It’s no secret that Florida experiences all kinds of weather. From hot, summer days to cold, winter nights, our roofs take a beating. Most people only think about their roof when there is a problem. However, it’s important to be proactive and have regular inspections to ensure your roof is in good condition. So how do you know when it’s time for a roof inspection? Here are 10 signs your roof needs an inspection in Florida.
1. Roof Curling and Buckling
The heat of the sun is the leading cause of roof curling and buckling. When this intense light reaches your property, it will cause shingles to bow outwards or upwards depending on their direction from horizontal to vertical surfaces. If your roofline appears to be curving, a professional roofer should inspect it.
2. Whistling Sounds:
Whistling winds in the home, strange noises like doors opening and closing without anyone touching them- these could all be signs that your roof is not stable!
3. Check your attic for leaks and damage after a storm
Inspect your roof decking with a flashlight after storms to make sure it’s in good shape. Wood usually darkens when wet, so look for cracks or other signs of water damage near ceiling voids such as vents and pipes; these are at high risk during heavy rainstorms because they’re close together underneath the shingle surface.
4. Check Your Chimney
If you see any traces of wood rot at the base or backside of your chimney, trim boards, siding, or peeling paint, it’s time for repairs! Under shingles and beneath these outside surfaces, flashings are installed. Most contractors will neglect to fix them, which can result in leaks. It should be inspected before further damage occurs.
5. Curb appeal visual inspection
Make sure your roofing material patterns are consistent throughout. Many loose, shifted, missing, or damaged shingles and metal panels can be viewed from street level. Color contrast such as darker and lighter spots indicate a shingle or two may be missing.
6. Hail storm damage
Hail may completely destroy a fresh new roof that was installed yesterday. The older the roof becomes, the more vulnerable it becomes. During a hail outbreak, hail the size of a pea poses minimal threat to your roof, but clear golf ball size and larger pose a problem.
Are your mailboxes, automobiles, siding, or gutters dented? If this is the case, the risk of the same hail event damaging your roof is high, necessitating an inspection.
7. Debris and Standing Water
If you see standing water, debris build-ups, or vegetation on the roof then you may be developing a problem that could turn into a larger issue.
Sitting moisture on an area for lengths of time is what creates the environment for rot. Once rot takes root in an area the contamination will grow causing more problems, damages, and expenses. Do your best on keeping debris cleared from your roof, especially on low sloping and roof valley areas.
8. Sagging and deformed
If your roof has a visible sag and is deformed then it’s just a matter of time before it finishes its journey down.
9. Shingle granules everywhere
If you see shingle granules (small rigid grains) in your gutters, gutter downspouts, sidewalks, and driveway then chances are you have an old and brittle roof up there. As a shingle roof increases in age, it becomes brittle and susceptible to grain loss and lowers the integrity of your roof.
10. Your Roof is 20 years Old
As your roof gets older it becomes more vulnerable to damage. It only makes sense to routinely inspect an older roof so a small problem doesn’t turn into a big one.
Florida is known for its severe weather, and your roof is the first line of defense against hail, high winds, and heavy rain. Don’t wait until your roof starts leaking to call a professional roof inspector! If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an appointment. A professional roof inspector will be able to identify any potential problems and recommend the best course of action to keep your family safe and dry. So don’t wait – call a roof inspector today!
