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What You Need to Know About Roof Inspections in Central Florida

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Whether you own a business or a home here in the greater Orlando Florida area, you’ll want to get familiar with the ins and outs of roof inspection. From yearly check-ups to insurance claims to putting your property on the market, there are many instances when a roof inspection will be recommended or necessary.

Here at AGU Roofing & Solar, we know that property owners have questions about when roof inspections are necessary, special considerations for Florida, and how you can prepare for a visit from our inspection team. So, here’s what the pros want you to know!

Regularly scheduled roof inspections are always recommended

Before we get into some special circumstances in which you’ll want to arrange for a roof inspection, it’s important to know that inspections are a key part of your overall property maintenance plan. And here’s why:

They can help you find small signs of damage early. Minor damage to your roof can be hard to spot from ground level. But even something as small as a single missing shingle or improperly sealed flashing can lead to more serious problems, like water damage to your underlayment or a pest infestation. Fixing these kinds of problems early on will save you money in the long run.
Inspections can keep your energy costs down. Your roof plays a major role in your property’s overall energy efficiency. A roof that has holes and leaks will do a poor job of internal temperature regulation, which can be reflected in your monthly bill.
Buyers will want to know that you kept up with roof inspections. If you decide to put your property up for sale, being able to show a historical record of roof inspections will make your property more marketable. It shows that you’ve taken good care of the place.
They can make filing an insurance claim easier. We’ll talk more about insurance claims in the following section, but having a record of roof inspections can come in handy in the case that you ever have to file one. That’s because having a record of inspection provides documentation of the state your roof was in before the damaging incident.

Exactly how often you should get your roof checked can vary. Some experts say twice a year, especially for roofs over 10 years old. But the general consensus is yearly.

There are special circumstances when you should get a roof inspection

In addition to annually scheduled inspections, there are a few specific instances when you’ll also need to have your roof inspected:

If you notice signs of wear & tear damage. Curling or loose shingles, areas of sagging or other noticeable signs of damage are a good indication that it’s time for a roof check.
After a storm. Here in Central Florida, our hurricane season can be brutal on roofing materials. And, it’s important to keep in mind that Florida regulations state that you only have 1 year from the date of damage to file an insurance claim. So, after a big storm, whether or not you can see visible damage, it’s highly recommended to have your roof inspected.
If you’ve recently gone through pest management. After your pest control company has finished up their job, it’s a good idea to assess any damage that the little critters might have left behind. No matter what kind of pests you were dealing with, a roof inspector will want to make sure that your roof structure, underlayment, and shingles are in good shape.
When you’re looking to put your home or property up for sale. Having both a history of roof maintenance and proof of a recent roof inspection will give buyers the peace of mind that the roof is in good condition.

Why roof inspections are so crucial here in Central Florida

Whether you have a home right off of Lake Apopka or a business in downtown Clermont, being a property owner in Central Florida comes with unique challenges. Hurricane season, as we’ve mentioned, is one of the most obvious sources of damage for roofs here in Seminole, Lake, and Orange Counties. But there are other reasons why property owners here should invest in more frequent roof inspections if they can:

Heat and humidity. While we may be able to escape the heat at Millenia Mall or the President’s Hall of Fame, our roofs don’t get any reprieve from high temps and humidity. This can lead to faster mold growth, warping, and structural decay faster than other areas of the country.
UV exposure. If your property receives direct sunlight for part or most of the day, your roof will likely require more frequent care. This will depend, in part, on your roofing material, with asphalt, rubber, and metal roofs being more susceptible to UV damage than clay or concrete tiles.
Pests. Florida property owners should be on the lookout for pests most common in our area, such as drywood termites, carpenter ants, wasps, and rodents. Because these kinds of pests aren’t always obvious, a regular roof inspection can nip the problem in the bud before it becomes a major issue.

There are a few ways you can prep your property for inspection

Our top priority is to give your roof the most thorough inspection possible while also avoiding unnecessary inconveniences. Here are a few ways that you can help us streamline the process:

Allow internal and external access. We’ll want to take a look at your roof from above and below, so you can help us by providing access points to the roof and the attic or crawlspace that are free of clutter and barriers.
Pull up previous roof inspection paperwork. It’s helpful for us to know more about any previous repairs or areas that have been flagged by other roofers.
Make sure the property owner is present for the inspection. We love it when a property owner who knows the property well has a list of questions or concerns for us so that we can focus on particular areas. And, we’ll have some questions of our own to get to know more about your roof health, such as whether you’ve noticed any leaks or drafty areas of the home.

Call AGU Roofing & Solar for your next residential or commercial roof inspection

Whether you still have questions about roof inspections or you’re ready to book one for your property, call us at AGU Roofing & Solar. We’re located in Minneola but offer an extensive service area covering Orange, Lake, and Seminole Counties.

We are licensed, bonded & insured and a proud member of the local chamber of commerce. Call today!