In Northwest Florida, hurricane season isn’t a question of if — it’s when. Your roof is the first thing the wind and rain go after, so a little preparation before the season ramps up goes a long way. Here’s a simple checklist.
1. Get a Pre-Season Inspection
Know where your roof stands before a storm is bearing down. A professional inspection catches the weak points — lifted shingles, worn flashing, aging pipe boots — while there’s still time to fix them. See our storm and hurricane roof prep page for details.
2. Check the Obvious Trouble Spots
- Loose, lifted, or missing shingles
- Cracked or lifting flashing around chimneys, valleys, and vents
- Worn or cracked pipe boots
- Debris and clogged gutters that keep water from draining
3. Make Sure It’s Fastened for Our Wind Zone
Our region has specific wind and fastening requirements for a reason. Roofs installed or repaired to the 2023 Florida Building Code — proper nailing patterns, sealed underlayment, secure edges — hold up far better when the wind picks up.
4. Clear the Area Around Your Home
Trim back overhanging limbs and secure loose items in the yard that could become projectiles and damage your roof in high wind.
5. Have a Plan for After
If a storm does damage your roof, act fast. A quick inspection and documentation help you address the damage before it turns into interior water problems.
Don’t Wait Until a Storm Is Named
The busiest time for roofers is right when a storm is forecast — and that is the hardest time to get quality work done well. The homeowners who come through storm season in the best shape are the ones who handled their roof in the quiet months before. A small repair in the spring is a lot cheaper and less stressful than an emergency call with a tarp on the roof and water in the living room. If it has been a few years since anyone looked at your roof, before the season is the time.
Get Storm-Ready
JB’s Contracting & Maintenance can inspect your roof before the season or assess it after a storm. Call or text 850-363-3111 for a free inspection in Marianna and across Northwest Florida.