Inspecting Your Roof After High Winds in Orlando

After high winds in Orlando, start your roof check within 48 hours and look for missing shingles, lifted flashing, and attic moisture before the next storm hits. Most damage shows up in these three spots on homes across College Park, Baldwin Park, and Mills 50.

How Soon Should You Inspect After High Winds?

Get on the ladder or call for help inside two days. High winds in our humid subtropical climate often pull up edges that then sit through daily thunderstorms and let water in fast. I have seen a small lifted shingle turn into a soaked attic ceiling in Baldwin Park after just one week of rain. Walk the yard first and note any granules or pieces on the ground. Then check the attic with a flashlight for dark spots on the sheathing. Orange County does not require a permit for simple inspections, but document everything with photos if you plan to file insurance. Skip the big-box sealant on any lifted edges for now. It traps moisture and makes later repairs harder. Focus on finding the actual damage first.

What Signs of Damage to Look For?

Start at the ridges and work down. Missing shingles show up as bare spots, especially on the south and west slopes that take the brunt of summer storms. Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for gaps or bends. In older College Park homes the original flashing is often thin metal that bends easy. Look for cracked caulk lines and nails that have backed out. Inside the attic, shine a light along the underside of the decking for water stains or mold starting to form. Pay extra attention near the eaves where wind can drive rain sideways. If you spot daylight through the decking or soft spots when you press on the sheathing, stop and make the call. These signs usually mean the underlayment took a hit too.

What It Costs to Fix Wind Damage in Orlando

Small fixes run $400–$900 for a few missing shingles and re-sealed flashing on a single-story home. Full wind-damage sections that need new underlayment and 10–20 squares of shingles land in the $2,200–$4,800 range. Insurance often covers it once you hit the deductible, but get the inspection report done first. Prices climb if the roof is 15-plus years old and the carrier wants matching shingles that are no longer made. Add $150–$300 for an emergency tarping if another storm is forecast within 48 hours. These numbers come from jobs I have done in Ivanhoe Village and Thornton Park this past season.

When to DIY and When to Call a Pro

You can safely walk the ground and attic, take photos, and clear small debris yourself. Anything above one story, near power lines, or involving a steep pitch is off-limits for DIY. If you find more than five missing shingles or any water inside the attic, stop and schedule a pro inspection. Local codes require proper underlayment and flashing details that most homeowners do not have on hand. We offer wind damage roof repair and roof inspection for exactly these situations. The line is simple: if the fix needs a permit or ladder work above 8 feet, bring in someone who does it daily.

How Orlando Weather Makes Wind Damage Worse

Our frequent afternoon thunderstorms keep roofs wet for days after a wind event, so even small openings start leaking fast. Humidity here also speeds up mold growth in the attic once moisture gets in. Homes in areas like Winter Park with mature trees see extra limb strikes that tear shingles during the same storm. Check the how Florida humidity affects roof ventilation post for more on airflow after storms. If you find hidden moisture, read detecting hidden roof leaks in Orlando attics next. Call 24/7 at 1271 La Quinta Dr if you need someone out same day.