Hurricane Preparation for Commercial Roofs in Florida: Before and After the Storm

In Florida, the roof is the part of a commercial building that takes the most direct punishment in a hurricane. Most serious storm damage starts at the roof, usually at the edges and corners, where wind uplift is strongest, and once the roof is breached, water damage inside the building can quickly exceed the cost of the roof itself. The good news is that much of what decides how a roof performs in a storm can be checked and fixed ahead of time.

This guide is for owners and property managers of commercial and multifamily buildings, and it's organized around the three times that matter: before the season, before a storm, and after it.

Before hurricane season

The best time to prepare is in the spring, well before the season's busiest months, when roofing contractors can schedule inspections and repairs without a storm on the forecast.

• Schedule a professional inspection. A roof inspection should look closely at perimeter edge metal, coping, and flashings, because that's where wind damage usually starts. Loose edge metal can peel back in high winds and take the membrane with it.
• Check seams and penetrations. Open seams, cracked sealant around pipes and curbs, and damaged pitch pans are entry points for wind-driven rain.
• Secure rooftop equipment. HVAC units, exhaust fans, and solar arrays should be properly attached to their curbs and stands. Unsecured equipment can become airborne and puncture the roof or damage neighboring buildings.
• Clear drains and scuppers. Hurricanes bring extreme rainfall in a short time. Blocked drains let water build up on the roof, adding weight and pushing water through any weakness.
• Make necessary repairs now. A small repair in May is far easier to schedule than an emergency repair after a storm, when every contractor in the region is booked.

Document the roof's condition

Insurance claims after a storm often come down to proving what the roof looked like before it. Keep dated photos and video of the entire roof, the most recent inspection report, the roof's installation date and permit records, the warranty, and the system type. Store copies somewhere you can reach if the building is inaccessible. Knowing when the roof was permitted also matters for Florida's roof replacement rules, which our guide to milestone inspections and the 25% rule explains.

When a storm is approaching

• Remove loose items from the roof, including tools, debris, and anything left by contractors or tenants.
• Confirm drains are clear one more time.
• Move inventory, equipment, and records away from areas under known roof weak spots, skylights, and the top floor if possible.
• Take a final set of photos of the roof and the building's interior.
• Make sure your roofing contractor's emergency number and your insurance policy information are on hand.

After the storm

Safety comes first. Don't send staff onto a roof after a storm, because damaged decks, debris, and downed lines make it dangerous. Instead:

• Check the interior for leaks and water stains and photograph anything you find.
• Look at the roof from the ground for missing edge metal, displaced equipment, or visible membrane damage.
• Call your roofing contractor for an inspection and emergency repairs. Temporary measures to stop water from entering the building protect the interior and are usually expected by your insurer to limit further damage.
• Notify your insurance carrier promptly and share the before-and-after documentation.
• Keep records of everything, including invoices for emergency work, photos, and the contractor's inspection report.

Be careful with out-of-area contractors who arrive after a storm going door to door. Verify a Florida roofing license, insurance, and local references before signing anything.

When repair turns into replacement

If a roof is badly damaged or was near the end of its life before the storm, replacement may make more sense than repair. A replacement must meet the current Florida Building Code, including its wind uplift requirements, which our Florida Building Code guide covers. Your contractor can help you compare the options and provide the documentation your insurer will need.

Windward in Florida

Windward Roofing & Construction has been in commercial roofing since 1984 and serves Florida from our office in Pinellas Park. We provide pre-season inspections, emergency repairs, and replacements for commercial and multifamily buildings. Contact us to schedule an inspection before the next storm.

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