What to Do After a Storm Damages Your Roof in South Florida
RoofingHeavy rain, strong wind or a hurricane can leave a South Florida roof leaking within hours. What you do in the first days matters for your home and for your insurance claim. Here is a simple order to follow.
1. Stay Safe First
Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Stay away from downed power lines and from ceilings that sag with water. If water reaches electrical outlets or fixtures, turn off the power to that area if you can do it safely, or call your power company.
2. Take Photos of Everything
Before anything is cleaned or moved, take dated photos and videos: the roof from the ground, missing or lifted shingles and tiles, debris, water stains on ceilings and walls, and wet floors or belongings. Keep every receipt for what you buy or pay for because of the damage.
3. Stop More Water From Getting in
Move furniture and valuables away from the leak and put buckets under drips. If the roof is open or leaking, it needs a temporary cover. Global Contractors puts a temporary cover (tarp) on the roof when it needs protection until the repair is done.
4. Call Your Insurance Company and Read Your Policy
Report the damage to your insurance company and ask what your policy covers and what deadlines apply to you. Your insurance company decides what your policy covers. Keep in mind that flood damage from rising water is usually covered by separate flood insurance, not by a standard homeowners policy. We help homeowners with their insurance claim for storm damage to the roof.
5. Check the Contractor's License
After big storms, unlicensed crews often go door to door. Before you sign anything, look up the contractor's Florida license on the state's license portal (myfloridalicense.com). Global Contractors holds a Florida roofing contractor license and a Florida general contractor license.
6. Get a Free Roof Inspection
Our roof inspection after a storm is free, and so is every visit to your home. We find where the water is getting in and write down what the roof needs, so you can see whether it can be repaired or should be replaced. In Miami-Dade and Broward, the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), roof work follows the zone's requirements and needs a permit, which we take care of. If the roof needs to be replaced, financing is available, including $0-down PACE.
Need Help Now?
Call (305) 663-0000. We answer the phone 24/7. We serve Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the roof inspection free after a storm?
Yes. Our roof inspection after a storm is free, and so is every visit to your home.
Can you put a tarp on my roof?
Yes. When the roof needs protection, we put a temporary cover (tarp) on it until the repair is done.
Do you help with the insurance claim?
Yes. We help homeowners with their insurance claim for storm damage to the roof. Your insurance company decides what your policy covers.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Flood damage from rising water is usually covered by separate flood insurance, not by a standard homeowners policy. Ask your insurance company what your policy covers.
Learn more about our roofing services.
