Quick answer
Check your roof from the ground and from inside the house, not by climbing on it. Look for missing or lifted shingles, cracked or shifted tiles, bent flashing, granules in the gutters, and new stains on ceilings or in the attic. Take dated photos of everything before you clean up, then have a roofing Hero inspect the roof surface itself.
Why 2024 still matters in St. Petersburg
The city took two hurricanes back to back. Hurricane Helene pushed the water at St. Petersburg's Tampa Bay tide gauge to a record level, and Hurricane Milton followed with a reported 20.40 inches of rain at one site near the city and winds strong enough to tear the fabric roof off Tropicana Field. Both are described in the National Hurricane Center storm reports: Helene and Milton.
Damage that was small after those storms, such as a nail that backed out or a cracked tile, can let water in slowly for months. Every new storm season is a good time to recheck.
Step 1: Check from the ground
Walk all the way around the house in daylight. Use binoculars or your phone camera's zoom. Look for:
- Shingles that are missing, creased, or lifted at the edges, and ridge caps that have slid out of line.
- Tiles that are cracked, broken, or shifted, especially near the edges and ridges.
- Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights that is bent, loose, or pulled away.
- Granules collected at downspout outlets. Heavy loss shows the shingle surface is wearing off.
- Dents in gutters, vents, and the air conditioner's outdoor unit, which point to hail or flying debris.
- Branches resting on the roof or limbs hanging over it.
Step 2: Check inside
Go into the attic on a dry day with a flashlight. Look for daylight through the roof deck, damp or darkened wood, wet insulation, and a musty smell. Inside the house, look for new ceiling stains, peeling paint near the top of walls, and drips around light fixtures.
A stain that grows after each rain means water is still getting in. If you are not sure whether a stain is new, trace its edge lightly with a pencil, write the date beside it, and check again after the next heavy rain.
Step 3: Document before anything moves
Insurance companies often ask for proof of the date and extent of damage. Take wide photos of each side of the house and close-ups of each problem. Photograph inside stains with a ruler or coin for scale. Keep receipts for any tarp, bucket, or emergency cleanup. Write down the date of the storm and the date you found the damage. Ask your insurance agent which documents they need, because requirements differ by policy.
Step 4: Know when to stop and call
Stay off the roof. Wet shingles and tile are slippery, and storm damage can weaken the deck underneath. Call 911 first if a tree has hit the house, if you see sagging in the ceiling, or if water is near electrical fixtures. For active leaks, a temporary tarp can limit damage until a repair is done.
What a roofing Hero checks
A Hero inspects the roof surface, flashing, roof-to-wall edges, vents, and drains, then explains what is storm damage and what is normal wear. That distinction matters for insurance and for deciding between a repair and a larger job.
Ask your Hero whether your job needs a permit and who will pull it. Pinellas County keeps a list of building departments in the county that shows which office handles a St. Petersburg address.
How HALOFIX handles a roof booking
You book once. HALOFIX assigns one credential-reviewed roofing Hero, and you can see the Hero's profile, including available credential status, before arrival. The Hero inspects first, gives an estimate range, and sets the final price after inspection. If the scope changes during the job, the Hero needs your written approval before going further. The booking hold is shown before you confirm. Dispatch depends on Hero coverage and availability.
Plan ahead for next season
Clear gutters before the summer rainy season, trim branches over the roof, and keep your roof records (installation date, permit, past repairs) in one place. Pinellas County notes that everyone in the county lives in a flood zone and that flood zones and evacuation zones are different, so check both for your address: Pinellas flood maps and find your evacuation zone.
FAQ
- Can I check my roof for storm damage without climbing on it? Yes. Use binoculars or a phone zoom from the ground, then check the attic and ceilings from inside. Leave the roof surface to a Hero.
- What should I photograph for an insurance claim? Each side of the house, close-ups of missing or damaged shingles or tiles, gutters, inside stains, and any temporary repair, with dates. Ask your agent what else they need.
- Who handles roofing permits for a St. Petersburg home? Your Hero can tell you whether the job needs one and which building department to use. The county's list of building departments is linked above.
Book a roofing Hero
Ready for a professional look at your roof? See roofing in St. Petersburg or start your booking.
