Quick Answer
Storm damage roof repair in Tampa Bay ranges from $500 for emergency tarping to $15,000+ for extensive hurricane damage repairs. Most storm damage claims are covered by Florida homeowners insurance. We provide emergency response within 2-4 hours, free damage inspections, complete insurance claims assistance, and permanent repairs with a 15-year warranty. Available 24/7 during hurricanes and severe weather.
Types of Storm Damage We Repair
Tampa Bay faces severe weather from June through November, causing thousands of roof damage claims annually. We repair all types of storm damage:
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Damage
Wind Uplift Damage
- Blown-off shingles - High winds (75+ mph) tear off shingles in sections
- Ridge cap loss - Exposed peak areas vulnerable to rain intrusion
- Lifted and creased shingles - Wind gets under edges, breaking seals
- Torn flashing - Metal flashing ripped from chimneys, vents, walls
- Fascia and soffit damage - Wind tears soffit panels and fascia boards
Typical Cost: $2,000 - $8,000 depending on extent
Rain Intrusion Damage
- Water-damaged decking - Prolonged exposure rots plywood
- Saturated insulation - Reduces R-value and promotes mold
- Interior water damage - Ceilings, walls, electrical systems
- Mold and mildew growth - Health hazard requiring remediation
Typical Cost: $3,000 - $12,000+ for structural repairs
Wind Damage (Non-Hurricane)
Tampa’s frequent thunderstorms produce damaging straight-line winds:
- Missing shingles - 40-60 mph winds lift unsealed shingles
- Granule loss - Wind-blown debris scours protective granules
- Bent or damaged flashing - Wind pressure warps metal
- Broken ridge vents - Plastic vents crack under wind stress
- Torn valley metal - High winds peel back valley flashing
Typical Cost: $800 - $3,500
Tree and Debris Impact Damage
Direct Tree Impact
- Punctured roofing - Branches pierce through to decking
- Crushed or broken trusses - Structural damage requiring engineering
- Compressed or caved sections - Large limbs create depressions
- Multiple penetration points - Smaller branches create leak points
Typical Cost: $3,000 - $25,000+ for major structural damage
Falling Branch Damage
- Broken shingles - Impact cracks and punctures
- Damaged flashing - Bent or torn metal
- Gutter damage - Crushed or torn gutters
- Scattered debris - Pine needles, leaves, Spanish moss
Typical Cost: $500 - $2,500
Flying Debris Damage
High winds turn everyday objects into projectiles:
- Patio furniture impacts - Chairs, umbrellas, cushions
- Fence panel strikes - Wooden panels become battering rams
- Trash can hits - Garbage containers cause dents and punctures
- Sign impacts - Yard signs and real estate posts
- Torn screen enclosure material - Shredded screening abrades shingles
Typical Cost: $400 - $2,000 per impact area
Lightning Strike Damage
Tampa is the “Lightning Capital of the US” with frequent strikes:
- Direct strike damage - Blown off shingles, shattered tiles
- Electrical surge damage - Fried HVAC systems, fans, solar panels
- Fire damage - Ignited roofing materials or attic
- Structural cracking - Explosive expansion damages rafters
Typical Cost: $2,000 - $15,000+
Hail Damage (Rare in Tampa)
While uncommon, hail does occur in severe storms:
- Dented or bruised shingles - Granule loss, weakened spots
- Cracked tiles - Concrete/clay tiles fracture
- Dented metal flashing - Cosmetic and functional damage
- Damaged vents and skylights - Plastic components crack
Typical Cost: $3,000 - $10,000 for widespread damage
Tornado Damage
Tampa Bay experiences occasional tornadoes, especially waterspouts that come ashore:
- Complete roof loss - EF2+ tornadoes strip roofs entirely
- Partial roof removal - Sections torn away
- Structural failure - Walls compromised, requiring rebuild
- Total loss scenarios - Complete home reconstruction needed
Typical Cost: $15,000 - $80,000+ (often total replacement)
Insurance Claims Process
We’ve helped hundreds of Tampa Bay homeowners navigate the complex Florida insurance claims process. Our expertise maximizes your claim and reduces stress.
Step 1: Emergency Contact & Documentation (Day 1)
Immediate Actions:
- Call us for emergency tarping: (813) 555-ROOF
- Document all damage with photos and videos
- Note time and date of storm event
- Take photos of your entire property
- Document interior water damage
- Save weather reports showing storm severity
We Provide:
- Emergency tarp installation ($500-$1,200)
- Temporary repairs to prevent further damage
- Initial damage assessment
- Photo documentation for your claim
Step 2: File Your Insurance Claim (Within 48 Hours)
Contact Your Insurance Company:
- Report the claim immediately (don’t wait)
- Provide your policy number
- Describe the damage briefly
- Request inspector visit ASAP
- Get claim number for all future reference
Important Florida Requirements:
- Must report “within a reasonable time” (ideally 24-48 hours)
- Delayed reporting can reduce or deny claims
- Document everything in writing
- Keep copies of all communications
Step 3: Professional Roof Inspection (Day 2-3)
Our Comprehensive Inspection Includes:
- Complete roof system assessment
- Documentation of all storm damage
- Photos of every damaged area from multiple angles
- Detailed measurements and scope of work
- Written estimate with itemized pricing
- Material matching and specifications
We Identify:
- Obvious damage (missing shingles, holes, leaks)
- Hidden damage (decking, underlayment, flashing)
- Pre-existing conditions vs storm damage
- Code upgrade requirements
- Total scope for accurate claim
Step 4: Meet the Insurance Adjuster (Day 5-10)
We Attend the Inspection With You:
- Point out all damage to adjuster
- Walk the roof together (if safe)
- Explain necessary repairs and codes
- Provide our detailed estimate
- Answer technical questions
- Document adjuster’s findings
Common Insurance Tactics We Counter:
- Lowball estimates using cheap materials
- Missing hidden damage (decking, underlayment)
- Denying legitimate storm damage
- Classifying as “cosmetic only”
- Underpaying for code upgrades
Our Expertise Ensures:
- All damage is documented
- Fair pricing for quality materials
- Proper scope of work
- Code compliance costs included
- Hidden damage is found and claimed
Step 5: Review Insurance Estimate (Day 10-15)
We Compare:
- Adjuster’s estimate vs our estimate
- Material specifications and quality
- Scope of work completeness
- Pricing accuracy for Tampa market
- Code upgrade requirements
- Supplemental damage items
If Estimate is Too Low:
- Document discrepancies in detail
- Request re-inspection if needed
- File supplement for missed items
- Negotiate with adjuster
- Involve your insurance agent
- Consider public adjuster if necessary
Step 6: Approval & Supplement Process (Week 2-4)
Initial Approval:
- Insurance sends first check (usually ACV - Actual Cash Value)
- Covers depreciation-adjusted amount
- Mortgage company may require endorsement
- Does not include recoverable depreciation yet
Supplement for Hidden Damage:
- Additional damage found during tear-off
- Rotten decking discovered
- Damaged underlayment
- Structural issues
- We document and submit supplement
- Usually approved within 5-7 days
Step 7: Schedule & Complete Repairs (Week 3-6)
Our Repair Process:
- Schedule work after approval
- Order exact materials specified
- Complete repairs per estimate
- Document all work with photos
- Handle all supplements
- Final inspection by us and you
Timeline:
- Small repairs: 1-3 days
- Partial roof replacement: 3-5 days
- Full roof replacement: 5-10 days
- Major structural damage: 2-4 weeks
Step 8: Final Payment & Depreciation Recovery (Week 4-8)
Recoverable Depreciation:
- Provide proof of completed work
- Submit final invoices and photos
- Insurance releases depreciation holdback
- Usually received 2-4 weeks after completion
Certificate of Completion:
- Final inspection photos
- Warranty documentation
- Proof of payment
- Building permit closure (if required)
Storm Damage Cost by Type
| Damage Type | Typical Cost | Insurance Coverage? | Repair Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency tarping | $500 - $1,200 | Yes (deducted from claim) | Same day |
| Minor wind damage (10-20 shingles) | $800 - $2,000 | Yes | 1-2 days |
| Moderate wind damage (1-2 sections) | $2,500 - $6,000 | Yes | 2-3 days |
| Major wind damage (multiple sections) | $6,000 - $15,000 | Yes | 4-7 days |
| Tree branch impact (small) | $500 - $2,500 | Yes | 1-2 days |
| Tree impact (major) | $5,000 - $25,000+ | Yes | 1-4 weeks |
| Lightning strike damage | $2,000 - $15,000 | Yes | 3-7 days |
| Partial roof replacement (storm) | $8,000 - $20,000 | Yes (less deductible) | 5-10 days |
| Full roof replacement (total loss) | $15,000 - $40,000+ | Yes (less deductible) | 1-2 weeks |
| Structural repairs (decking) | $2,000 - $8,000 | Yes (as supplement) | Varies |
Typical Florida Deductibles:
- Wind/hurricane: 2% of dwelling coverage ($300,000 home = $6,000 deductible)
- All other perils: $1,000 - $2,500 flat deductible
- You pay deductible, insurance pays rest
Emergency Tarping & Temporary Repairs
Why Emergency Tarping is Critical
Prevents Further Damage:
- Stops active water intrusion immediately
- Protects interior from rain
- Prevents mold growth
- Reduces total claim amount
- Required to maintain insurance coverage
Florida Insurance Requirement: Failure to mitigate further damage can void your claim. Tarping shows you took reasonable steps to protect your property.
Our Emergency Response
Available 24/7 During Storms:
- Call (813) 555-ROOF anytime
- Response within 2-4 hours
- Even during active hurricanes (when safe)
- Servicing all Tampa Bay counties
Emergency Tarp Installation:
- Heavy-duty reinforced tarps (not hardware store tarps)
- Properly secured with battens and sandbags
- Extends over ridge and down both sides
- Secured to prevent wind uplift
- Lasts 60-90 days minimum
Emergency Tarp Pricing:
- Small tarp (10x20): $500 - $700
- Medium tarp (20x30): $700 - $900
- Large tarp (30x40): $900 - $1,200
- Multiple tarps: Custom pricing
- Usually covered by insurance (applied to deductible)
Temporary vs Permanent Repairs
Temporary Repairs Include:
- Blue tarp installation
- Plywood over holes
- Quick patch of small areas
- Interior water containment
- Immediate leak stoppage
Permanent Repairs Include:
- Complete section replacement
- Proper underlayment and flashing
- Matching materials
- Code-compliant installation
- Warranted workmanship
Do Not Accept Temporary “Fixes” as Permanent: Some contractors try to patch and leave. We provide proper permanent repairs that last.
Permanent Storm Damage Repair
Repair vs Full Replacement Decision
After storm damage, the big question is whether to repair the damaged sections or replace the entire roof. Here’s how to decide:
Repair the Damaged Sections If:
✅ Damage is localized - One or two specific areas affected ✅ Roof is under 10 years old - Still has significant lifespan remaining ✅ Less than 30% of roof affected - Small percentage of total area ✅ Materials can be matched - Shingles still available ✅ Insurance covers repair only - Adjuster approves repair scope ✅ Budget constraints - Lower out-of-pocket with deductible ✅ No pre-existing issues - Rest of roof in good condition
Typical Repair Cost: $2,000 - $8,000
Pros:
- Lower cost and smaller deductible impact
- Faster completion (1-3 days)
- Less disruption to household
- Preserves existing warranty on undamaged sections
Cons:
- Color matching may not be perfect
- Different shingle age/wear patterns
- May need full replacement in few years anyway
- Patchwork appearance possible
Replace the Entire Roof If:
✅ Roof is over 15 years old - Near end of useful life ✅ Widespread damage - Multiple areas across entire roof ✅ More than 30% damaged - Large percentage affected ✅ Existing wear/issues - Other problems already present ✅ Material discontinued - Can’t match existing shingles ✅ Insurance approves replacement - Total loss determination ✅ Selling home soon - New roof adds value ✅ Want matching appearance - Consistent color and texture
Typical Replacement Cost: $12,000 - $35,000
Pros:
- Everything new with full manufacturer warranty
- Uniform appearance and color
- Extended lifespan (15-25+ years)
- Can upgrade to better materials
- Adds home value
- Peace of mind
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Larger deductible to pay
- Longer project timeline (5-10 days)
- More disruption
Our Storm Repair Process
1. Damage Assessment & Documentation
Comprehensive Inspection:
- Exterior roof examination from all angles
- Interior attic inspection for hidden damage
- Thermal imaging for moisture detection
- Detailed photo documentation
- Written damage report with measurements
We Document:
- All missing, damaged, or lifted shingles
- Flashing damage and failures
- Decking exposure or damage
- Structural issues
- Gutter and fascia damage
- Ventilation damage
2. Material Matching
Perfect Match Process:
- Identify exact shingle manufacturer and color
- Cross-reference discontinued products
- Source matching materials from suppliers
- Obtain samples for approval if needed
- Plan for blend-in installation technique
If Exact Match Unavailable:
- Replace entire visible slopes for uniformity
- Choose closest available alternative
- Get your approval before ordering
3. Proper Repair Execution
Our Installation Standards:
- Remove damaged materials completely
- Inspect and replace wet or damaged decking
- Install proper underlayment (ice & water shield in critical areas)
- Replace flashing with premium materials
- Install new shingles per manufacturer specs
- Seal all penetrations and transitions
- Match existing installation pattern
Quality Control:
- Supervisor inspection during install
- Photo documentation of each phase
- Final walkthrough with homeowner
- Debris cleanup and magnetic sweep
- Warranty documentation provided
4. Code Compliance
Current Florida Building Code Requirements:
- High-velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ) requirements in coastal areas
- Proper shingle fastening (6 nails minimum per shingle)
- Enhanced flashing and edge metal
- Proper ventilation ratios
- Impact-resistant materials in some jurisdictions
We Handle:
- Building permit applications
- Code compliance verification
- Inspector coordination
- Final inspection approval
- All required documentation
Tampa Bay Storm Season Preparedness
Hurricane Season (June 1 - November 30)
Pre-Season Inspection: Schedule roof inspection in April-May to identify and repair vulnerabilities before storm season.
Common Pre-Storm Issues:
- Loose or lifted shingles
- Deteriorated flashing seals
- Missing or damaged ridge caps
- Worn vent boots
- Overhanging tree branches
Pre-Hurricane Checklist:
- ✅ Inspect roof condition
- ✅ Clean gutters and downspouts
- ✅ Trim overhanging branches
- ✅ Secure loose items in yard
- ✅ Document roof condition (photos)
- ✅ Know your insurance coverage
- ✅ Have our emergency number saved
Post-Storm Actions
Immediately After Storm:
- Safety first - Don’t walk on damaged roof
- Document damage - Photos and videos
- Call for emergency tarping - Prevent further damage
- Contact insurance - File claim within 48 hours
- Call us for inspection - Free damage assessment
What NOT to Do:
- ❌ Don’t wait weeks to call - damage worsens
- ❌ Don’t accept “storm chaser” offers at door
- ❌ Don’t sign contracts with public adjusters immediately
- ❌ Don’t let insurance lowball your claim
- ❌ Don’t attempt DIY repairs (voids insurance)
Why Choose Rain Right for Storm Damage
Storm Damage Specialists:
- 17+ years experience with Tampa Bay storm damage
- Handled 500+ insurance claims
- Licensed Florida contractor (CCC1234567)
- Fully insured and bonded
Insurance Expertise:
- We know what insurance should cover
- Meet with adjusters on your behalf
- Document all damage thoroughly
- File supplements for hidden damage
- Maximize your claim settlement
Emergency Response:
- Available 24/7 during storms
- 2-4 hour emergency response time
- Professional tarp installation
- Immediate leak stoppage
- Servicing all Tampa Bay counties
Quality Repairs:
- Permanent solutions, not patches
- Premium materials and warranties
- Licensed, background-checked crews
- 15-year workmanship warranty
- Code-compliant installation
No Upfront Payment:
- Insurance pays us directly (with your approval)
- You only pay your deductible
- Financing available if needed
- Payment when job is complete
FAQ
Does insurance cover storm damage roof repair in Tampa?
Yes, Florida homeowners insurance typically covers storm damage from hurricanes, tropical storms, wind, lightning, and falling trees. You’ll pay your deductible (usually 2% of dwelling coverage for wind/hurricane, or $1,000-$2,500 for other perils), and insurance covers the rest. Normal wear and tear or pre-existing damage is excluded. We help document storm damage and work with adjusters to maximize your claim.
How much does storm damage roof repair cost in Tampa?
Storm damage roof repair costs vary widely: emergency tarping ($500-$1,200), minor wind damage ($800-$2,000), moderate damage ($2,500-$6,000), major damage ($6,000-$15,000), tree impact ($500-$25,000+), and full replacement ($15,000-$40,000+). Your insurance typically covers the repair cost less your deductible. We provide free inspections and detailed estimates for your claim.
How quickly can you respond to storm damage emergencies?
We provide 24/7 emergency response throughout Tampa Bay with arrival times of 2-4 hours. During active hurricanes and tropical storms, we respond as soon as conditions are safe. We can install emergency tarps the same day to prevent further water damage and schedule permanent repairs as soon as materials are available.
Will my insurance cover emergency tarping?
Yes, emergency tarp installation is typically covered by Florida homeowners insurance and applied toward your deductible. Tarping is considered “reasonable mitigation” to prevent further damage, which you’re required to do under most policies. We document all emergency services for your insurance claim and provide itemized invoices.
How long does storm damage repair take?
Timeline depends on damage extent: emergency tarping (same day), small repairs (1-3 days), partial roof replacement (3-5 days), full roof replacement (5-10 days), and major structural damage (2-4 weeks). After major hurricanes, material shortages and contractor backlog can extend timelines. We prioritize tarping immediately and schedule permanent repairs as quickly as possible.
Should I repair or replace my roof after storm damage?
Repair if damage is localized, your roof is under 10 years old, less than 30% is affected, and materials can be matched. Replace if your roof is over 15 years old, damage is widespread, more than 30% is affected, or materials are discontinued. We provide honest assessments and let you make the final decision based on our expert recommendations and insurance coverage.
What should I do immediately after storm damage?
First, ensure everyone’s safety and don’t walk on damaged roofs. Document all damage with photos and videos. Call us for emergency tarping to prevent further damage. Contact your insurance company within 48 hours to file a claim. Move valuables away from leaking areas and place buckets to catch water. Save weather reports showing storm severity for your claim.
Do I need to get multiple estimates for insurance?
Florida law doesn’t require multiple estimates for insurance claims, but it’s often wise to get 2-3 quotes to ensure fair pricing. However, choose your contractor based on expertise, licensing, insurance claim experience, and reputation - not just the lowest price. We attend adjuster meetings with you and advocate for complete, quality repairs.
How do you match my existing shingles after storm damage?
We identify your exact shingle manufacturer, style, and color code, then source matching materials from our supplier network. For discontinued products, we find the closest available match and may replace entire slopes for uniform appearance. We always get your approval before ordering materials to ensure you’re satisfied with the match.
What if the insurance estimate is too low?
We compare the adjuster’s estimate with our detailed assessment and identify discrepancies. We document any missed damage, incorrect pricing, or inadequate scope of work. We then negotiate with the adjuster, request re-inspection if needed, and file supplements for hidden damage found during repairs. Our expertise typically increases claim settlements by 15-30%.