For many home buyers and homeowners, the roof is a bit of a mystery. Unless you’ve replaced a roof or dealt with a roof leak or storm damage, you may not realize all that your roofing system includes and what it does other than keeping the weather out of your home. However, understanding a few basic things about your roofing system will help your roof last and reduce its lifetime cost.

Your roofing system consists of more than just tiles or shingles. The primary elements of your roofing system are: insulation, ventilation, roof deck, underlayment and shingles, fascia, flashing, and your gutters. These parts work together to protect your home. Issues with any one of these items can lead to a roofing issue.

Inspect Your Roof Regularly

You should walk around your home and look at your roof at least twice a year and after every major storm. By doing this, you’ll spot potential issues sooner, which can reduce the cost of potential repairs. Use binoculars if you can’t clearly see to the peak of your roof. Here are things to look for which may indicate a roof leak or other issue and should trigger a call to your roofing company.

  • Misaligned or missing shingles
  • Curling, warped or bubbling shingles
  • Dents in the shingles that may indicate hail damage
  • Broken or missing soffits
  • Rotting fascia

If you have an accessible attic, look inside a few times a year to see if there are any signs of a roof leak like dark streaks on the roof deck or insulation that appears damp or compact, which is a sign of water damage.

Have a Trusted Roofer

Having a contractor you know and trust before there’s an emergency is always a good idea. Your roofer is no different, especially in Florida where strong storms happen year-round. Make sure your roofer performs regular roofing inspections to identify issues before they become problems. Most roofers recommend annual roofing inspections which can help in the event you have an insurance claim as the inspection can serve as proof the roof was in good condition prior to the storm.

Perform Regular Maintenance

If you take care of your roofing system, it will last longer. That means it is important to keep debris off your roof and out of your gutters. You should also trim back tree branches and palm fronds so they don’t rub against your roof. Lastly, don’t let algae grow on your shingles; clean it when it first appears.

We understand that as a new resident you may not have established a network of contractors. If you need a roofing contractor, we can recommend a few we know and trust, just give us a call at (813) 992-7771. If you’re looking at buying or selling in the Tampa Bay area, Jason Duraj and his team at Future Home Realty are here to help.