Why annual roof inspections matter in Florida

Why an annual inspection is now close to mandatory in Florida

Ten years ago a roof inspection was optional diligence. Today, with Florida carriers tightening underwriting and demanding roof condition reports at renewal, an annual inspection with dated photographs has become one of the more valuable pieces of paperwork a homeowner keeps. It protects the roof and, increasingly, it protects the policy.

• A dated photo record of roof condition, slope by slope
• Early identification of failing sealant, flashing and pipe boots
• A written condition statement many carriers now request at renewal
• Evidence of pre-existing condition if you later file a storm claim

That last point is the one homeowners underestimate. When a claim is disputed, it is almost always disputed on the grounds that the damage predates the storm. A dated inspection from three months before the event settles that argument quickly, and it is the single most useful thing you can have in the file.

What a real inspection involves

Someone gets on the roof. An inspection done entirely from the ground or from a drone flying at forty metres is a sales visit, not an inspection. Our inspectors walk every accessible slope, photograph each one, check the attic where there is access, and put the findings in writing whether or not there is any work in it for us.

About a third of the inspections we run end with us telling the homeowner their roof is fine and to call us again next year.

If you have not had your roof looked at since you bought the house, that is the place to start. It costs you nothing across Tampa Bay and you will at minimum end up with a dated set of photographs that your insurer may thank you for later.