Florida Hurricane Home Inspection: Storm Readiness Checklist

What a Florida inspector checks on a home before storm season: roof, openings, attic, drainage, trees and more. Use this checklist before the next storm.

9/29/20262 min read

white concrete building during daytime
white concrete building during daytime

Start at the top: the roof

  • Shingles or tile that are cracked, lifted, missing or heavily worn

  • Flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights that has pulled away

  • Exposed nail heads or sealant that is dry and cracking

  • Roof edges and ridge caps that look loose

  • Sagging or ponding that suggests water is not draining

Roof age matters as much as condition. A roof that looks acceptable but is near the end of its expected life can still fail in strong wind.

Openings: windows, doors and garage doors

Wind and water get in through openings. Check that windows close and lock tightly, that weatherstripping is intact, and that caulk around frames is not cracked. Garage doors are large and often the weakest opening; look for rated bracing or a rating label, and for dents or damaged tracks.

Attic and roof-to-wall connections

In the attic, an inspector looks for daylight, stains or damp insulation under the roof deck, and evidence of past leaks. A wind mitigation inspection documents features such as roof shape, roof deck attachment and roof-to-wall connections. Florida insurers may offer a premium discount based on that report, so it is worth asking your agent what applies to your policy. Our sister agency Quality RE Insurance can review how your home's features affect coverage.

Outside the house: water, trees and loose items

  • Gutters and downspouts clear, with water directed away from the foundation

  • Grading that slopes away from the house

  • Large tree limbs over the roof, and dead or leaning trees

  • Fences, sheds, patio furniture and bins that could become projectiles

Inside: electrical, plumbing and moisture

After a storm, power and water problems can follow. Ask an inspector to check the electrical panel and any visible wiring, and to look for existing moisture signs under sinks, around water heaters and on ceilings. Small leaks that go unrepaired often turn into the damage insurers argue about later.

Document the home now

Take dated photos and video of every room, the roof from the ground, and the exterior, and keep copies off the property. Photos taken before a storm make a claim easier to support.

When to book a professional inspection

Schedule one if you are buying, if the roof is older than about fifteen years, if you have had leaks, or if your insurer is asking for a report. Quality Real Estate Inspections provides home inspections, wind mitigation and 4-point inspections across Central Florida. If you are buying in the area, see homes in Orlando and nearby communities.

Call or text 321-222-3116 to ask about availability.

This checklist is general information and does not replace a licensed inspection of your specific property.

Inspection Services:

Pre Purchase Inspections (For Buyers Commercial And Residential )

Wind Mitigation Inspection (For Insurance )

4 Points Inspections (For Insurance )

Roof Condition Certification (For Insurance )

Building Plan with dimensions

Pre Drywall Inspection ( New Construction Commercial And Residential )

Pre Listing Inspection ( For Seller Commercial And Residential )

Pool Inspection

Sewer Scope Inspection

Lead Paint Inspection

Mold Inspection

WDO - We Schedule with our sister company

Contact

321-222-3116

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Address: 336 Wilshire BLVD Suite 274-229 Casselberry FL 32707

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