Florida sits within a subtropical climate region. As consequence, our roofing systems experience greater wear and tear than other regions of the country. Issues that seem minor at first, can and will lead to problems in the future. From failing shingles, to leaks, or even mold / rot- small problems left unaddressed will quickly get out of control due to Florida’s damp and stormy climate.
The only way to know if your roof is functioning properly is to inspect it. If you think you’re capable, you can perform the inspection by yourself. However, an expert would do a much more thorough job — and will give you greater peace of mind.
Debris and Visible Damage
Although it seems like an obvious thing to look for, it can be easy to overlook debris and damage marks. The inspector will likely begin by checking for rust stains, broken shingles, cracked caulk, etc. While these are sometimes simply aesthetic issues, they could lead to roof decay.
Additionally, the inspector will also search for standing water, structural deformations, as well as blocked gutters. Even though you might not think that standing water is a big deal, it could damage your roof beyond repair. Thus, checking all the nooks and crannies for pools of water is incredibly important to ensure no further damage.
Chimneys, Vents, and Skylights
The climate in Jacksonville can cause a crack in your skylight, vent, and chimney and damage the integrity of your roof. These exterior components are the most common culprits of leaky roofs and must be checked during a roof inspection. Usually, the issue is caused by one of the 2 things — a leak or a structural issue with the roof’s underlayer.
If your inspector finds a leak, you should have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to the roof’s underlayer. Unfortunately, when there’s an issue with the underlying components of your roof — the repairs will be expensive. Thus, you should have regular inspections to ensure the components are intact and you don’t have to re-roof your home.
The Roof’s Interior
More often than not, even a professional inspector can’t find the source of a leak without looking at the roof’s interior first. This is especially true if the leak is located in the slope of the roof and travels through it. Moreover, the source of a leak won’t be apparent from the outside, but the water will flow through the slope before gathering and leaking through to the interior.
Final Thoughts
Once the inspector is done looking at your roof, they will advise you on the best course of action. Depending on its state, they’ll tell you if you need to fix, completely re-roof your home, or if you’ve passed with flying colors.
Even if worse comes to worst and the entire roof needs replacing, it will help you save more money by making your home more energy-efficient. However, if you perform your roof inspection every 6 months and are in the hands of a skilled expert, you’ll have nothing to worry about. Thus, if you’re looking for a roofing professional in Florida — you can call us and schedule a checkup. Contact us today for Florida’s preeminent roofing experience. Proudly serving Jacksonville, Gainesville, Daytona Beach, and all surrounding areas.