Hurricane-Proof Your Roof: How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
When hurricane season rolls in, there’s one thing standing between your home and Mother Nature’s fury: your roof. At Contender Roofing, we know your roof isn’t just shingles and nails—it’s your home’s first line of defense. That’s why preparing it before a storm hits is not just smart, it’s essential.
Whether you're in a high-risk coastal zone or just want peace of mind, here’s your comprehensive guide to hurricane-proofing your roof so you can ride out the storm with confidence.
🧭 Why Roof Prep Matters Before a Hurricane
Hurricane-force winds can reach over 150 mph, enough to rip off shingles, snap trusses, and send debris flying like missiles. Water damage from a compromised roof can ruin insulation, warp wood, and spark mold infestations in a matter of days.
Roof damage is one of the costliest and most common types of storm damage. But here’s the good news: most of it is preventable with proper planning and maintenance.
🧰 1. Get a Professional Roof Inspection
The first and arguably most important step in hurricane prep is a thorough roof inspection.
What We Look For at Contender Roofing:
Loose or missing shingles
Rusty or damaged flashing
Weak roof decking or underlayment
Cracked sealant around vents and chimneys
Sagging spots or ponding water
Soft or rotted areas in the roof structure
✅ Tip: Schedule your inspection before hurricane season starts (typically June through November). Fixing issues early saves time, money, and stress.
🔧 2. Reinforce Shingles and Flashing
Your roof is only as strong as its weakest link. Shingles that aren’t properly sealed can lift and tear in high winds, leaving your roof vulnerable to water intrusion.
Shingle Reinforcement Tips:
Use roofing cement or adhesive strips under loose shingles.
Upgrade to hurricane-rated shingles (Class F or G rated for 110–150 mph winds).
Check and replace metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, and edges.
🛑 Don't DIY if you're unsure—an improperly placed patch could cause more harm than good. Call us and we’ll make sure everything’s sealed tight.
🪛 3. Secure Roof Decking
Beneath your shingles lies the roof decking, a critical layer that supports your entire roof system. If it’s not secured properly, wind uplift can cause catastrophic structural failure.
How We Reinforce Decking:
Apply ring-shank nails instead of standard ones
Check spacing and install additional fasteners if needed
🌊 If your decking gives way, water can enter your attic and destroy insulation, electrical systems, and more.
🧱 4. Install a Secondary Water Barrier
Even if shingles stay intact, wind-driven rain can force water beneath them. That’s where a secondary water barrier (SWB) comes in.
Options for SWB:
Self-adhering membranes like ice and water shield
Synthetic underlayments that provide added moisture resistance
Peel-and-stick flashing on ridges and eaves
These upgrades add a watertight layer of protection that can make all the difference when shingles are breached.
🏠 5. Reinforce Roof-to-Wall Connections
Your roof’s connection to your walls—via trusses and hurricane clips—matters more than you might think. Weak truss anchoring is a major cause of roof blow-offs.
How to Strengthen the Structure:
Install metal hurricane straps or clips on every truss
Inspect existing straps for rust or wear
Ensure fasteners meet local building codes
💡 In newer homes, these are often built-in. Older homes may require retrofitting for safety.
🪟 6. Check & Protect Vents, Skylights & Chimneys
Roof penetrations like vents, chimneys, and skylights are vulnerable entry points for water and wind.
What to Do:
Replace old or brittle rubber boots on vent pipes
Reseal around skylights and flashing
Secure loose chimney caps or covers
Add storm collars or vent covers where needed
🌬️ Strong winds can turn even the smallest opening into a water funnel. Seal every gap.
🌳 7. Trim Surrounding Trees & Remove Debris
Flying branches and falling limbs are a leading cause of impact damage during hurricanes.
Storm-Ready Landscaping Tips:
Trim trees at least 6–10 feet away from the roof
Remove dead or weak branches
Clean leaves and debris out of gutters and downspouts
Anchor or store loose items like patio furniture, grills, and potted plants
🍃 A single overhanging limb can break through your roof like a spear. Prevention is key.
📄 8. Review Your Roofing Warranty & Homeowner’s Insurance
Before hurricane season hits, review your policy and warranty coverage so you're not caught off guard.
Questions to Ask:
Does your homeowner’s insurance cover wind and flood damage?
Are roofing materials and workmanship still under warranty?
Is emergency tarp service included?
What’s your deductible for storm-related claims?
📝 At Contender Roofing, we can guide you through warranty terms and even help document pre-storm conditions for future claims.
💼 9. Schedule Pre-Storm Maintenance & Repairs
Even the best roofs need TLC. If you’ve been putting off minor repairs, now is the time to act.
Common Pre-Storm Repairs:
Replacing worn-out shingles
Fixing leaks and flashing
Reinforcing fascia and soffits
Upgrading attic ventilation to reduce moisture buildup
⏰ Small repairs today can prevent tens of thousands of dollars in damage tomorrow.
🆘 10. Prepare for Emergency Roofing Situations
If a storm does cause damage, quick action is crucial.
What to Have on Hand:
Emergency tarps and roofing nails
Contact info for Contender Roofing emergency services
Backup power for sump pumps or dehumidifiers
Photos of your roof before the storm for insurance claims
🚨 Signs Your Roof May Not Be Hurricane-Ready
Even if things look fine from the ground, be alert for these red flags:
Your roof is over 15–20 years old
You notice frequent leaks or water stains
You see sagging or dips in your roofline
Your attic shows signs of moisture or mold
You’ve had patchwork repairs over the years
If you said yes to one or more of the above, your roof may need upgrading or reinforcement before the next storm.
💬 Be the Storm-Ready House on the Block
We believe peace of mind starts from the top down. Hurricane prep doesn’t just protect your roof—it protects your family, your memories, and your investment.
A strong, storm-ready roof is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
✔️ Free Roof Inspections
✔️ Emergency Repair Services
✔️ Storm-Resistant Roofing Systems
✔️ Honest Advice. Fair Pricing. No Stress.
📞 Schedule Your Hurricane Roof Inspection Today
👉 Contact Us
📍 Serving the Greater Orlando and Central Florida area with Integrity and Excellence