How long can a tarp stay on the roof?
A tarp is temporary. Wind can lift it, sun degrades it, and water can still run beneath it, so it is a stop-gap for days or a few weeks, not months. Ask your roofer how it is fastened and how often to check it. If the permanent repair is waiting on the insurer, tell us so we can plan a stronger temporary cover.
What should I photograph, and in what order?
Start wide: the whole house and each side of the roof from the ground. Then close up: broken tile, lifted shingles, debris, and any water inside, with the date on the photos. Photograph the ceiling stains and wet insulation, and keep receipts for emergency work. Do not go up on the roof yourself to take pictures.
Should the roof be covered before the adjuster comes?
Protect the house first. Most insurers expect you to prevent more damage, and a tarp is normally treated as part of the claim. Take photographs before the cover goes on, keep every receipt, and tell the insurer what you did. Do not remove damaged material until it has been documented, since the adjuster may want to see it.
How can I tell a reliable roofer from a storm chaser?
Check the state license on the Florida DBPR license lookup, and ask for proof of insurance. A local address, a written contract and references you can call are all good signs. Be wary of anyone who knocks on doors after a storm and wants a large payment before any work starts. Take your time to compare quotes.
What happens to the wet ceiling and insulation?
They are dried, cut out or replaced, but only after the roof is closed. Wet insulation holds water against the ceiling and can lead to mold, so it should not be left. We check the attic during the roof inspection and tell you what we see. Drywall repair and paint are separate trades, and a drywall contractor or your own handyman can do them.
Do hip roofs really handle wind better than gable roofs?
Generally yes. A hip roof slopes on all four sides, so wind flows over it more evenly, and it has no flat gable end for pressure to build against. A gable roof can still do well if the end walls and the frame are properly braced. If you are replacing a roof, shape is not something we change, but bracing can be improved.
Do emergency repairs need a permit?
Temporary protection, such as a tarp, usually does not. Permanent repairs often do, depending on how much of the roof is affected and what the local building department requires. After a major storm, rules and inspection schedules can change. We ask the building department before we start and tell you what is needed, so nothing gets missed.
How do I know if the roof deck itself was damaged?
From the ground you often cannot. Signs include sagging, daylight in the attic, stains on the underside of the deck, or soft spots when the covering is lifted. A roofer will check it from the roof and from the attic. If the deck is wet or cracked, it is replaced before new roofing goes on, since fixing it later costs far more.
