Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. On the Pinellas beaches your roof takes the first hit from wind, salt air and sideways rain. A little attention before and during the season can help you catch small problems before they turn into leaks.
Here is a simple checklist we share with homeowners on Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, the Redingtons, St. Pete Beach and Indian Rocks Beach. Everything on it can be done from the ground or from inside the house.
Please stay off the roof. Roofs are slippery and steep, and falls cause serious injuries every year. Use binoculars, a phone camera zoom, or a window view. Leave anything that needs a ladder to a licensed contractor.
Before June 1: the pre-season walk-around
Pick a clear morning and walk all the way around the house. Then go inside and check the ceilings.
From the yard
- Missing or lifted shingles or tiles. Look for gaps, cracked tiles, or shingle edges that curl up.
- Metal roof panels. Look for loose trim, panels that look out of line, or rust at fasteners and edges.
- Flashing. Check around chimneys, vents and where the roof meets a wall. Bent or missing metal is worth a closer look by a pro.
- Gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are attached tightly and are not sagging. Clear ground-level downspout outlets.
- Soffit and fascia. Look for loose panels, stains or soft spots along the roof edge.
- Trees. Note branches that hang over the roof. Have a tree service trim them well before a storm.
From inside
- Look at ceilings for brown rings or bubbling paint, especially near outside walls.
- Check around ceiling fans, light fixtures and skylights.
- If your attic has a safe access hatch and flooring, look with a flashlight for damp insulation or daylight around vents. Do not walk on ceiling joists.
Paperwork worth finding now
- Your most recent roof permit and the year the roof was installed.
- Your wind mitigation report, if you have one. Our wind mitigation guide explains what it covers.
- Photos of the roof and the outside of the house in good condition. Date them and store them in the cloud.
If you spot something on this walk, now is the best time to call. Contractor schedules fill up fast once a storm is in the forecast. Our roof repair team handles everything from loose flashing to storm damage on the beaches.
During the season: quick monthly checks
Once the season starts, a short look once a month and after any strong thunderstorm goes a long way.
- Scan the roof from the street after strong winds.
- Check ceilings after heavy rain.
- Pick up loose items in the yard and on balconies that could become debris.
- Keep gutters and drains flowing. Clear what you can reach from the ground.
- Watch the tropics. If a storm is forecast, finish prep early so you are not rushing.
When a storm is a few days out
- Bring in patio furniture, grills, planters and anything else that can blow around.
- Close and secure shutters, or confirm your impact windows and doors are latched.
- Take fresh photos of the roof and exterior from the ground.
- Move valuables away from ceilings that have leaked before.
- Follow evacuation orders from Pinellas County. The barrier islands are often in the first zones told to leave.
After a storm: what to do and what to skip
Wait until officials say it is safe to return. Downed power lines, flooded streets and damaged structures are real hazards on the islands after a storm.
Safe checks from the ground
- Walk the outside of the house and look for missing shingles, tiles or metal panels.
- Look for debris on the roof, like branches or pieces of other buildings.
- Check gutters, soffit and fascia for damage.
- Look for shingles, granules or tile pieces in the yard.
- Inside, check ceilings and walls for new stains or dripping.
- Take dated photos of everything you see before anything is moved.
What to leave alone
- Do not climb a ladder or go on the roof.
- Do not touch wires or anything near a downed line.
- Do not walk under damaged overhangs or carports.
- Do not tarp the roof yourself. A licensed roofer can do it safely.
When to call a roofing contractor
Call a licensed roofer when you see any of these:
| What you notice | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Missing shingles, tiles or panels | The underlayment is now exposed to rain and sun. |
| A new ceiling stain or drip | Water is already getting past the roof covering. |
| Bent or lifted flashing | Flashing gaps are a common source of leaks. |
| Sagging roof line | This can point to a structural problem. Stay out of that area of the house. |
| A tree or large debris on the roof | Removal needs the right equipment and care. |
| An older roof with repeat small leaks | It may be time to talk about replacement. |
If several sections are damaged, ask about how Florida's rules on partial roof repairs apply. Our post on the Florida 25 percent roof rule walks through it.
This checklist is general information for homeowners. It is not a substitute for an inspection by a licensed contractor. Always follow guidance from local emergency officials.
Thinking about a stronger roof?
If your roof is near the end of its life, the off-season is the time to plan a replacement. Many beach homeowners look at metal for its wind performance and resistance to salt air. Our guide to the best roof for a beach house compares the common options.
Want a second set of eyes before the next storm? Contact AllPhase to schedule a roof inspection. We are based on Treasure Island and work across the beaches. Learn more about our Treasure Island roofing services.
Common questions
When is hurricane season in Florida?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. The best time to check your roof is before it starts.
Is it safe to check my own roof after a hurricane?
Check only from the ground or from inside the house. Do not climb on the roof or use a ladder, and wait until officials say it is safe to return.
Should I tarp my own roof after a storm?
We recommend having a licensed roofer handle tarping. Wet, damaged roofs are dangerous, and a poorly installed tarp can let in more water.