Even the most well-constructed roofing system needs ongoing care to perform well year after year. Whether you have a tile, asphalt shingle, or metal roof, time and the elements can take their toll, causing deterioration of the roof components. As such, your roof requires a routine professional roof inspection in Florida.

How often your home needs a roof inspection depends on various factors, including roofing materials, age of the roof, current condition, and the climate. While roofing contractors in Florida often recommend a professional roof inspection at least every two years, something unexpected, such as a severe weather event, may warrant an assessment of the condition of your roof.

Factors That Determine How Often You Should Have Your Roof Inspected

The recommended frequency of roof inspections varies from home to home. Some of the factors that determine how often you need a roof inspection include:

Climate

Florida’s climate is typically humid and subtropical. As such, conditions such as high precipitation, humidity, high temperatures, and salty air affect your entire roofing system. High moisture levels can cause wood rot or accelerated mold growth, weakening your roof’s structure.

Age of the Roof

As your roof gets older, you may need to have it inspected at shorter intervals. For instance, a roof that is ten years old may need an annual inspection. A twenty-year-old roof may require an assessment every six months or during the fall and spring.

Tree Coverage

Tall trees can create potential problems for your roof. Branches, leaves, and debris can accumulate in areas where drainage is vital. In addition, a roof under constant shade can incur mold growth at a faster rate due to increased moisture.

DIY Roof Inspections

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends checking your roof during the fall and spring to identify potential problems. What should you inspect?

Shingles that are curling, blistering, or buckling
Loose materials around pipes and chimneys
Excessive shingle granules in the gutter
Penetrations from flying debris
Soft spots across the roof surface

While it is good to check the roof every fall and spring, you should also inspect the roofing system after a severe storm or hurricane. Extreme weather conditions can compromise the roof’s integrity, putting your home at risk.

What Does a Professional Roof Inspection Include?

What a roofing professional will look for during an inspection varies depending on the roofing materials on your house.

Shingle Roof

If you have a shingle roof, here are a few items that a roofing professional will look for during an inspection:

Signs of water damage – Water damage can occur due to poor water drainage, improperly installed or damaged flashing, and storms that blow shingles off, leaving room for water to seep in.
Mold – Mold growing around the chimney or attic insulation is a sign of extended water damage. A roofing professional will highlight these areas and look for signs of structural damage—mainly to the wood framework.
Shingle deterioration – Deterioration can occur as a result of loose or missing shingles and rotting or algal growth on the shingles.
Clogged gutters – If your gutters contain an excessive amount of loose shingle granules, this is a sign that your shingles are worn. Granules give your shingles added weight and protect them from ultraviolet rays.

Metal Roof

When inspecting your metal roof, identifying any leaks and their causes is also a top priority. Here are a few areas that roofing professionals will pay special attention to during an inspection:

Loose seams – Metal roofs expand and contract depending on the weather. This can cause screws to loosen and seams to separate. If you do not address the problem immediately, condensation can damage the roof’s underlying structure, causing water buildup.
Damaged flashing – Flashing that has begun to pull apart and has created a gap can allow water to seep underneath your metal roof. It can also lead to corrosion on the underside of the panels.
Rust – Rust will eat away at your metal roof, creating large holes that will allow water to leak into your home or, worse, cause roofing panels to fall apart.

Hiring a Professional Roofer

A DIY roofing inspection may help you identify small problems with your roof. However, if you need an in-depth assessment, you may want to schedule a roof inspection with a professional. A licensed roofing contractor can identify problems that often go unnoticed while providing a comprehensive inspection where they look for the following:

The overall condition of the roofing material (shingles or metal roof)
Loose or missing roofing components
Loose, rusted or damaged flashing
Sagging areas in the ridges or decking
Cracks in the chimney or a broken chimney cap
Problems with gutters or downspouts
Rotting along the fascia board
Inadequate ventilation

In addition, a roofing contractor may look for roof damage that occurred due to severe weather. They may recommend a repair or replacement of certain roof components. Regular inspections every two years ensure that your roof stays in good shape.

Why You Should Schedule a Roof Inspection

There are several practical reasons to schedule a professional roof inspection in Florida. First, your roof may incur damage after a hurricane or severe weather that is common during hurricane season. Second, a roof inspection may reveal potential warranty issues. If you ignore these issues, you could void the warranty and lose coverage.

Third, a roof inspection could prevent your insurer from canceling your policy or raising your insurance rates due to neglect or roof age. Last, inspecting and maintaining your roof can keep your property values from plummeting. You owe it to your family and yourself to ensure that your roof is in exceptional condition to protect your household when you need it most.

Schedule a Roof Inspection in Florida

Quality Roofing offers comprehensive roof inspections for homeowners in Florida. To learn more about our roofing solutions, call (850) 753-0041 or fill out the quick form on our contact page.

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