What Should I Do If My Roof Is Leaking?
Hurricane Heroes is a South Florida-based home improvement brand specializing in roofing, impact windows, and solar energy installations through its divisions Hurricane Heroes Roofing & Impact Windows and Solar Heroes. It provides storm protection and clean energy solutions across Boca Raton, Hollywood, and surrounding South Florida areas.
Hurricane Heroes Roofing, Solar, And Impact Windows
1700 N Dixie Hwy Ste 120
Boca Raton, FL 33432-1807
(954) 800-0570
A leaking roof isn’t just an inconvenience — in Florida’s storm-heavy climate, it can lead to serious water damage in just hours. Whether the leak is caused by cracked shingles, flashing gaps, or improper drainage, quick identification and action can protect your home from costly structural issues.
1. Protect the Interior Immediately
When a leak starts, the first thing to do is minimize interior damage. Place buckets under dripping water, move belongings out of the way, and use towels or tarps to absorb water and protect furniture. Safety is a priority — turn off power if water is near electrical outlets. It’s important to act fast because a slow drip can quickly evolve into a ceiling collapse. Homeowners in areas like Coral Springs and Hollywood often face sudden downpours, so keeping protective supplies nearby — buckets, plastic tarps, microfiber cloths — is always wise.
2. Safely Locate the Source
After containing the leak indoors, try to safely identify where the leak may be coming from. Often, roof leaks stem from loose shingles, compromised flashing, or clogged gutters. However, water may travel along beams or rafters before entering your home, so the source may not be directly overhead. If your home has an attic, go up with a flashlight and look for wet beams, mold, or active dripping. In flat-roofed homes common in areas like Aventura or Coconut Creek, water pooling could create multiple leak points.
3. Document the Damage Thoroughly
It’s important to document the damage immediately for insurance purposes. Take clear photos of any affected ceilings, walls, flooring, and contents. If the source of the leak is visible, such as a hole or missing shingle, capture images from a safe vantage point. For homeowners with insurance policies that include wind or water damage protection, proper documentation ensures a faster claim. Include timestamps and, if possible, use video footage to support your report.
4. Contact a Roofing Professional
Contact a licensed roofing contractor as soon as possible. Professional roofers are trained to identify the true cause of a leak, assess the extent of the damage, and perform impact windows florida either temporary patching or permanent repairs. In Florida, many roofers offer emergency services, especially during hurricane season. Working with licensed professionals like those at Hurricane Heroes ensures not only repair quality but also compliance with local building codes — especially in High Velocity Hurricane Zones like Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.
5. Use a Tarp if Safe
While waiting for help, if conditions are safe, apply a roof tarp over the suspected entry point. Secure it with sandbags or lumber, not nails, which could worsen the issue. This temporary cover can help prevent additional rainwater from entering the home before repairs begin. Improperly installed tarps can blow away in strong gusts or channel water into new areas. If you need help securing a tarp, many roofing contractors offer emergency response packages that include professional tarp installation.
6. Understand Common Leak Causes
Florida’s most common leak causes include cracked shingles, improperly sealed roof valleys, deteriorated flashing around vents or chimneys, aging underlayment, and ponding water on flat roofs. Homes in high-humidity or coastal areas like Miami, Boca Raton, or Delray Beach are particularly vulnerable. We frequently see corrosion on flashing and gutters in coastal areas like Pompano Beach, while tile slippage is common in homes with older underlayment. Each roofing type has its unique vulnerabilities, which is why material-specific knowledge matters.
7. Don’t Delay Repairs
Leaks that go unrepaired can cause severe mold issues, wood rot, damaged insulation, and even compromise the roof decking. Mold remediation is costly and often not covered by insurance if it results from neglect. Some of the most expensive damage we’ve seen began with a ‘harmless’ drip ignored for a week. Once the roof decking softens, repair costs rise exponentially — and interior ceilings may have to be removed and rebuilt.
8. Check Your Insurance Policy
Insurance typically covers roof leaks caused by sudden events such as storms, falling branches, or wind damage. However, damage due to age or wear and tear is often excluded. Always check your deductible before filing a claim. Many Florida policies have higher hurricane deductibles. That said, proper documentation and a licensed roofer’s report significantly increase your approval odds.
9. Get a Full Roof Inspection
After repairs, it’s smart to have a complete roof inspection done. A full inspection checks for additional weak points, aging materials, or code violations that could lead to future issues. A full roof inspection covers not just surface damage but also the integrity of underlayment, decking, and ventilation. In older homes across Wilton Manors and Lauderdale Lakes, replacing outdated roofing can significantly boost energy efficiency and home value.
10. Prevent Future Leaks
Prevention is the best long-term solution. Have your roof inspected at least once per year — ideally in spring, before the hurricane season. Clean your gutters regularly, check flashing for gaps or corrosion, and trim overhanging trees to reduce debris and limb damage. We recommend semi-annual roof inspections — spring and fall — for Florida homes. These inspections should include checking for sealant wear, cracked caulking, and loose or lifted shingles. Trimming tree limbs near the roof also reduces impact risks during storms.
11. Maintain Flat and Specialty Roofs
For flat roofs, ensure proper drainage with clean scuppers and internal drains. These roofs are more prone to pooling, which accelerates membrane breakdown and leak formation. Modified bitumen, TPO, or built-up roofing systems require periodic sealing and inspections. Adding tapered insulation to redirect water is one common solution. Property owners in commercial zones like Doral or Plantation often schedule seasonal maintenance to ensure uninterrupted drainage and prolong membrane life.
12. Inspect Underlayment in Tile and Metal Roofs
Tile and metal roofs, common in upscale areas, may have hidden issues beneath surface layers. Underlayment breakdown can go unnoticed until water intrusion occurs. Regular maintenance, especially in areas with salt air or high sun exposure, extends roof life and reduces leak risk. These systems require inspection underneath the visible roofing. In Boca Raton, where tile roofs dominate, hidden damage can accumulate for years. Metal roofing owners should also watch for corrosion at seams and fastener points.
13. Catch Early Signs of Leaks
Don’t wait until you see stains on the ceiling. Water damage can begin long before visible signs appear. Musty smells, blistering paint, or slightly discolored drywall may be early leak indicators. If you see bubbling in your ceiling paint, unusual spots on upper walls, or detect a musty smell, don’t wait for visible dripping. These are telltale signs that water is present behind drywall or insulation.
14. Post-Storm Inspections Matter
If your area recently experienced a tropical storm or hurricane, it’s wise to schedule a roof check even if you haven’t noticed a leak yet. Wind uplift, flying debris, and hail can loosen fasteners or cause minor breaches that worsen over time. If your roof is nearing the end of its service life or if you’ve experienced multiple leaks in one year, consider a proactive re-roofing consultation. This can help avoid continuous patchwork and recurring interior damage.
15. Work With Hurricane Heroes
Hurricane Heroes provides 24/7 emergency roofing services, full leak diagnostics, roof replacements, and proactive maintenance programs across South Florida. Whether you're in Broward, Palm Beach, or Miami-Dade County, our teams are trained to handle urgent repairs with code compliance and speed. Our 24/7 dispatch team serves neighborhoods from Pembroke Pines to Lake Worth. We carry materials onboard to provide same-day temporary solutions and fast-track permanent repairs as soon as conditions allow.
16. Call Now for Expert Help
Our roofing experts understand Florida’s climate and storm codes. We offer wind mitigation reports, permit assistance, and insurance support to make the repair process smoother. We prioritize your safety, home value, and long-term roofing performance with each repair we complete. Roof leaks don’t wait for convenience — and neither should your solution. Whether it’s a small residential drip or a full-blown emergency on a commercial flat roof, we’re equipped and ready to help. Call now and let flat roof contractors Florida our team secure your home, your family, and your future.