Can debris on the roof cause damage after a storm?

Yes. Pine needles, small branches, and leaves can trap moisture, clog drainage, and lead to roof leaks or mold growth if not cleared quickly.

How soon should I remove debris from my roof after a storm?

Ideally, debris should be cleared within 24–48 hours after a storm to prevent water damage and blocked gutters. Contact a roofing professional if you're unsure about roof safety.

Can I clean roof debris myself?

While light debris may be cleared from the ground or with a blower, climbing on your roof can be dangerous and may void your roofing warranty. It's safest to hire a professional.

What signs of storm debris damage should I look for?

Look for clogged gutters, granule loss on shingles, dents in metal roofing, or water stains inside your home. These can all indicate damage caused by debris.

How can I prevent debris buildup on my roof?

Trim overhanging branches, clean your gutters regularly, and schedule pre- and post-storm roof inspections. These steps reduce the risk of debris-related damage.

How to Handle Storm Debris on Your Roof?

JoeTriangleRoofing
Oct 16
3 min read

Updated: Oct 20

In Florida, storm season means more than just wind and rain—it means debris. Pine needles, palm fronds, leaves, and broken branches often pile up on rooftops after a tropical storm or hurricane. While it might not seem serious at first glance, even small debris can lead to big roofing problems if ignored.

Why Storm Debris is a Problem

After a storm, your roof may look fine from the groundnbut debris can quietly damage it in ways you don’t expect:

Pine needles and leaves trap moisture, which leads to mold, mildew, and premature shingle wear. The east coast of Florida, especially in Ormond Beach, has a lot of pine trees. Although beautiful, they can cause big trouble for your roof if their needles pile up. A roof leak due to wet, worn shingles is something nobody wants!
Small branches can dislodge shingles or dent metal roofing. Keep an eye on metal roof panel fasteners as well to ensure nothing is loose.
Clogged gutters and downspouts cause water to back up and pool, especially on low-slope or flat roofs which require your extra attention after a storm. Gutters will keep water away from your roof.
Flashing and vents can be knocked loose by windblown debris, leading to slow leaks over time. Water can get underneath and affect your roof underlayment if it wasn't properly installed.

Neglecting these issues allows moisture to seep beneath your roofing system—and in Florida’s humid climate, that can spiral into expensive repairs.

Signs a Storm Has Damaged Your Roof

You don’t always need to get on the roof to know there’s a problem. After a storm, visually inspect from the ground and check for:

Water stains on ceilings or walls are a clear sign of water coming in
A sagging or soft ceiling which can be a dangerous situation
Debris buildup in gutters or near the roofline
Missing granules on shingles (check your downspouts)
Dents in metal panels or lifted flashing
Pooling water on flat roof sections, if not properly installed for drainage.

If you notice any of the above, it's time to call a roofing professional like our father and son team.

A Roof Inspection Helps Find Leaks

At Triangle Roofing, Inc., we specialize in roof inspections across Volusia, Flagler, and St. Johns counties. Here’s what we do:

Thorough roof inspections to check for hidden storm debris damage
Safe debris removal during an inspection to prevent further issues
Emergency repairs, including patching or sealing vulnerable areas, such as flashing around stacks or vents.

Our crew knows Florida’s weather and we know where to look for possible leaks in your roof.

Never try to walk on a roof after a storm (or any time for that matter). It's unsafe and can void your roof shingle warranty. Let licensed roofing professionals handle it. Our father and son team has been walking roofs for decades!

How to Prevent Future Roof Damage

You can reduce debris-related roof issues with a few simple steps:

Trim back overhanging tree limbs. Nothing should come in contact with your roof. Trimmed trees are less likely to be knocked over by the wind.
Clean gutters and downspouts regularly. If you can't get up on a ladder it is worth paying a handyman to keep them clean. Water must be able to drain away from your roof!
Walk around your property and view the roof from ground level. You'd be surprised what you can see. Lifted shingles will be easy to spot.
Choose impact-resistant shingles or durable metal roofing for better storm resilience

Serving Neighbors with Storm-Ready Roofing

Triangle Roofing, Inc. is proud to serve homeowners and commercial businesses in Volusia County, Flagler County and St. Johns County, Florida. Our father and son team has over 30 years of experience.

Don’t let storm debris damage your biggest investment. A little maintenance can put off the cost of a roof replacement. Call Joe today at (386) 673-6600 for a fast, friendly roof check-up! Our local roofing company is serving your neighbors every day!