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Hurricane Isaias roof damage

Hurricane Isaias roof damage starts at the edges, ridges, hips and penetrations, where wind uplift is highest. Look for creased or missing shingles, slipped tiles, peeled metal panels or torn membrane, and for ceiling stains inside. Isaias came ashore near Destin with 105 mph sustained winds at landfall. Source: NPR Check from the ground and stay off the roof.

Isaias came ashore near Destin with 105 mph sustained winds at landfall. Source: NPR Roofs take the first hit, and the damage is not always visible from the street.

This is a guide to what it looks like and what to do from the ground. Do not climb a damaged roof.

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On the ground in the Florida Panhandle. Graphic is an illustration, not live radar.

What I offer in Florida is damage documentation for commercial property owners and expert opinions for attorneys. Homeowners can use these guides or call me to talk it through. I do not hold a Florida or Alabama contractor license and offer no repair work; repairs go to a Florida-licensed contractor you choose, and you can verify any Florida license at myfloridalicense.com.

Florida law states:

The consumer is responsible for payment of any insurance deductible. It is insurance fraud punishable as a felony of the third degree for a contractor to knowingly or willfully, and with intent to injure, defraud, or deceive, pay, waive, or rebate all or part of an insurance deductible applicable to payment to the contractor for repairs to a property covered by a property insurance policy. It is insurance fraud punishable as a felony of the third degree to intentionally file an insurance claim containing any false, incomplete, or misleading information.

Roofs in the reporting

How wind takes a roof apart

Wind damage starts at the edges, ridges, hips and penetrations, where uplift is highest. What it looks like depends on the roof system:

  • Asphalt shingles: creased or lifted tabs, broken seal strips, missing shingles, exposed nails, torn starter courses at the eaves.
  • Tile: cracked, slipped or missing tiles, displaced ridge and hip pieces, broken mortar or foam at the ridge.
  • Metal: peeled or lifted panels at the edges, loosened fasteners, bent trim and flashing.
  • Low-slope and flat: membrane tears, lifted edge metal, displaced rooftop equipment, ponding where there was none before.

Five things to do from the ground

  1. Photograph the whole building

    Shoot from several sides, then close in on anything you can see. Keep the date stamp on.

  2. Look at the ceilings

    From inside, if the building is safe to enter, look for stains, drips or daylight near the attic access.

  3. Leave debris where it fell

    Photograph it first. Move it only if it is safe.

  4. Watch for water

    If water is coming in, protect people and belongings. Temporary protection is something you arrange with your own licensed roofing contractor.

  5. Stay off the roof

    A tarp is a temporary cover, not a repair. Commercial owners can read about first-hour documentation.

When the cause is disputed

Some roof losses become disputes: was it wind, or age and wear? Storm, or something earlier? Those questions are decided on evidence: the pattern of damage across slopes, the direction of lifted edges, the condition of the components that did not fail, and records from before the storm. Where a contested loss turns on cause, an attorney may need a technical opinion; see expert witness and building damage.

Official resources

Resource links last checked October 16, 2026.

Questions, answered plainly

What does Hurricane Isaias roof damage look like?

Hurricane Isaias roof damage starts at the edges, ridges, hips and penetrations, where wind uplift is highest. Look for creased or missing shingles, slipped tiles, peeled metal panels or torn membrane, and for ceiling stains inside. Isaias came ashore near Destin with 105 mph sustained winds at landfall. Source: NPR Check from the ground and stay off the roof.

How do I know if my roof has wind damage?

Some damage is visible from the ground: missing shingles or tiles, debris, bent trim. Much is not. Creased shingles, lifted seals and displaced flashing often show up first as a ceiling stain, which is why a stain after a storm deserves attention.

Can you tell me what my policy covers?

I cannot say. Reading a policy is not my job. Take that question to your insurer, the Florida Department of Financial Services consumer helpline, or an attorney.

My roof is leaking now. What should I do?

Protect people and belongings first and stay clear of any sagging ceiling. Do not go on the roof. Your own licensed roofing contractor handles temporary protection.

What does hurricane wind damage look like on a roof?

It depends on the roof. Asphalt shingles show creased or lifted tabs, broken seal strips and exposed nails. Tile shows cracked, slipped or missing pieces. Metal shows peeled panels and loosened fasteners. Low-slope roofs show membrane tears, lifted edge metal and ponding where there was none before.

What should I photograph for roof damage after Hurricane Isaias?

Shoot the whole building from several sides with the date stamp on, then close in on anything you can see. Photograph debris where it fell before moving it. From inside, if the building is safe to enter, photograph ceiling stains or drips. Stay off the roof.

Safety first, always

Do not climb a damaged roof. Stay clear of downed power lines, standing water and unstable structures, and follow guidance from local officials and FEMA.

For commercial owners in Florida I document damage, and in disputes I give technical opinions. Coverage questions go to your insurer, the Florida Department of Financial Services consumer helpline, or an attorney. I am not an attorney.

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On the ground in the Florida Panhandle. Call 239-791-0646 or email contact@justennewton.com; calls and emails go to me directly.

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