing solutions designed specifically for Florida weather.
R.I.G. Roofing Your Shingle Best Roofer
If your roof was damaged in a hurricane, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. R.I.G. Roofing provides fast emergency dry-in, detailed storm assessments, and expert roof replacement services.
Call R.I.G. Roofing at 1 (863) 294-4477 or visit RIGRoofing.com to schedule your free storm damage assessment today.
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R.I.G. Roofing is Central Florida’s Most Trusted Roofing Contractor
Free Residential & Commercial Roof Assessments | Repair or Replacement
If you’ve got roof problems, let R.I.G. Roofing be your lifetime solution. We are a faith based, family owned roofing contractor offering Free Roof Estimates throughout central Florida. After your roof assessment you can sit down with our roofing specialist who will walk you through their findings and recommendations while answering any questions you may have. If you’d prefer less in-person contact, we can leave our findings and estimate at your door and follow up with you via phone call. Most roof installations are completed in just one day and come with our unmatched 10 – 20 year workmanship warranty and 5 star customer service.
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Your Local Roofing Company: R.I.G. Roofing
R.I.G. Roofing is proud to offer reliable and honest roof repair and replacement services to residential and commercial customers throughout the United States. Our home office is in Winter Haven, Florida; with satellite offices in Lakeland & Tampa and our sister company Len's Roofing in Sarasota-Bradenton. View our entire service area, call our office 1 (863) 294-4477 or schedule your free estimate online today. We can't wait to hear from you!Â
