TAMPA, FL – September 10, 2026 – Affordable Roofing Systems, a Tampa storm damage restoration contractor, is walking Tampa Bay homeowners through the first steps that matter after wind, rain, or debris damages a roof during hurricane season. The company is using the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season to explain what homeowners should photograph, when temporary roof covering may be needed, and which insurance and permitting deadlines can affect storm-related roof repairs.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is September 10, with most Atlantic tropical cyclone activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October. For Tampa Bay homeowners, that part of the season often brings a higher risk of wind-driven rain, falling branches, lifted roofing materials, damaged flashing, and roof leaks that may not appear inside the home right away.
The first step after visible roof damage is documentation. The Florida Department of Financial Services advises policyholders to take pictures of storm damage, keep receipts for materials purchased for emergency repairs, and make temporary repairs to prevent further damage when it is safe to do so. That guidance matters because homeowners may need to document the damage first, then take reasonable temporary steps to limit additional water intrusion when it is safe to do so.
“People sometimes think they should leave the roof exactly the way the storm left it until somebody official shows up,” said David Torres, President and CEO of Affordable Roofing Systems. “The safer approach is to document the damage first, then take reasonable steps to keep more water out when it can be done safely. Every hour an opening stays exposed, water can move into places homeowners can’t see: down the truss, into the insulation, and into the drywall.”
Florida law also places a time limit on property insurance claims. Under Florida Statute 627.70132, notice of a claim or reopened claim is barred unless it is given to the insurer within one year after the date of loss. A supplemental claim is barred unless notice is given within 18 months after the date of loss. For hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, severe rain, or other weather-related events, the statute says the date of loss is the date the hurricane made landfall or the date the event is verified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
That timeline can become important when a homeowner notices damage after the storm has passed. A ceiling stain may be new to the homeowner, but the date tied to a hurricane or verified weather event may be earlier. Affordable Roofing Systems says storm-related roof documentation can include photos of missing shingles, lifted roofing materials, damaged flashing, fallen debris, damaged gutters, attic moisture when safely visible, interior staining, and any temporary covering placed over the damaged area.
Permitting is another step homeowners may misunderstand after a storm. In unincorporated Hillsborough County, non-structural roof repair or replacement on a single-family residence may be exempt from a permit when the work is valued under $7,500 and the property is not located in a flood hazard area. However, that exemption does not apply to every roof repair. After a disaster declaration, emergency permitting may allow a permit application to be postponed for up to 30 working days. That is a postponement, not a waiver of code requirements.
What a repair triggers under the building code can also surprise homeowners. Florida Statute 553.844 addresses windstorm loss mitigation and roof protection for existing site-built single-family homes. The statute includes hurricane-mitigation requirements, including secondary water barriers. It also explains that, for certain roof sections built, repaired, or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or a later edition, repairs affecting 25% or more of that section may require the repaired portion to meet the current code.
“That one rule decides whether you’re patching or re-roofing, and it’s worth knowing before anybody quotes you,” Torres said. “We’d rather explain it in the driveway than have a homeowner find out from an inspector.”
When the federal government activates Operation Blue Roof after a declared disaster, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers installs temporary fiber-reinforced sheeting on eligible homes. Eligibility is narrower than many homeowners assume. USACE states that the home must be a primary residence, the applicant must sign a Right of Entry form, and the residence must have no more than 50% of the roof framing damaged.
Storm season also brings crews that follow damage rather than live near it. The Florida Department of Financial Services advises homeowners to verify a contractor’s license with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or by calling (850) 487-1395. The department also advises homeowners to be wary of anyone who claims the insurance company sent them without written proof.
Under Florida’s price-gouging statute, section 501.160, it is unlawful during a declared state of emergency to sell essential commodities at an unconscionable price. The statute defines commodities broadly and includes goods, services, materials, supplies, equipment, and lumber needed as a direct result of the emergency.
“We were here before the storm and we’ll be here after the warranty runs out,” Torres said. “Ask whoever knocks on your door where their office is. Then look it up.”
Affordable Roofing Systems provides storm damage roof evaluations, roof repair, roof replacement, emergency tarping, leak detection, and photo documentation for residential and commercial roofing systems across the Tampa Bay area. The company is based at 9511 N Trask St Ste A, Tampa, FL 33624.
Tampa Bay homeowners can learn more about storm damage restoration from Affordable Roofing Systems or call (813) 542-8462.
About Affordable Roofing Systems, Inc.
Affordable Roofing Systems, Inc. is a family-owned residential and commercial roofing contractor based in Tampa, Florida, serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and Hernando counties. The company installs, replaces, repairs, and inspects shingle, tile, metal, and flat roofing systems, and provides storm damage restoration services including emergency tarping, leak detection, roof repair recommendations, and insurance documentation support. Affordable Roofing Systems is a GAF Master Elite contractor, GAF President’s Club award recipient, Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, and BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Affordable Roofing Systems is licensed in Florida as a Certified Roofing Contractor under license CCC1326722.
Media Contact
Company Name: Affordable Roofing Systems, Inc.
Contact Person: David Torres
Email: Send Email
Phone: (813) 542-8462
Address:9511 N Trask St A
City: Tampa
State: FL 33624
Country: United States
Website: https://www.affordableroofingflorida.com/
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To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Affordable Roofing Systems Reinforces Storm Damage Response Services During Peak Hurricane Activity
