Roof damage after a storm: what to do and what to avoid

After a hurricane or a strong storm, roofers are busy and some people knocking on doors are not roofers at all. A few calm steps protect you, your house and your insurance claim.

Safety first

Stay off the roof. Keep away from downed lines and sagging ceilings. If water is coming in, move what you can and catch what you can from inside.

Document the damage

• Take dated photos and video from the ground and inside the house.
• Keep damaged materials if you can, and receipts for anything you spend.
• Contact your insurer early and ask how they want the claim reported.

Stop more water getting in

Most policies expect reasonable steps to prevent further damage. A temporary tarp from a roofer is common; ask for a written price and keep the invoice for your claim.

295 roofers in the directory mention emergency tarping, and 392 roofers list storm and hurricane damage work (as of November 6, 2026).

Watch for storm chasers

• Be careful with anyone who arrives uninvited, pushes you to sign on the spot, or asks for a large deposit.
• A roofer offering to cover or waive your deductible is a red flag. Ask your insurer before agreeing to anything like that.
• Read anything about your insurance claim before you sign it, and ask your insurer what it means for you.
• Look up the licence on myfloridalicense.com, even in a hurry.

Florida’s Department of Financial Services (myfloridacfo.com) has consumer help for insurance questions after a storm.

Insurance claim help

Some roofers say they help with insurance claims, for example by meeting the adjuster or providing photos and estimates. What they may do around a claim has limits, so ask exactly what they offer, and keep the decisions about your claim between you and your insurer.

221 roofers mention insurance claim help.

How to check a licence · How to choose a roofer