Florida experiences a long and intense rainy season that begins as early as May and often runs through October. This period can result in significant deterioration to a home’s roof. Your roofing system must withstand sudden severe storms, consistent heavy rainfall, high winds, elevated humidity levels, and much more. Let’s explore the steps our experts recommend to protect your roof and mitigate the negative impact the rainy season has on it.
Start With a Professional Roof Inspection
While some storm damage is unavoidable, you can prevent much of it through regular maintenance. We recommend monthly homeowner reviews, but there’s only so much that you can see from the ground. That’s why it’s important to schedule an annual professional roof inspection before the rainy season in Florida. An inspector will evaluate every aspect of your roof, including the shingles, flashing, ventilation, underlayment, and decking. They can then recommend any maintenance or repairs that your roof may need.
Address Any Existing Damage Before June
Even with an annual inspection, keep an eye on your roof. Once a month, walk around your home to look at the roof. Go across the street to more easily spot any sagging. Go up into your attic as well in order to identify any signs of moisture or penetrations. If you notice any issues, it’s essential to schedule the needed roof maintenance in Plant City, FL.
Some of the important issues to correct before June include:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Flashing and seals around penetrations
- Soft spots and deck integrity
Missing and Damaged Shingles
Fixing missing and damaged shingles is the most common storm damage roof repair in Central Florida. Even shingles that are curling at the edges are a serious concern. The wind can more easily uplift the shingles and allow rain to get underneath. Just one missing shingle can lead to water intrusion that undermines the underlayment and eventually penetrates the decking. That can lead to rot, mold growth, and moisture in your home.
Flashing and Seals Around Penetrations
Flashing and sealants close the gaps between decking panels and penetrations, such as chimneys and roof ventilation components. These materials deteriorate over time due to sunlight exposure, heat, humidity, and other factors. It’s imperative to replace them as needed, as these areas are highly susceptible to water intrusion.
Soft Spots and Deck Integrity
Water intrusion will eventually compromise the roof decking, which can lead to substantial structural damage. Moisture is the number one cause of rot, other decay, and swelling. A roof deck can experience fungal decay, which undermines its weight-bearing capabilities. Another common issue is poor ventilation, which causes very slow but steady moisture damage.
Clean and Inspect Your Gutters
Don’t forget to schedule gutter cleaning before hurricane season. Well-functioning gutters allow your roofing system to shed rainwater as quickly and efficiently as possible. During severe weather, your home’s gutters can easily clog and overflow. Ahead of the rainy season, schedule a comprehensive gutter inspection and cleaning. Perform any maintenance as needed. If your gutters are prone to clogging, consider upgrading them with gutter guards. If you have old, deteriorated gutters, this is an excellent time to invest in a new seamless gutter system.
Know What to Do if a Storm Catches You Off Guard
At True Roofers, we have extensive local experience helping homeowners navigate emergency roof repair in Plant City, FL. It’s crucial to call us for repair as soon as you suspect storm damage. Contact us even if it’s nighttime and still storming. Our experts can at least tarp the roof and otherwise stabilize it to prevent further damage. We can then return during the day, after the storm has subsided, to perform a full inspection and final restoration. It’s also essential that we begin documenting any damage immediately and before any repairs. That approach will streamline the insurance process and help you to maximize your claim.
Some common damage Florida homes experience during storms include:
- Depressions
- Granule loss
- Penetrations
- Water intrusion
- Loosened flashing
- Uplifted and torn shingles
Trusted and Local Roofing Solutions for Central Florida Homes
Count on True Roofers for emergency roof repair in Auburndale, Davenport, Lakeland, Plant City, Wesley Chapel, and Winter Haven, FL. Contact us if you’d like to further discuss how to prepare your roof for Florida’s rainy season. Our expert roofers perform roof inspections, maintenance, and repairs. We can also help with all your gutter cleaning and replacement needs.
Call today or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule a roof inspection before Florida’s rainy season?
April to June is a good window to schedule an inspection, as this gives you enough time to identify and address repairs before the worst of the rain arrives.
What does a roof inspection include?
When we inspect your roof, we look at the condition of the shingles or other roofing material, the flashing at all penetrations and transitions, the gutters and drip edge, the condition of the decking where accessible, and the attic interior for signs of moisture intrusion.
Can I prepare my roof myself, or do I need a professional?
Some basic tasks that homeowners can do, depending on their comfort levels, include clearing visible debris from gutters and noting obvious damage from the ground. However, walking on a residential roof without proper equipment and experience creates safety risks and can cause additional damage. A professional inspection is the safest and most thorough way to assess what your roof actually needs heading into storm season.
Does True Roofers serve Plant City and surrounding areas?
Yes, we are located in Plant City, and our team provides services throughout Central Florida, including in Lakeland, Auburndale, Davenport, Wesley Chapel, and Winter Haven.
