For Floridians, hurricanes are simply a fact of life. That’s why we have to stay informed of how to handle these natural disasters while safeguarding lives and property as much as possible. There have already been many great guides on what to do before a hurricane, but what are you supposed to do after a Hurricane passes?
We’re PITCH Roofing, and as your local roofing partner, it’s our job to tell you that the danger to your home may not pass with the storm. How you respond after a hurricane is just as important as how you prepare for one. That’s why we’re here to share what to do after a hurricane to keep your home or business safe!
What to Do After a Hurricane
Before anything else, the most important thing to do after a hurricane is to stay safe. We’re going to focus on how to handle storm damage to your roof, but at all times, prioritize your own safety and the safety of those around you. Roofs can be expensive, but people are irreplaceable!
With that said, let’s talk about what to do after a hurricane to protect your roof and your property!
Take a Look at Your Roof Once the Storm Has Cleared
You should never step onto a heavily damaged roof. If you see visible sagging or other signs that your roof is structurally unsound, do not try to access it. You can inspect your roof for damage from your yard, and binoculars can help you see up close to inspect your shingles. While getting on your roof is more thorough, there is never a reason to endanger yourself by getting on a roof when you’re not 100% confident in your ability to stay safe.
If you can safely get onto your roof, start looking around for damage. The most common problems you’ll see after a storm are missing or bent shingles, warped flashing, and damage to your soffits or fascia. Make sure to note any damage and take multiple photos — you’ll need proof of the damage when you go to make your insurance claim. This is one of the most important things to do after a hurricane since your insurer will need proof that a storm caused the damage, so taking pictures ASAP is a great idea.
While you’re on your roof, take a look around for any storm debris. It’s extremely common for branches and even trash from other people’s yards to end up on your roof during a hurricane. Make sure to carefully remove any debris from your roof — over time, it can make a home for pests, and it’s much easier to prevent that problem than fix it.
If you don’t feel comfortable or safe getting on your roof after a hurricane, then don’t. You can always schedule a roof inspection once the storm has cleared. This way, you’ll be able to get professional roofers to take a close look at your roof and identify any damage from the Hurricane!
Tarp Damaged Sections of Your Roof
In a perfect world, what to do after a hurricane would only include calling your preferred contractors. You’d be able to call roofers the day after a Hurricane and get someone out to your house to fix the storm damage within 24 hours. But the truth is that roofers are usually swamped with calls after a major storm. It can take time for us to help everyone, and in the meantime, it can do your roof a world of good to tarp over any missing or damaged shingles.
If you can safely get on your roof, then you shouldn’t have too much trouble tarping any damaged sections. To tarp your roof, follow these instructions:
- Cover any areas with missing shingles with thin wood; plywood works well for this purpose.
- Attach the top edge of the tarp to the roof using nails or screws, placing them every 1-2 feet. Make sure to leave at least 4 feet of tarp around the damaged section to ensure that no water can get in.
- Lay a 2×4 along each edge of the tarp and nail it down for extra security.
- Pull the tarp tight and repeat the process for the remaining sides, ensuring it’s snug and won’t flap in the wind.
By tarping your roof, you’ll minimize the risk of water damage to your roof. But tarping your own roof isn’t achievable for every homeowner. If at any point you feel unsafe or like you’re not completely confident in how to tarp your roof, the best thing is just to leave it. Preventing water damage is important, but it’s even more important to make sure you don’t injure yourself or your roof while attempting to install a tarp.
Call Roofers and Your Insurance Agent
If you have roofing damage from a Hurricane, then you’ll want to start making phone calls. Perhaps the first person you should call is your insurance agent so that they can tell you exactly what you’ll need to submit a claim. Some insurance policies have strict stipulations with which roofers you have to use, so it’s best to check for these requirements before calling in contractors.
Once you’re all set with your insurance agent, the next thing to do after a hurricane is call in the roofers. You don’t have to give them every detail right away, a brief description of any damage you’ve noticed should be plenty. They’ll then schedule a date to have someone out to look at your roof and draw up some solutions for you.
The big thing to note here is that you should be reaching out to the roofers. If you see a roofer going door to door after Hurricane Helen, this is a big red flag. We call these people storm chasers because they blow into town after a hurricane and start offering dirt-cheap roof repairs and replacements. Unfortunately, they can charge so little because they’re inexperienced, use shoddy materials, and often aren’t even real roofers.
Storm chasers cause more problems than they solve, so stick with the local professionals. When you choose PITCH Roofing for your storm damage restoration services, you’re investing in local expertise, workmanship guarantees, and the long-term protection that comes with hiring professionals to do what they do best. That’s exactly what your home needs after a hurricane!
Get Your Free Roofing Estimate After a Hurricane
If you’re not sure what to do after a hurricane, you’re not alone. Dealing with the aftermath of a major storm can bring a lot of headaches and uncertainty. That’s why we’re here to walk you through the process every step of the way.
Whether your roof needs repairs or could need replacing entirely, we’ve got you covered. Call us at 727-677-4824 or schedule your estimate online, and we’ll come, take a look at your roof, and prepare a customized estimate that you can count on. And with our 0% roof financing, we’ll be able to get you the protection you deserve regardless of whether or not fixing your roof is in your budget right now.
There are a lot of roofers who will claim to be the best in the business. But with our great reviews and deep roots in the local community, we know that we can deliver. Give PITCH Roofing a chance to earn your business, and we’ll show you why it’s always smart to pick local, experienced contractors!
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
