The storm passed, and now there are shingles in the yard, a drip in the hallway or just a bad feeling every time you look up at the roof. You need storm damage roof repair in Orlando, but you also have a dozen questions at once. Is it bad enough for an insurance claim? Who do you call first? And how do you tell an honest roofer from the trucks that show up in the neighborhood the next morning?
It’s a stressful spot, and it’s normal not to know where to start. You deserve someone who will look at the whole roof, write down what’s really there and explain it in plain words.
APC Roofing is a GAF Certified roofing contractor, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured, and our storm inspections are free. Call 407-270-1129 to set up a visit, or see all our storm damage services in Orlando.
What Orlando storms do to roofs
Central Florida gets more than hurricanes. Strong summer thunderstorms roll through most afternoons from late spring into fall, and some of them bring gusts, sideways rain and sometimes hail. Then hurricane season runs from June through November. Each kind of storm leaves different marks.
Wind. Wind pulls hardest at the edges, corners and ridge of a roof. On shingles, it can break the adhesive strip that holds each shingle to the one below. A shingle can look flat and fine with that seal broken, then lift and let water in during the next storm. Ridge caps, drip edge and vent covers are often the first pieces to go. More on wind damage roof repair in Orlando.
Hail. Hail is less common here than in the Midwest or Colorado, but strong Central Florida thunderstorms do bring it. A hailstone can knock granules loose and bruise the shingle underneath, and that spot then ages faster than the rest. Dents in gutters, vent caps and downspouts are usually the easiest clue that hail hit.
Hurricanes. A hurricane combines hours of wind with heavy, driven rain, plus whatever it throws at the house. Shingles tear off, tiles crack, flashing peels back and branches puncture the decking. Our hurricane damage roof repair in Orlando page covers that work in more detail.
Falling limbs. A heavy branch can crack the decking even when the shingles on top look almost normal. We check those spots by feel and from the attic.
Signs your roof took storm damage
Some damage is obvious from the yard. Some isn’t. Things to look for:
- shingles, tiles or ridge caps in the yard
- a pile of granules at the bottom of a downspout
- dented gutters, vents or metal trim
- a new water stain on a ceiling or wall, which can show up well away from where the water actually got in
- daylight or wet wood in the attic
- a leak that only shows up when the wind blows hard
If you see water near a light fixture or outlet, shut off power to that area at the breaker and call an electrician.
What to do right after the storm
First, stay off the roof. Wet shingles and loose debris make it dangerous. From the ground, take photos of anything you can see, inside and out, and note the date of the storm.
If water is coming in, the goal is to keep it out until a proper repair. A tarp that wraps over the ridge and is fastened along its edges can hold for a few weeks. It isn’t a fix, though, and a tarp left up for months can damage the shingles under it.
Then get the roof inspected before you sign anything with anyone.
How we inspect and document storm damage
We look at the whole roof, not just the spot you’re worried about. That includes the shingles or tiles, the ridge, the flashing at walls and chimneys, the vents and pipe boots, the gutters and trim, and the attic underneath. We photograph and measure the damage slope by slope, and you get a written report. The sections that came through fine are in there too.
Plenty of storm damage is a repair, not a new roof. If that’s the case, that’s what we’ll tell you.
Storm damage and your insurance
If you decide to file a claim, here’s how it works with us. You file the claim with your insurance company, and you pay your own deductible. We document the damage, provide a detailed estimate and work with your adjuster so you’re both looking at the same facts. Be wary of anyone who offers to waive, cover or rebate your deductible. An honest roofer won’t offer that. Our insurance roof claims page explains the process.
How it works with APC Roofing
- Book your free inspection. Call 407-270-1129 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll see photos and a written report, with any problems ranked by how urgent they are.
- Get your roof fixed and your yard cleaned up. The crew finishes the repair or replacement (often in a single day on residential replacements) and sweeps the yard and driveway with a magnet before leaving.
If insurance doesn’t cover everything, we work with financing partners including Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
Storm damage roof repair in Orlando: common questions
How soon after a storm should I get my roof inspected?
As soon as you can after the weather clears. Some damage, like broken shingle seals, doesn’t leak right away, and finding it before the next storm keeps a small repair small. Most insurance policies also have time limits for reporting damage, so check yours.
Do you repair storm damage on commercial roofs?
Yes. We work on light commercial roofs, including flat and low-slope systems like TPO, EPDM and built-up roofing.
Will insurance pay for my storm-damaged roof?
That depends on your policy and what caused the damage. Storm damage is often covered, while normal wear and age usually aren’t. We’ll document what we find so you and your adjuster have the facts.
Can you tell hail damage from normal wear?
Usually, yes. Hail leaves random soft spots and bruises with granules knocked loose, along with dents in nearby metal. Normal wear tends to look more even across a slope, worse on the sides that get the most sun.
Back to a dry, quiet house
Leaving storm damage alone rarely saves money. A lifted shingle or a cracked boot lets water into the decking and insulation, and a repair that would have been quick turns into a larger one. You don’t have to do everything at once. It just helps to know what you’re dealing with.
The next thunderstorm rolls through, and you hear the rain without wondering where it’s going. That’s what you’re after: a sound roof, a dry house and no surprise bill. Call 407-270-1129 to book your free storm damage inspection, or start with our free online estimate.
