Florida's hurricane season runs June through November. Don't wait until the storm is approaching to assess your roof.
Polk County sits squarely in central Florida — well within range of hurricane-force winds and tropical storm conditions. Every year, homeowners across the county deal with storm damage that could have been prevented or minimized with the right roofing.
Here's what actually works when it comes to hurricane-proofing your roof.
Step 1: Know What You're Working With
Before you can improve your roof's storm resistance, you need to know its current condition. An aging asphalt shingle roof with loose fasteners and worn sealants is a completely different situation than a 5-year-old standing seam metal roof.
Get a professional roof assessment — ideally before storm season begins. A qualified roofing contractor (like Wholesale Metal Roofing) can identify vulnerabilities and recommend specific repairs or upgrades.
Step 2: Address Existing Weaknesses
Common storm vulnerabilities include:
- Loose or missing fasteners on metal panels
- Damaged or improperly sealed flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights
- Lifting or curling shingles (especially near ridges and edges)
- Unsealed seams or gaps in metal roofing
- Weak or damaged roof deck underneath the roofing material
Step 3: Consider Upgrading to Metal Roofing
The most effective long-term storm protection is upgrading to a properly installed metal roofing system. Here's why:
Wind Resistance
Galvalume® metal panels are engineered to meet Florida's wind load requirements. When properly installed with the right fastening patterns and seam profiles, metal roofs perform dramatically better than shingles in high winds.
No Wind Uplift
Asphalt shingles are vulnerable to wind uplift — the suction force that can literally peel shingles off a roof. Metal panels, properly fastened, are far more resistant to this force.
Water Shedding
Metal roofs shed water much faster than shingles. In a hurricane where inches of rain can fall in hours, faster drainage means less chance of intrusion.
Impact Resistance
While no roof is totally immune to debris impact, metal is generally more resistant to puncture than asphalt shingles.
Step 4: If a Storm Hits — Act Quickly
If your Polk County home sustains roof damage in a storm:
- →Call a licensed roofing contractor before calling your insurance company (we can help document damage)
- →Get emergency tarping if needed to prevent further water intrusion
- →Don't delay — storm damage compounds quickly, especially in Florida's humidity
- →Take photos of the damage from the ground (don't climb on a damaged roof)
Free Roof Assessment Before Storm Season
Don't wait until a storm is coming. Schedule a FREE assessment with Wholesale Metal Roofing and know exactly where your roof stands before hurricane season arrives.
Schedule FREE Assessment →