After a storm in Miami, check your roof from the ground first, then look inside your home for leaks, stains and damp spots. Common signs of roof storm damage include missing or lifted shingles, cracked or slipped tiles, bent metal and loose flashing. If you see any of these, call a licensed roofer rather than climbing up yourself.
Safety First After the Storm
Wait until the storm has fully passed and conditions are safe. Stay away from downed power lines, and do not go on the roof. Wet roofs are slippery, and storm damage can weaken areas that look solid.
If you have solar panels, do not touch or try to adjust them. Damaged panels and wiring should be checked by a qualified professional.
What to Check From the Ground
Walk around your home and look at the roof from different angles. Binoculars can help. Look for:
- Missing, lifted or creased shingles
- Cracked, broken or shifted tiles
- Bent, loose or lifted metal panels
- Flashing pulled away from walls, chimneys or vents
- Damaged gutters or downspouts
- Branches or debris sitting on the roof
- Pieces of roofing material in the yard
Shingle granules collecting in gutters or at the bottom of downspouts can also be a sign that the storm wore down the shingle surface.
Signs of Damage Inside Your Home
Some roof damage only shows up indoors. Check ceilings and walls, especially in upper rooms and near exterior walls. Watch for:
- New water stains or discoloration
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Dripping water or damp insulation in the attic
- A musty smell that was not there before
- Daylight coming through the roof boards in the attic
Keep checking for a few days after the storm. Small leaks can take time to show, especially after more rain.
Does Storm Damage Mean You Need a New Roof?
Not always. A few lost shingles or a loose piece of flashing can often be repaired. Widespread damage, soft decking or a roof that was already near the end of its typical lifespan may point toward replacement.
Florida’s “25% rule” also plays a role. Previously, if 25% or more of a roof needed repair or replacement within 12 months, the whole roof had to be brought up to current code. A 2022 Florida law (SB 4-D) changed that: if the existing roof was built or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, only the damaged section has to meet current code. A licensed roofer can help you understand how this applies to your home.
An experienced team that handles roof repair and replacement in Miami can inspect the roof up close and give you an honest recommendation about which option makes sense.
Document Everything
Before any cleanup or repairs, take photos and videos of the damage, inside and out. Note the date of the storm and when you first noticed each problem. Keep receipts for any emergency steps you take.
If you plan to file an insurance claim, ask your insurer what they need and how soon they need it. Every policy is different, so your insurer is the best source on coverage and timing. A roofer’s inspection can help you understand the damage, but no roofer can promise how a claim will turn out.
Prevent Further Damage and Hire Carefully
If water is coming in, move valuables away from the leak and catch drips with buckets. A professional can install temporary protection, such as a tarp, to limit water getting in until permanent repairs are made.
Keep in mind that a roof replacement needs a building permit and inspections from the local building department, and roofing products used in Miami-Dade generally need a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA). Be cautious of anyone who knocks on your door right after a storm, asks for full payment upfront or pressures you to sign quickly. Check that any roofer you hire holds a Florida license.
Solar Dynamics is a licensed roofer based in Doral (Florida roofing license CCC1335573), serving Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Because our own crews handle roofing, solar and electrical work, we can look at both your roof and any panels on it, and one company stays responsible for the whole job.
Worried about storm damage? Request a free quote and our licensed roofing team will help you figure out next steps.
Related reading: Roof Leak Warning Signs in Miami · Hurricane Prep for Your Roof and Solar Panels