Protecting Your Commercial Roof Before Hurricane Season
Published March 2026 · Ocean Group Construction
Florida hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. The time to prepare your commercial roof is April and May — not when the National Hurricane Center issues a watch. Here's the property manager's playbook for hurricane-ready roofing.
Pre-Season Inspection (April-May)
Schedule a professional roof inspection at least 6 weeks before hurricane season. This gives you time to address any issues found before contractors get slammed with emergency calls. The inspection should cover:
- Edge metal and coping — verify all edge details are mechanically secured. Loose edge metal is the #1 entry point for hurricane wind damage.
- Membrane seams — probe-test critical seams, especially at perimeter and corners where wind stress is highest.
- Flashing and penetrations — check every pipe boot, equipment curb, and wall flashing for deterioration.
- Drainage — clean all drains, scuppers, and gutters. Verify overflow drains are functional.
- Loose equipment — secure any rooftop items that could become windborne debris.
Emergency Action Plan
Every commercial building should have a documented roof emergency plan:
- Contractor on speed dial — have a relationship with a licensed commercial roofing contractor BEFORE you need one. After a hurricane, every roofer in Florida is booked for months.
- Tarping materials staged — large commercial tarps, sandbags, and temporary patch materials stored on-site or at a nearby location.
- Documentation ready — current roof photos, warranty information, and insurance policy details accessible (not just in the building that might be damaged).
- Interior preparation — know which areas are most vulnerable to leaks and have a plan to protect equipment, inventory, and tenant spaces below.
After the Storm
- Do NOT go on the roof until a professional confirms it's safe — structural damage may not be visible from inside
- Document all visible damage with photos and timestamps immediately
- Contact your roofing contractor for emergency assessment within 24-48 hours
- File insurance claim promptly — Florida has strict timelines for hurricane damage claims
- Authorize emergency repairs to prevent secondary water damage
Ocean Group Construction provides pre-hurricane inspections, emergency repair services, and post-storm restoration for commercial buildings across Florida. Get ahead of the season — call now.