Rain Right Roofing | Tampa Bay Roofing Contractor

Project Overview

In late October 2025, a severe thunderstorm with straight-line winds estimated at 70-80 mph swept through New Port Richey, causing significant roof damage across Pasco County. The homeowner at 4523 Forest Ridge Lane in the Timber Oaks neighborhood contacted us the morning after the storm, reporting that their ridge cap shingles had blown off and shingles were scattered across their yard and into their neighbor’s property.

During our emergency inspection later that day, we found wind damage affecting approximately 30% of the roof: 18 missing ridge cap shingles along the 60-foot main ridge, 47 missing or damaged field shingles on the south and west slopes, and damaged drip edge along the west rake. The existing roof was a 14-year-old GAF Timberline HD installation in Barkwood color, and the remaining shingles were in fair condition. The homeowner had wind/hail insurance coverage through USAA and needed help navigating the claim process.

We recommended a partial roof replacement focusing on the storm-damaged areas rather than a full roof replacement. This would save the insurance company money while properly repairing all wind damage. We offered to meet with the insurance adjuster, document all damage, and ensure the claim covered proper repairs including matching shingles and upgraded wind-resistant installation methods.

Scope of Work

Insurance Documentation & Claim Support

Provided detailed damage documentation with photos and measurements
Created contractor’s scope of work matching insurance requirements
Met with USAA insurance adjuster on-site for damage assessment
Advocated for proper repair scope (insurance initially only approved ridge cap, but we documented field shingle damage requiring replacement)
Final approved claim: $8,950 (homeowner paid $500 deductible)

Storm Damage Repair

Ridge Cap Replacement: Removed and replaced all ridge cap shingles along 60-foot main ridge
Field Shingle Replacement: Replaced 47 damaged/missing shingles on south and west slopes
Drip Edge Repair: Replaced 22 linear feet damaged aluminum drip edge on west rake
Wind Uplift Prevention: Used 6-nail pattern on all perimeter shingles (vs. standard 4-nail)
Enhanced Sealant: Applied extra roofing sealant on all replaced shingles for wind resistance
Matching Materials: Sourced exact GAF Timberline HD Barkwood shingles to match existing roof

Preventive Upgrades (Within Insurance Scope)

Upgraded ridge cap installation with high-wind sealant strips
Inspected remaining roof for hidden damage (found none, documented for insurance)
Replaced 3 weathered pipe boots showing UV cracking (preventive, covered by insurance)
Added hurricane clips to ridge boards where accessible (enhanced wind resistance)

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1: Insurance Claim Scope Disagreement

Problem: The USAA insurance adjuster’s initial scope only included replacing the missing ridge cap shingles ($1,200 approved). However, our inspection found 47 field shingles that were either missing, cracked from wind impact, or had blown sealant tabs. The adjuster argued these were “wear and tear” rather than storm damage.

Solution: We provided detailed photo documentation showing the shingle damage pattern consistent with wind uplift (damage concentrated on south/west slopes facing prevailing storm winds, not random deterioration). We walked the adjuster through the roof and demonstrated how shingles on exposed corners had lifted edges and torn sealant strips - clear wind damage. We also referenced the National Weather Service report confirming 70-80 mph winds in New Port Richey on the storm date. The adjuster agreed and revised the scope to include field shingle replacement. Final approved claim: $8,950.

Challenge 2: Matching 14-Year-Old Discontinued Shingles

Problem: The existing roof had GAF Timberline HD in Barkwood color, installed in 2011. GAF discontinued the Timberline HD line in 2020, replacing it with Timberline HDZ. While Barkwood color still exists, the HDZ shingles have slightly different granule patterns than the old HD shingles. A poor match would create visible color differences across the roof.

Solution: We contacted our GAF distributor to source old-stock Timberline HD Barkwood shingles. They located 6 bundles of old inventory at a warehouse 2 hours away. We purchased this old stock to ensure perfect color matching for the visible repair areas. For areas less visible from ground level, we used new HDZ Barkwood (close enough match for non-critical areas). Result: Seamless repair with zero visible color differences from street view. The homeowner was thrilled with the match.

Challenge 3: Working Around Homeowner’s Schedule

Problem: The homeowner works from home as a telehealth therapist, conducting video consultations with patients throughout the day. Roofing work creates noise that would disrupt virtual appointments. The homeowner needed specific quiet hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM daily.

Solution: We adjusted our work schedule to accommodate the quiet hour requirements. Day 1: We worked 7:00-9:00 AM (tear-off and demolition - loudest work), took a quiet break 9:00 AM-12:00 PM while crew worked on ground-level tasks (preparing materials, organizing workspace), resumed 12:00-2:00 PM (shingle installation), quiet break 2:00-4:00 PM, finished 4:00-5:00 PM. Day 2: Similar schedule for remaining work. The unusual schedule added complexity but the homeowner was able to continue working without disruption.

Challenge 4: Preventing Future Wind Damage

Problem: The homeowner was understandably anxious about future storms after experiencing this wind damage. They asked “How do I prevent this from happening again?” The original 2011 installation used standard 4-nail shingle pattern, which meets code but provides minimal wind resistance.

Solution: As part of the repair (covered by insurance), we upgraded to 6-nail pattern on all perimeter shingles (edges, rakes, ridges - the areas most vulnerable to wind uplift). We also used high-wind sealant strips on ridge cap shingles and applied extra roofing sealant under all replaced shingles. We explained that while no roof is hurricane-proof, these upgrades significantly improve wind resistance. We also recommended annual roof inspections before hurricane season to catch any loose shingles early. The homeowner felt much better knowing the repair was stronger than the original installation.

Timeline

Day 0 (Storm Day - October 28):

Evening: Severe thunderstorm with 70-80 mph straight-line winds
Homeowner discovers roof damage (shingles in yard)

Day 1 (October 29 - Day After Storm):

9:00 AM: Homeowner calls Rain Right emergency line
2:00 PM: Our inspector arrived for damage assessment
3:00 PM: Provided detailed damage documentation and estimate
4:00 PM: Homeowner called USAA to file claim

Week 1 (Insurance Process):

October 31: USAA adjuster scheduled site visit
November 3: Adjuster on-site, Rain Right attended
November 5: Initial claim approval ($1,200 - ridge cap only)
November 6: We submitted supplemental documentation for field shingle damage
November 8: Revised claim approval ($8,950 - full storm damage repair)

Day 1 of Repair (November 12 - Monday):

7:00 AM: 2-person crew arrived
7:15 AM: Began removing damaged ridge cap shingles
8:30 AM: Removed damaged field shingles on south slope
9:00 AM: Quiet hours begin - crew worked on ground tasks (material prep)
12:00 PM: Resumed work, began installing replacement shingles
2:00 PM: Quiet hours - crew lunch break
4:00 PM: Resumed work, continued shingle installation
5:00 PM: 60% of shingles replaced, roof weatherproofed

Day 2 of Repair (November 13 - Tuesday):

7:00 AM: Crew arrived
7:15 AM: Continued shingle replacement on west slope
9:00 AM: Quiet hours - crew prepared ridge cap materials
12:00 PM: Installed new ridge cap shingles with high-wind sealant
1:30 PM: Replaced drip edge on west rake
2:00 PM: Quiet hours - crew cleanup and material organization
4:00 PM: Replaced 3 weathered pipe boots (preventive)
4:45 PM: Final cleanup, magnetic nail sweep
5:00 PM: Homeowner walkthrough and warranty documentation

Week Following:

November 14: Submitted completion documentation to USAA
November 18: USAA released final claim payment to homeowner
No permit required (repairs <50% of roof area per Pasco County code)

Results

Insurance Claim Success

The homeowner’s insurance covered the full storm damage repair:

Total approved claim: $8,950
Homeowner deductible: $500
Insurance payment: $8,450
Rain Right invoice: $8,450 (we worked within insurance budget)
Homeowner out-of-pocket: $500 deductible only

Homeowner Satisfaction

Homeowner (privacy requested):

“After a severe thunderstorm ripped off shingles from our ridge, Rain Right responded quickly and worked with our insurance company to get the damage covered. They matched our existing shingles perfectly and the repair looks seamless. Professional service from start to finish. I especially appreciated how they worked around my telehealth schedule - very accommodating.”

Storm Damage Resolution

All wind damage repaired with upgraded wind-resistant installation
Shingle color match perfect using old-stock materials
Roof ready for future Florida storms with 6-nail pattern and enhanced sealant
Zero leaks during heavy rains following repair

Warranty Coverage

15-year workmanship warranty from Rain Right Roofing on repaired areas
GAF material warranty on replacement shingles
Wind resistance: Upgraded installation exceeds original 2011 wind rating

Cost Breakdown

Total Investment: $8,450 (covered by insurance minus $500 homeowner deductible)

Itemized:

Materials: $2,800
- GAF Timberline HD Barkwood shingles (old stock - 6 bundles): $950
- GAF Timberline HDZ Barkwood shingles (2 bundles): $260
- Ridge cap shingles (60 linear feet): $480
- Aluminum drip edge (22 linear feet): $180
- High-wind sealant strips: $240
- Roofing sealant, nails, misc: $320
- 3 OATEY pipe boots: $105
- Hurricane clips for ridge: $265
Labor: $4,800
- 2-person crew × 2 days @ $1,200/day
- Includes unusual schedule accommodations (quiet hours)
- Insurance documentation and adjuster coordination
Disposal: $450
- Debris removal and disposal (damaged shingles, old ridge caps)
- Cleanup of neighboring properties (wind-blown debris)
Insurance Coordination: $400
- Meeting with adjuster on-site
- Detailed damage documentation with photos
- Supplemental claim submission for full damage scope
- Completion documentation for claim closure

No Permit Required: Pasco County does not require permits for repairs affecting less than 50% of roof area. This qualified as partial repair (30% of roof).

Pricing Context: At $8,450 for partial roof repair, this project provided excellent value compared to full roof replacement ($17,000-20,000 for 2,093 sq ft roof). Insurance paid $8,450 of the total cost, leaving homeowner with only $500 out-of-pocket (their deductible).

Photos

Storm Damage: Missing ridge cap shingles, scattered shingles in yard, damaged drip edge Before Repair: Exposed roof deck along ridge, wind-lifted shingles on south slope Old Stock Shingles: GAF Timberline HD Barkwood (discontinued 2020) sourced for perfect match After Repair: Seamless color match, upgraded 6-nail installation, no visible repair lines Detail: High-wind sealant strips on new ridge cap

Materials Used

Shingles (Old Stock): GAF Timberline HD Barkwood (6 bundles - discontinued inventory)
Shingles (New Stock): GAF Timberline HDZ Barkwood (2 bundles - less visible areas)
Ridge Cap: GAF Timberline HDZ ridge cap shingles (60 linear feet)
Drip Edge: Aluminum drip edge 0.019” thickness (22 linear feet)
Sealant: High-wind roofing sealant (for enhanced wind resistance)
Pipe Boots: OATEY rubber pipe boots (3 total)
Hurricane Clips: Galvanized hurricane clips for ridge board connections
Fasteners: Galvanized roofing nails (6-nail pattern on perimeter shingles)

Lessons Learned

What Went Well

Insurance advocacy secured full damage coverage ($8,950 vs. initial $1,200)
Old-stock shingle sourcing achieved perfect color match
Flexible scheduling accommodated homeowner’s work-from-home requirements
Upgraded wind-resistant installation prevents future damage

Challenges Overcome

Advocated for homeowner to get full storm damage coverage from insurance
Located discontinued shingle inventory for seamless color match
Worked efficiently around unusual quiet hour requirements
Educated homeowner on wind damage prevention

Wind Damage in Pasco County

New Port Richey and Pasco County experience frequent severe thunderstorms and occasional hurricanes:

Common Wind Damage Patterns:

Ridge cap shingles (most vulnerable - highest wind speeds along ridge)
Corner and rake edge shingles (wind uplift at roof edges)
South and west slopes (prevailing storm wind direction in Florida)
Older roofs with deteriorated sealant strips

Wind Damage Prevention:

6-nail pattern on perimeter shingles (code requires only 4 nails, but 6 is better)
High-wind sealant strips on ridge caps
Hurricane-rated shingles (130+ mph wind rating)
Annual inspections before hurricane season to catch loose shingles
Proper attic ventilation (reduces wind uplift pressure)

Insurance Claim Tips:

File claim within 24-48 hours of storm
Document damage with photos before any repairs
Request roofing contractor attend adjuster meeting
Don’t accept initial scope if damage is underestimated
Keep all receipts and documentation

Service Area

We provide storm damage repair and insurance claim assistance throughout Pasco County:

Emergency Storm Response: Available 24/7/365 for storm damage Insurance Claim Support: We work with all major insurance companies Free Storm Damage Inspections: Call for post-storm roof assessment

New Port Richey Wind Damage Repair

Project Details