Hurricane Preparedness for Florida Roofs
Practical steps before and after a storm — temporary dry-in, documentation, and how Horizon helps homeowners across the Tampa–Naples corridor protect their property.
A. Before the storm
Prep checklist for homeowners
Document & prepare
- Photograph your roof and attic from multiple angles (clear daytime shots)
- Note existing wear, prior repairs, and any soft spots or staining
- Secure or store loose patio furniture, screens, and yard items
- Clear gutters and downspouts if safely accessible
- Know your insurance policy number, agent, and claims phone line
- Save digital copies of declarations pages and prior roof invoices
Contacts ready
- Insurance company & agent contact info stored offline and on your phone
- Licensed roofing contractor number — Horizon: (239) 628-5213
- Plan for power outages: printed contacts and charged devices
- If you manage multiple properties, list addresses and roof types in one place
Horizon can also help with complimentary GPS quotes and roof previews before storm season — see GPS Quote and Roof Preview.
B. After the storm (when safe)
Document first — then protect openings
Only return outdoors or onto the roof when conditions are safe. Priority one is people; priority two is limiting further property damage.
- Document damage with photos and video as soon as it is safe — exterior, interior ceilings, attic, and close-ups of openings
- If the roof is open to weather, arrange temporary dry-in / tarp as soon as safely possible to help prevent further interior damage
- Do not wait for a full replacement bid cycle before covering active openings
- Keep receipts and contractor documentation for temporary protection
- Notify your insurer promptly per your policy requirements
Temporary protection after storm openings · field photo
C. Florida insurance / mitigation
Duty to mitigate — plain language
Typical Florida homeowners policies (often based on ISO-style policy conditions) require the insured to take reasonable steps to protect the property from further damage after a loss. Consumer guidance themes from Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) similarly emphasize documenting damage and preventing additional loss where practical.
Many people wrongly assume the insurer will automatically send a tarp crew. In practice, the homeowner usually must arrange temporary protection. Failure to take reasonable mitigation steps can risk claim reductions for preventable further damage — for example, interior water damage that continues after an opening was left unprotected.
- Photograph and inventory damage before and after temporary protection
- Arrange tarp / dry-in when it is safe — do not wait indefinitely for a carrier crew
- Keep invoices and scopes for temporary work to submit with your claim
- Follow your policy’s notice and cooperation requirements
D. How Horizon helps
Emergency response, documentation & rebuild priority
Emergency tarp install
When it is safe to work, Horizon installs temporary tarp / dry-in to help protect openings from further weather exposure.
Payment flow (important)
- Horizon installs the tarp
- Homeowner pays for temporary protection
- Horizon helps with documentation so the insurance company can reimburse the homeowner per their policy
- No guarantee of reimbursement amount or approval
Optional new-roof contract during/after tarping
Homeowners may choose to sign a new-roof contract that:
- Locks pricing — post-hurricane pricing often rises
- Prioritizes them on the rebuild schedule (tile and specialty materials can take up to ~6 months from manufacturers after major storms)
- Is contingent on insurance approval of a new roof — null and void if insurance does not approve the roof replacement
Documentation & adjuster partner
Horizon documents damages thoroughly. We can also work with Horizon’s public adjuster partner to help pursue a proper settlement. The partner assists; you choose whether to engage them. This is not a guarantee of payout.
E. Storm lead form
When a hurricane threatens or strikes
Send your property details so Horizon can prioritize outreach for emergency dry-in and follow-up inspections. Attach photos in your email after the form opens your mail client.
- Name, phone, email, and property address
- Roof type and brief damage notes
- Photo upload note — attach clear images in the email you send
Prefer to talk now? Call (239) 628-5213
Hurricane response — property info
Opens email to info@ and john@ · attach photos before sending
Opening your email client… Please attach photos before sending.
Storm threat or open roof? Horizon is ready to help
Licensed & insured · Tampa to Naples · Emergency dry-in when safe · (239) 628-5213