For Sarasota homeowners, the condition of their roofs is now more of a concern than ever after a series of increasingly strict roof requirements have been handed down by Florida home insurers. In many cases, the condition of a homeowner’s roof could end up causing an increase in insurance premiums or even being dropped altogether by the insurance company. Replacing a roof can be a devastating financial blow for some Florida families, but in some cases, replacement may not be necessary and the roof may be able to be repaired instead.
Repairing a roof can save you a lot of money if it is an option. Let’s go over some things to consider if you have roof damage and you want to explore fixing it rather than replacing the whole roof.
Really, all types of roofs can be repaired. A major consideration, however, is the age of the roof compared to the lifespan of the roofing type. For example, a roof with asphalt shingles has an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years in the intense Florida sun. If a shingled roof is damaged by a storm and it is 15 years old, it may be more sensible to replace it depending on the extent of the damage.
A metal roof, on the other hand, can last for 50 years, so a 15-year-old roof would definitely be worth fixing if the damage isn’t too extensive. It all comes down to determining the best value for the homeowner for the given roof type. Insurance companies will also want a say in this of course, but it is good to be educated about the type of roof you have before talking to your insurer.
Living in Florida means dealing with intense summer rainstorms, larger tropical storms, and hurricanes. After a major storm has hit an area, hiring a roofer and getting the problem fixed as soon as possible is critical to avoiding further water damage which can lead to mold and additional structural issues. During these times, roofers are busy people. If it is determined that a repair is a good option, it may mean getting your home fixed much quicker.
Replacing an entire roof can be time consuming and cause a big disruption in the lives of a busy Florida family. Because roof repair generally is localized and takes much less time, it is much less of an imposition to those living in the house. With many people working remotely at home these days, this can be an especially appealing option.
Whether you’ve suffered extensive roof damage from a storm, noticed a few shingles missing, or have discovered a small roof leak, it is good to reach out to a trusted local roofer before calling your insurance company. They can advise you on whether repair or replacement is your best option and help you navigate the complexities of dealing with insurance since they deal with these situations on a daily basis.
Ideally you should have your roof inspected by a qualified roofer at least once a year. In Florida this is especially important with our active storm season. As you build a rapport with a roofing company, you will find that they can also advise you on roof maintenance and spot tiny repairs before they grow into an expensive major problem.
Your roof protects you and your family, so keeping it in good shape is incredibly important. If you are in need of advice with your roof, please don’t hesitate to call us at 941-928-3683. We are a local business with over 22 years of experience providing roofing installations, repairs, and maintenance to Sarasota and the surrounding areas.