Affordable Roofing & Construction · Est. 2004
Free Inspection Available
Storm Season Roof
Readiness Checklist
Walk through every zone of your roof before the first storm hits. Catch small issues now — before they become big ones.
⛈ Hurricane Season Starts June 1 · Are You Ready?
Florida’s storm season runs June 1 – November 30. A roof that survives fine all year can fail fast under 80+ mph winds and driving rain. This checklist covers what to look for — and when to call a pro.
Critical — Address Immediately
Caution — Monitor or Repair Soon
Routine — Good Maintenance
Stop — Call a Pro If You See Any of These
- Sagging or dipping anywhere on the roofline
- Daylight visible through the attic boards
- Water stains on ceilings after the last rainstorm
- Large sections of missing or lifted shingles
- Soft spots when walking the attic (never walk on a potentially compromised roof)
🏠
Shingles & Surface
7 items — inspect from ground or ladder edge only
Missing shingles
Critical
Any bare deck exposure is an immediate vulnerability. Wind can get underneath and peel more off fast.
Lifted, curling, or buckled shingles
Critical
Edges that aren’t lying flat will catch wind like a sail. Common sign of age or poor original installation.
Cracked or broken shingles
Critical
Cracks let water in and reduce the shingle’s wind uplift resistance.
Granule loss — bare or shiny patches
Caution
Granules protect against UV and impact. Heavy loss means the shingle is near end of life. Check your gutters — granules collect there.
Dark streaks or moss/algae growth
Caution
Algae staining is mostly cosmetic, but moss holds moisture and can accelerate decay under shingles.
Shingle color uniformity
Routine
Patches of discoloration can indicate previous repairs with mismatched material — not urgent, but worth noting for future replacement planning.
Check gutters for granule accumulation
Routine
A light amount is normal. Heavy granule deposits after a storm = shingles are losing protection fast.
🔧
Flashing & Seals
5 items — most common source of storm leaks
Chimney flashing — lifted or gaps
Critical
The #1 leak point in Florida homes. Metal flashing must lie flat and be sealed at all edges. Even a small gap becomes a waterfall in heavy rain.
Pipe boot / plumbing vent seals
Critical
Rubber boots crack in Florida heat and UV. Once cracked, every rainstorm sends water straight down the pipe into your walls or attic.
Skylight perimeter seals
Caution
Check both the flashing ring and the sealant bead around it. Skylights are high-risk in wind-driven rain.
Valley flashing — no exposed metal edges
Caution
Roof valleys channel the most water. Flashing here must overlap shingles correctly on both sides.
Eave drip edge — intact along all edges
Routine
Drip edge directs water away from the fascia. Missing sections cause wood rot over time.
🌊
Gutters & Drainage
4 items — backed-up gutters are a storm multiplier
Gutters clear of debris
Critical
Clogged gutters overflow in heavy rain, pushing water under your roofline. Clear them before June 1, then after every major storm.
Gutters securely attached — no sagging sections
Caution
A heavy rain can fill gutters with 50+ lbs of water. Loose hangers can pull the gutter — and fascia — off the house.
Downspouts extend 6+ feet from foundation
Caution
Water dumping next to your foundation risks flooding the slab or basement. Use extenders — they’re cheap and effective.
No standing water on flat roof sections
Routine
Flat or low-slope areas should drain within 48 hours of rain. Ponding water accelerates membrane breakdown.
🏚
Attic & Interior Signs
5 items — what the inside tells you about the outside
No daylight visible through roof boards
Critical
Go into the attic on a sunny day and look up. Any light pinholes = gaps in your roof deck. Wind-driven rain finds those immediately.
No water stains on attic rafters or sheathing
Critical
Dark staining or tide marks mean water has gotten in before. The entry point may be actively failing — not just a past issue.
No mold or mildew on attic surfaces
Critical
Mold means sustained moisture. Could be an active leak or inadequate ventilation — either way it needs attention before it spreads.
Attic vents open and unobstructed
Caution
Good ventilation keeps the attic cooler, extends shingle life, and prevents ice dams (less of an issue in FL, but still affects longevity).
Insulation not blocking soffit vents
Routine
Blown-in insulation can shift over time and block the airflow path from soffits. Use rafter baffles if needed.
🌴
Trees & Property
3 items — Florida-specific wind risks
Overhanging branches trimmed back 10+ feet
Critical
Hurricane-force winds can snap branches and send them through your roof. Most insurers won’t cover damage from branches you knew were a hazard.
Dead or diseased trees on the property assessed
Critical
A dead tree 50 feet from your house can fall on it in a tropical storm. Get a certified arborist’s opinion if you’re unsure — before season, not after.
Outdoor items that could become projectiles secured
Caution
Lawn furniture, pots, tools, signs — anything loose becomes a missile in 80+ mph wind. Have a plan for where these go before a storm watch.
Licensed & Insured · CCC 1327602
Not sure what you found?
Get a free professional inspection.
We’ve been inspecting and repairing roofs in Volusia County for 20+ years. A pre-season inspection takes about 45 minutes and costs you nothing — but catching a failing seal or lifted shingle now can save you thousands in storm damage.
- Full visual inspection — shingles, flashing, gutters, attic
- Written estimate if repairs are needed — no pressure
- Photos of any issues found, explained in plain language
- 5-Year Labor Warranty on all repair work
- Serving Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna & surrounding areas