Florida is home to thousands of homeowners spread across the state. Its high humidity, intense sunlight, hurricanes, and frequent storms create challenges for the roofing of houses in the area. As a homeowner, you must be aware of the potential problems your roof may encounter and the solutions to address them. In addition, knowing these problems will allow you to seek preventative measures that mitigate the effects of some of these potential problems. Without wasting any time, here are the common roofing problems you will encounter as a homeowner in Florida and their solutions.
Roof Leaks
The Florida climate’s heavy rains and high humidity accelerate the breakdown of materials used in roof construction. This makes leaks the most common roofing problem that homeowners face. Worn sealants, clogged gutters, missing shingles, and decaying flashing all contribute to roof leaks.
To detect leaks early, you should regularly inspect your roofs, especially after storms. Gutters should be kept clean to prevent pools of water from gathering. Damaged or missing shingles and flashing should be replaced quickly to maintain the integrity of your roof. If your roof leaks are persistent, contact professionals for further assistance.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
Age, heat, wind, and UV exposure can adversely affect roof shingles. These can cause the shingles to crack, fall off, or curl, exposing the roof to the elements. When shingles fall off, the damage done to the roof is accelerated, leading to problems like roof leaks.
Regular inspections should be conducted to spot damaged or missing shingles so that they can be quickly replaced. Roofing sealant should be applied to cracked or curling shingles to maintain structural integrity. If shingle damage is widespread, consult a professional for a thorough replacement job.
Flashing Problems
Flashing can become loose or corroded, leading to further damage to the roof. They are found around critical parts of the roof, such as the chimney, vents, and skylights, which can lead to serious problems when they are damaged. Prolonged and unchecked flashing damage can result in roof leaks in critical parts of the roof.
Loose flashing should be promptly resealed to prevent further damage. Corroded or damaged flashing should be swiftly replaced. This can be done yourself or, in severe cases, by a professional. Incorporate the habit of checking your roof after heavy storms for potential damage.
Algae/Mold Growth
The high humidity of the Florida climate makes it a suitable environment for algae and mold growth. Your roof becomes the perfect location for the development of these organisms. Algae and mold retain moisture, slowly damaging your roof if left unchecked. In addition, they spoil your roof’s visual appeal by leaving hideous stains, which reduce your house’s curb appeal.
Regular roof cleaning should be done to prevent the growth of these organisms on your roof. In addition, overhanging branches should be trimmed to remove shade and limit water retention. Finally, Zinc and Copper strips should be installed to prevent mold and algae growth.
Structural Damage and Soft Spots
Prolonged moisture exposure weakens the foundations of your roof and causes structural deficiencies. When your roof deck is weak, this leads to soft spots and sagging areas that end in structural failure and roof collapse. Structural failure will cost you thousands of dollars in roof repairs and more to repair collateral damage to other parts of your property. Regular roof inspections for soft spots and moisture issues should be commonplace. Detected issues should be treated immediately, and professionals should be contacted when necessary.
Wind and Storm Damage
Florida is prone to heavy winds and hurricanes, which can severely damage and crack shingles. Debris from the heavy winds can puncture roofing materials, while heavy rainfall can worsen existing roof issues. These could also lead to the proliferation of mold and algae on the roof if left unchecked.
Post-storm inspections should be carried out to examine the level of damage. Professional residential and commercial roofing services in Southeast Florida should be hired to conduct a thorough inspection. Emergency tarping should prevent water ingress before permanent fixes are done. Consider upgrading to hurricane-resistant roofing materials to limit the damage done to your roof by storms.
Endnote
Florida is a fun state to live in, but the unique environment and climate provide a set of challenges for homeowners. Regular inspections are needed to stay on top of roof problems before they become bigger and cost more to fix. Frequent gutter cleaning will save you thousands of dollars in future damage costs. Contact professional roofing contractors when necessary and avoid handling complex roofing problems yourself.