While winter can be a difficult time for homeowners in most other parts of the country, winters in Florida are pretty bearable. Winters in Florida, in fact, are arguably an enjoyable time, as state’s residents can enjoy the occasional cool and mild temps in an otherwise primarily hot, humid climate.
Inspecting Florida roofs in winter for problems
Because of how pleasant the weather is, Florida winters are usually the best time to assess and resolve your roof problems — without the heat of the sun beating down on your back as you work. You can carefully inspect your roof for issues that could cause problems in the future. Or you can even hire professional help to assist you, such as the experts who work at Code Engineered Systems.
It can be difficult for homeowners to understand how their roof works and what problems to look out for, which is why we always recommend owners check out this guide HERE. But for a short explanation on what issues to be mindful of during Florida winters, continue reading below.
Code Engineered Systems houses a team of professionals knowledgeable about common roof problems. Our simple guide below for Florida winter roof problems will help you understand what can happen to your roof.
The 3 biggest Florida winter roof problems
Because the weather is dry yet cool, this is the perfect time to perform an annual roof inspection. There are three big problems you should look out for with your Florida roof in winter, including:
Insulation
Insulation issues are often difficult to spot, but they are some telltale signs to look for. For one thing, if you’ve dealt with a roof leak recently, likely you’ve also got some problems with the insulation.
Other signs indicating possible insulation issues include condensation on the ceiling and old age. Also, insulation may need to be repaired if your home is over 50 years old.
Assessing the state of your home’s insulation is a great way to discover if you are dealing with unwanted guests (pests, critters, etc.), which will steal insulation for their nests.
By hiring the right professionals, you can replace old insulation with new products that will ensure your home’s interiors stay cool during the summer.
Overall Roof Structure
Dry weather means a dry roof, and a dry roof means you’ll be able to inspect the overall quality of your roof’s integrity unobstructed. During the winter season, you’ll be able to thoroughly check the overall structure of your roof and look for signs of damage that occurred throughout the year.
If you have a tile or roof, look for cracks or missing tiles. For this, we highly recommend you hire a professional since walking on your own roof could cause more cracks to form.
If you have an asphalt roof, look for signs of curling or cracked shingles and large deposits of missing granules. Missing granules will indicate degrading tiles.
Thanks to the cool and dry winter climate, this time of year gives an excellent time for homeowners to repair these issues.
Gutters
Summer months can be devastating for our gutters, especially in Florida. Gutters transport tremendous amounts of debris, deposits, and rainwater, putting a huge amount of pressure on these critical roofing components.
If any blockage occurs or even damage to the gutters, water will flow slowly or even back up and cause roof leaks and damage.
During the winter, and if necessary, make sure to clean your gutters.
Often, you may find bird nests in your gutters during cleaning, in which case, safely remove them. You may also need other tools to repair fasteners.
Once you’ve cleaned your gutters, run water through them to ensure there is free flow. Without checking properly, backed-up water can damage your home’s foundation.
If your gutters are sagging to the point where you cannot repair them yourself, hire professional services to assist you. You will want your gutters repaired asap so that next year’s rains won’t be a cause for concern.
Other problems you need to know about
The three mentioned above are just a few popular issues that commonly occur on roofs. There are still many other problems you should be mindful of and look for when inspecting your roof during the winter.
Sealant and Weatherstripping
Sealants and weatherstripping on roofs can deteriorate over time. Sealants can be placed around antennas, brick stacks, and other areas to protect them from the outside elements. So, make sure to inspect for sealant damage and hire an expert for repairs.
Clear Debris
Clear your roof of any debris that accumulates. Removing the debris will help ensure proper flow when it rains. Also, getting sticks, leaves, and other junk off your roof will help keep your home looking beautiful.
Trim Your Trees
While these aren’t a part of your roof, they contribute to its integrity. Nearby trees can easily damage your roof in the event of a powerful storm. When strong winds occur, tree branches can fly off and land on tiles or shingles. Also, without trimming your trees, leaves and other debris can end up in the gutters, clogging them.
Check Flashing
Damaged flashing can leave your roof vulnerable to leaks. Because of this, it’s a good idea to annually check your flashing during the winter months.
Roof Valleys
Like flashings, roof valleys can also lead to leaks. And we’re not just talking about water leaks, either.
Leaks in your roof can allow outside air in, making your home less energy-efficient and raising your monthly expenses.
Have any of these problems with your Florida roof this winter? Give us a call today.
There’s no doubt that hiring a professional is always the best course of action. And when you need one to repair or replace your Florida roof, you can always count on Code Engineered Systems in Tampa Bay and surrounding areas. If you’re interested in a free roof estimate, you can call us at 813-373-9088. Or you can fill out our online form HERE.
