Spring Storm Prep: A Tampa Bay Homeowner’s Roof Inspection Checklist

February in Tampa Bay means one thing for smart homeowners: it’s time to think about your roof before storm season arrives. With hurricane season starting June 1st, the next few months are your window to identify and fix problems while contractors aren’t slammed with emergency calls.

At FL Brandon Roofing, we’ve been helping Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas County homeowners prepare their roofs for over 30 years. Here’s what our team looks for—and what you should check before the storms roll in.

Why February-March Is the Best Time to Inspect

Winter in Florida is mild, but it still stresses your roof. Cool nights and warm days cause expansion and contraction. Any vulnerabilities from last year’s storms have had months to worsen. And most importantly: roofing contractors actually have availability right now.

Wait until May or June, and you’re competing with everyone else who put it off. Prices go up, wait times stretch to weeks, and if something major needs attention, you might be rushing into hurricane season with an unfinished repair.

The Ground-Level Inspection (What You Can Do Yourself)

Before calling anyone, walk your property and look for these warning signs:

1. Shingle Condition

From the ground with binoculars—or from a second-story window—look for:

• Curling or buckling shingles
• Missing shingles (check your gutters for granules)
• Dark patches or streaks (could be algae, or could be wear)
• Visible nail pops

2. Flashing and Edges

Check around anything that penetrates your roof—vents, skylights, chimneys, satellite dishes. Look for:

• Rust or corrosion
• Gaps or lifted edges
• Cracked or missing caulk

3. Gutters and Drainage

Tampa Bay’s heavy rains demand good drainage. Make sure:

• Gutters are clear and firmly attached
• Downspouts direct water away from your foundation
• No sagging sections that hold standing water

4. Trees and Debris

Overhanging branches are a major risk during storms. If anything touches your roof or hangs within 10 feet, get it trimmed now—not when tree services are booked solid after a hurricane warning.

The Professional Inspection (What We Look For)

A thorough professional inspection goes beyond what you can see from the ground:

Underlayment condition: The waterproof barrier beneath your shingles is your last line of defense. We check for deterioration that could let water in even if shingles stay intact.

Decking integrity: Soft spots, rot, or water damage to the plywood beneath your roofing material. This is especially critical if you’ve had any leaks.

Fastener inspection: In Florida, roofs are often re-nailed after installation to meet updated wind codes. We check that fasteners are properly seated and corrosion-free.

Ventilation assessment: Poor attic ventilation causes heat buildup that degrades your roof from below. We ensure your ridge vents, soffit vents, and exhaust vents are working properly.

Insurance Considerations for Tampa Bay Homeowners

Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: your insurance company may require a roof inspection for policy renewal, and they’re getting stricter about it.

Many carriers in Florida now won’t insure—or will significantly surcharge—roofs over 15 years old without a certified inspection showing they’re in good condition. Getting ahead of this with documentation protects you when renewal time comes.

Also important: if we find damage during a spring inspection that may have resulted from a previous storm, you may have an insurance claim. But those claims have time limits. Waiting until June to discover damage from last September’s tropical storm could mean missing your window to file.

What Storm-Ready Really Means

A “storm-ready” roof isn’t just one without visible damage. It’s one where:

• All components are properly secured to current wind codes
• Vulnerable areas (edges, penetrations, valleys) are reinforced
• Drainage systems can handle heavy rain
• Surrounding trees won’t become projectiles
• You have documentation for insurance purposes

Schedule Your Inspection Before the Rush

Our Tampa Bay team serves Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties from our Thonotosassa office. We offer free inspections with honest assessments—if your roof is fine, we’ll tell you. If it needs attention, we’ll give you options and pricing so you can make an informed decision before storm season pressure hits.

Call us at (813) 538-8200 to schedule your spring roof inspection. With 30+ years of Florida roofing experience, FL Brandon Roofing has seen what Tampa Bay weather can do—and we know how to prepare for it.