Storm damage or an active leak? Call (941) 809-8733. Call us right away and we'll get a crew out as fast as we can. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call 911 first.
What to do first
When a storm tears open a roof or breaks a window, it's hard to think straight. These steps help, in this order.
- Get everyone safe. Leave any area where the ceiling is sagging, water is near outlets or the structure looks unstable. Call 911 for fires, gas smells, downed power lines or injuries.
- Stay clear of downed lines. Treat any downed wire as live. Report it to your power company or 911 and keep people away.
- Shut off power and water if it's safe. If water is coming in near electrical panels or outlets, turn off power at the main only if you can do it from a dry spot. If a pipe broke, shut off the main water valve.
- Take photos for your own records. Photograph the outside and inside, including ceilings, walls, floors and anything damaged. Do it before cleanup if you can do it safely.
- Move what you can. Pull furniture, inventory, files and electronics away from the water.
- Call us. Tell us the address, what happened and where the water is coming in.
Emergency dry-in and tarping
An open roof lets in more water with every rain band. The first job is getting the roof covered. We secure tarps or temporary underlayment over damaged areas and fasten them so they hold in wind. On flat commercial roofs, we patch or cover open seams and punctures to stop the water. A good dry-in buys you time to plan the permanent fix without more damage piling up inside.
For more on how storm damage shows up on roofs here, see our roof repair and storm damage page.
Board-up and securing the building
Broken windows, storefront glass and damaged doors leave a building open to rain, wind and people. We board up openings and secure doors so the building is closed and safer. For businesses, that often means boarding a storefront at night so the property is protected until new glass or doors can go in.
Water intrusion
Water spreads fast and hides in walls, ceilings and under floors. Once the building is dried in, we help stop further water intrusion and open up damaged materials so the space can dry. We remove wet ceiling tiles, drywall and insulation where needed. For drying equipment, mold work and electrical, plumbing or mechanical repairs, we coordinate with licensed specialists and trade partners.
Temporary repairs, then permanent ones
Emergency work is about protection. It keeps the building safe and dry until the real repair can happen. Permanent repairs come next, and they're done to code with the right permits.
| Temporary (right away) | Permanent (with permits) |
|---|---|
| Tarp or dry-in over roof damage | Roof repair or replacement |
| Board-up of broken windows and doors | New windows, doors and storefront glass |
| Remove wet ceilings and drywall | New drywall, ceilings, insulation and finishes |
| Brace or secure loose materials | Structural and exterior repairs |
Each city runs its own permit process, and after a big storm the rules can change for a while. Check with the city's building department, and we'll handle the permit paperwork for the work we do.
On the barrier islands, serious damage can also bring up the FEMA 50 percent rule. If repair costs reach half the building's market value, the building may need to meet current flood rules. Read our 50 percent rule guide before you plan big repairs.
Homes and businesses
We respond to storm damage for houses, condos, shops, restaurants, offices, small hotels and short-term rentals. For businesses, we focus on getting you secured fast and open again as soon as it's safe. For condo and HOA buildings, we work with the board or property manager to protect common areas and units. Our commercial contractor page covers our full range of commercial work.
We cover Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, the Redingtons, St. Pete Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, St. Petersburg and Gulfport. We also serve Sarasota.
Get ready before the next storm
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The best storm response starts months earlier.
- Have your roof checked before the season, and fix small problems early.
- Clear gutters, drains and scuppers so water can leave the roof.
- Test shutters and make sure you have the hardware to put them up.
- Save our number, (941) 809-8733, where your staff or family can find it.
- Take photos of your property in good condition for your own records.
Our hurricane roof checklist walks through prep in more detail.
Need help now? Call (941) 809-8733. Tell us where the damage is and we'll get a crew out as fast as we can. For non-urgent repairs, you can also send us a message.
Common questions
What should I do first after storm damage?
Make sure everyone is safe. Call 911 for any emergency, such as a fire, a gas smell or someone hurt. If it's safe, shut off power or water to the damaged area. Take photos for your own records, then call us.
What is an emergency dry-in?
A dry-in is a temporary cover that keeps rain out of a damaged roof. It might be a tarp secured over the damaged area or a temporary underlayment. It protects the building until permanent repairs can be made.
Do permanent storm repairs need a permit?
In most cases, yes. Temporary steps to protect the building can usually happen right away, but permanent roof and structural repairs generally need a permit. Rules vary, so check with the city's building department.
Do you handle storm damage for homes and businesses?
Yes. We respond to storm damage for homes, condo buildings, shops, restaurants, offices and hotels across St. Petersburg, Gulfport and the Pinellas beaches.