From the roof: news, advice & recent projects.

When most homeowners think about protecting their home from hurricanes, they focus on impact windows, shutters, or a new roof. While those are all important, one of the most critical components of your home's structural defense is something most people never see: hurricane clips.

What are hurricane clips?

Hurricane clips are heavy-duty metal connectors that secure your roof structure directly to your home's walls. Their primary purpose is to help keep your roof attached to your house during high winds.

Without these connectors, hurricane-force winds can create tremendous uplift pressure, potentially lifting the roof off the home. Hurricane clips significantly increase the home's ability to withstand these forces.

Why are hurricane clips so important?

Florida experiences some of the strongest wind events in the country. During a hurricane, winds don't just push against your home — they also pull upward on your roof. A properly installed roof with hurricane clips provides several important benefits:

• Increased protection against roof uplift
• Better structural integrity during severe storms
• Reduced risk of catastrophic roof failure
• Improved safety for your family
• Potential discounts on homeowners insurance through wind mitigation inspections

Older homes may not have them

Many homes built before modern building codes were adopted either have no hurricane clips or have outdated connectors that don't meet today's standards. If your home was built decades ago, it's worth having a professional inspection to determine whether hurricane clips are present — and whether upgrades are possible during a reroofing project.

Hurricane clips during roof replacement

One of the best opportunities to inspect or upgrade hurricane clips is during a roof replacement. Once the existing roofing materials are removed, we can access the roof-to-wall connection and determine if additional reinforcement is needed. Installing or upgrading hurricane clips during a reroof can provide long-term protection and may help your home better withstand future storms.

Insurance benefits

Many Florida homeowners qualify for insurance savings through a Wind Mitigation Inspection. One of the major items inspectors evaluate is the roof-to-wall connection. Homes with properly installed hurricane clips or straps often receive credits that can help lower annual insurance premiums.

Protect your biggest investment

Hurricane clips may be hidden behind the walls and roof decking, but they play one of the biggest roles in protecting your property during severe storms. We've been helping Florida homeowners protect their homes since 1989 — if you're planning a roof replacement or want to know whether your home has adequate hurricane protection, we're here to help.

When El Niño arrives, Florida homeowners often experience increased rainfall, stronger storms, and prolonged periods of wet weather. While many people prepare by stocking up on supplies, one of the most important parts of your home deserves attention before the storms begin — your roof.

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. A small roofing issue today can quickly turn into a costly repair after weeks of heavy rain. Here are the steps every homeowner should take to prepare for an active El Niño season.

1. Schedule a professional roof inspection

Many roofing problems aren't visible from the ground. Missing shingles, damaged flashing, cracked sealant, or soft spots can allow water to enter your home during heavy rain. A professional inspection can identify:

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Loose flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents
• Signs of leaks or water intrusion
• Aging materials nearing the end of their lifespan
• Storm damage that may qualify for insurance coverage

Finding these issues early can save thousands of dollars in future repairs.

2. Clean your gutters and downspouts

Gutters play a critical role in directing rainwater away from your roof and foundation. When gutters become clogged with leaves and debris, water backs up onto the roof, increasing the risk of roof leaks, fascia damage, mold growth, and foundation issues. Cleaning your gutters before the rainy season helps water flow exactly where it should.

3. Trim trees around your home

Overhanging branches become dangerous during storms. Strong winds and saturated soil can cause limbs to break and fall onto your roof. Even branches that don't break can scrape shingles and wear away their protective granules. Trim branches back several feet from your roof to reduce storm damage risks.

4. Check your attic

Your attic often provides the first warning signs of a roofing problem. Look for:

• Water stains
• Mold or mildew
• Damp insulation
• Daylight coming through the roof boards

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to schedule a professional roofing inspection before the next major storm arrives.

5. Replace missing or damaged shingles

One missing shingle may not seem like a big problem — but during heavy rains, it can allow water to penetrate the roofing system. Replacing damaged shingles before El Niño weather arrives helps maintain the integrity of your roof and prevents leaks from spreading.

6. Inspect flashing and roof penetrations

Areas around chimneys, plumbing vents, skylights, and roof valleys are common leak locations. Damaged flashing allows water to seep underneath roofing materials, causing hidden damage that often goes unnoticed until it's extensive. Routine maintenance can prevent these vulnerable areas from becoming costly repairs.

7. Review your homeowner's insurance policy

Before storm season begins, review your insurance coverage and document your roof's current condition with photos. Knowing what's covered before damage occurs can make the claims process much easier if severe weather impacts your home.

Why preparation matters

Heavy rain doesn't create roofing problems — it exposes the ones that already exist. A roof that appears fine during dry weather may leak once it's subjected to days of continuous rain. Addressing small issues now is far less expensive than dealing with emergency repairs later.

When it comes to protecting multi-family properties along Florida's Gulf Coast, having a strong and properly built roof is critical — especially on waterfront properties exposed to intense sun, heavy rain, tropical storms, and salt air. That's why another major roofing project is now underway by Spangler Roofing on beautiful Treasure Island.

Our crew is completing a full flat roof lift kit installation along with all-new plywood decking on an apartment building that needed serious structural roof upgrades. During projects like this, it's common to uncover aging or weakened wood beneath older roofing systems. Instead of cutting corners, we believe in doing the job the right way from the start — ensuring the roof structure underneath is just as strong as the new roofing system going on top.

Why flat roof lift kits matter

Flat roofing systems are common on apartment buildings and commercial properties throughout the Tampa Bay area, but over time drainage issues can develop. Standing water, moisture intrusion, and soft decking can eventually lead to major structural damage if ignored.

By installing a roof lift kit, we help improve drainage and roof performance while preparing the structure for long-term durability. Combined with brand-new plywood decking, this gives the property owner a stronger, safer, and more reliable roofing system built to handle Florida weather conditions.

Full roof deck replacement for long-term protection

One of the most important parts of this Treasure Island project is the complete plywood replacement across the roof deck. Old or deteriorated plywood can compromise the entire roofing system, even if the shingles or membrane appear fine from the outside. Replacing damaged decking helps:

• Strengthen the structural integrity of the building
• Prevent future leaks and water intrusion
• Improve overall roof lifespan
• Create a solid foundation for the new roofing system
• Protect tenants and property investments

We never believe in covering up hidden issues. We take pride in providing honest roofing solutions that are built to last.

Trusted roofing across Treasure Island & Tampa Bay

For decades, Spangler Roofing has been helping homeowners, apartment owners, and commercial property managers throughout the Tampa Bay area with dependable roofing services. From roof repairs and flat roofing systems to full roof replacements and storm damage restoration, our experienced team is committed to quality workmanship and professional service.

When it comes to protecting your home, your roof is only as strong as the structure underneath it. Recently, our team completed a full roof replacement project in St. Petersburg where hidden damage was uncovered after the old shingles were removed.

At first glance, the roof looked like a standard re-roofing job. But once the shingles came off, our crew discovered that the wood decking underneath had become soft and spongy from long-term moisture exposure. Unfortunately, this is a common issue many homeowners never see until a roof replacement begins.

Hidden roof damage can lead to bigger problems

Soft or rotted roof decking can compromise the entire roofing system. If damaged wood is left in place, it can lead to:

• Roof sagging
• Water leaks
• Mold and mildew growth
• Reduced shingle lifespan
• Structural concerns over time

That's why our team took the extra step to replace the damaged wood across the entire roof before installing the new shingles. Doing the job the right way from the start helps ensure the new roof will last for years to come.

Fast, professional roofing service

Even with the unexpected wood replacement, our crew completed the entire project in just a day and a half. That kind of efficiency comes from decades of roofing experience, skilled craftsmanship, and a hardworking team that knows how to get the job done right without cutting corners.

As a family-owned and operated roofing company serving the Tampa Bay area since 1989, Spangler Roofing continues to build its reputation on quality work, honesty, and customer satisfaction.

Need a roof inspection or roof replacement?

If your roof is over 15 years old, showing signs of leaks, missing shingles, or storm damage, it may be time to schedule a professional inspection.