What to Do After Hurricane Damage to Your Roof

The storm has passed and your roof is damaged. What you do in the first 48 hours can make a huge difference in how much you’ll recover from insurance and how quickly you’ll be back to normal. Here’s the playbook.

Step 1: Stay Safe

Don’t climb onto a damaged roof. Wait for the storm to fully pass, watch for downed power lines, and never go into standing water indoors. If there’s major structural damage, leave the home and call your insurance immediately.

Step 2: Document Everything

Take photos and video of all damage — roof, interior water stains, fallen debris, damaged belongings. Do this before you move or clean anything. Good documentation is the single most important factor in getting a fair insurance payout.

Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company

Report the claim as soon as possible. Get your claim number and write it down. Ask about:

• Your deductible (hurricane deductibles are often separate and higher)
• Emergency repair coverage
• Temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable
• When the adjuster can inspect

Step 4: Get Emergency Tarping

If water is getting in, you need to stop it before the adjuster arrives. Insurance expects you to prevent further damage. A licensed roofer can tarp your roof same-day. Keep all receipts — insurance typically reimburses for emergency mitigation.

Step 5: Be Careful With Storm Chasers

After every hurricane, out-of-state contractors flood the area. Common red flags include door-to-door solicitation, pressure to sign contracts immediately, no local address, asking for full payment upfront, and not being licensed in Florida. Use a Florida-licensed, insured contractor with verifiable local history.

Step 6: Get a Professional Inspection

Even if your roof looks okay from the ground, hurricanes can cause hidden damage — lifted shingles, cracked tiles, water infiltration. Get an inspection before your insurance claim closes. Petito Roofing offers free inspections and can provide documentation for your claim.

Step 7: Choose a Reputable Contractor

Your roofer will work directly with your insurance adjuster. Picking someone experienced with Florida claims makes a huge difference. We’ve been doing this since 1999 across Broward and Palm Beach counties — we know the process.