Signs of Roof Damage After a Hurricane | Florida Homeowner's Guide

The storm has passed. The skies are clearing, and the winds have calmed. For many Florida homeowners, this is when the real anxiety begins. You look at your roof from the driveway and breathe a sigh of relief—it looks okay. But appearances can be dangerously decealing.

Hurricane-force winds and torrential rain can inflict damage that isn't visible from the ground. A seemingly minor issue can turn into a major leak with the next downpour, leading to thousands of dollars in interior damage, mold remediation, and structural repairs.

Knowing how to properly identify storm damage is your first line of defense. This guide will walk you through the safe, systematic process of inspecting your roof for hurricane damage—both the obvious signs and the hidden culprits that often go unnoticed until it's too late.

Safety First: Your Inspection Ground Rules

DO NOT CLIMB ON YOUR ROOF. A damaged roof is unstable and slippery. Your safety is more important than any inspection.

• Use Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is your best friend for a ground-level inspection.

• Wait for Daylight: Never inspect damage in the dark or during ongoing rain or lightning.

• Wear Proper Footing: Be cautious of wet grass, debris, and downed power lines around your property.

• Use a Drone (If You Have One): A drone offers the safest "aerial" view without risking a fall.

"If you feel you must use a ladder to get a closer look at the gutters or eaves, always have someone hold the base for stability," advises Anthony Vassell, a licensed roofing contractor with CLS Roofing. "But our strong recommendation is to leave the high-up, close-range inspection to the professionals. We've seen too many homeowners turn a minor roof issue into a major hospital visit."

The Ground-Level Inspection: What to Look For

Start your assessment from the safety of your yard. Walk around your entire property and look for these tell-tale signs.

1. Visible Debris and Missing Materials

• Missing Shingles or Tiles: Look for obvious bare spots on your roof. Even a few missing shingles create a vulnerable entry point for water.

• Granules in Gutters and Downspouts: For asphalt shingle roofs, an excessive amount of sand-like granules in your gutters is a classic sign of hail or wind damage. The granules protect the shingle from UV rays, so their loss accelerates aging.

• Piles of Granules at Downspout Ends: After a storm, check the ground at the end of your downspouts for dark piles of granules—this is a red flag.

• Damaged Flashing: Look for metal flashing (around the chimney, vents, and roof valleys) that is bent, torn, or missing entirely.

2. Structural and Gutter Clues

• Sagging Roof Lines: Does your roofline look uneven or bowed? This could indicate a structural issue or that the roof decking is saturated with water and weakening.

• Dented or Damaged Gutters: Aluminum gutters often show clear signs of hail impact with small dents. Gutters that are pulled away from the fascia board indicate wind stress.

• Damaged Soffit or Fascia: Check the underside of your eaves (soffit) and the board behind the gutter (fascia) for holes, cracks, or water stains.

The Attic Inspection: Finding Hidden Evidence

If it is safe to access your attic, this is where you can find evidence of leaks long before they stain your living room ceiling.

• Bring a Powerful Flashlight.

• Look for Daylight: On a sunny day, turn off the attic light. Look for any pinpricks of light coming through the roof deck—this is a direct path for water.

• Check for Water Stains or Dampness: Inspect the underside of the roof decking (the wooden boards) for dark stains, streaks, or active dripping.

• Feel for Moisture: Touch the wood and insulation. If it feels damp or cool to the touch, you have moisture intrusion.

• Look for Mold Growth: Musty odors or black/green speckles are signs of moisture and poor ventilation, often exacerbated by storm damage.

"A dry attic after a storm doesn't always mean a healthy roof," notes a CLS project manager. "Water can travel along a truss or pipe before it drips, so the entry point might be feet away from the stain. That's why a professional inspection is so critical—we know how to track the water trail to its source."

The 7 Most Common Types of Hurricane Roof Damage

Understanding what you're looking for helps you know what's significant.

1. Wind Uplift: High winds can get underneath shingles and tiles, breaking the sealant and loosening them. They may not blow off entirely but are now vulnerable to the next storm.

2. Creased or Bruised Shingles: Shingles bent by wind can develop a crease, which will eventually crack and leak.

3. Hail Damage: Look for random, circular patterns of damage on shingles that look like black bruises or dimples where the granules have been knocked away.

4. Punctures or Impalements: Flying debris can puncture a roof, creating an immediate and severe leak risk.

5. Flashing Failure: The thin metal strips around roof protrusions are highly vulnerable to being peeled back or torn off by high winds.

6. Clogged or Broken Drainage: If your gutters and scuppers are clogged with debris, water can back up under the roofing materials.

7. Fallen Tree or Branch Damage: This is the most obvious type of damage, but even a small branch can cause significant harm to shingles, tiles, and the underlying structure.

[Infographic: Hurricane Roof Damage Checklist]

(A simple, shareable graphic with two columns: "From the Ground" and "In the Attic.")

FROM THE GROUND: ☐ Missing shingles or tiles ☐ Granules in gutters ☐ Dented gutters or vents ☐ Bent or missing flashing ☐ Sagging roofline ☐ Debris on roof

IN THE ATTIC: ☐ Pinpoints of daylight ☐ Dark stains on wood ☐ Damp insulation ☐ Musty odor ☐ Mold growth

Case Study: The Hidden Leak in a Delray Beach Home

"A homeowner in Delray Beach called us after Hurricane Nicole. From the ground, their concrete tile roof looked perfect. They saw no missing tiles. During our attic inspection, we found a small, damp spot near the chimney. Using a thermal imaging camera, we detected a temperature differential in the decking. The issue? Several tiles along the ridge line had their sealant broken by the wind. Water wasn't pouring in, but a small amount was being driven up under the tiles by the wind with every rain shower, slowly rotting the deck. If left untreated, it would have led to a major structural repair. We resealed the tiles and replaced a small section of decking, saving the homeowner from a $15,000+ repair down the line."

What to Do Immediately If You Suspect Damage

1. Document Everything: Take clear, date-stamped photos and videos of everything you see—from the ground, in the attic, and of any debris.

2. Perform Temporary Mitigation: If you have an active leak, move valuables out of the way and place a bucket. Contact a professional roofer for emergency tarping. Save all receipts for insurance.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company: Report your claim. Be factual: "The hurricane on [date] caused suspected wind and water damage to my roof. I have documented the initial signs."

4. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection: This is the most critical step. A licensed roofer can provide a comprehensive assessment and a detailed report for your insurance company.

"Do not let a contractor talk you into signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreement," warns Anthony Vassell. "While sometimes useful, AOBs have been widely abused in Florida and can complicate your claim. Work with a contractor who will help you navigate the process without taking over your legal rights."

Don't Gamble with Your Home's Protection

Your roof is a complex system, and hurricane damage can be subtle. What looks like "nothing" today can become a catastrophic failure during the next storm. The cost of a professional inspection is minimal compared to the cost of repairing water-damaged drywall, ruined insulation, and a rotting roof structure.

Trust your eyes for the initial check, but trust a professional for the final diagnosis. Your peace of mind is worth it.

Don't wait for the next rain to discover your roof's weakness. Contact CLS Roofing today for a thorough, post-storm damage inspection. Our experts will provide a detailed report and guide you through the next steps to ensure your home is safe and secure.