In South Florida where the climate is characterized by sun, high humidity, rainfall, and hurricanes, a strong, well-maintained residential roof is essential. The professional team at ABC Roofing Corp has years of roofing experience and are skilled in residential roof replacements. In partnership with homeowners, we ensure that residential homes in South Florida have well-maintained roofs that can withstand our harsh climate.
There are key signs that your residential roof needs replacement. Knowing these signs, and contacting a professional roofing company can often prevent serious damage to the underlying roofing structure, and protect your home and family.
Do I Need A Roof Replacement?
One of the most critical components of your home is the roof. Often neglected, your roof protects your home from the harsh South Florida weather and contributes to the overall structural integrity of your home. Knowing when your roof needs replacement can help you address the issue before it leads to more significant problems.
Signs that indicate your home roof needs replaced include:
- The age of the roof
- Visible structural damage & leaks
- Higher energy bills
- Algae & moss growth
- Deterioration of roof materials
- Damaged roof valleys & flashings
- Increased roof maintenance requirements
- Poor roof instillation
Age Of The Roof
One of the main factors determining whether a roof needs placed is the age of the roof. How long roofing materials last is often influenced by the weather and if the roof has suffered damage due to occurrences like hurricanes. For a guide, roofing materials can often last for as long as:
- Asphalt shingles: 15 – 20 years
- Wood shingles: up to 30 years if properly maintained
- Metal roofs: 40 – 70 years
- Slate/Tile: 50 – 75 years
Visible Damage
One of the most obvious signs that a roof needs replaced is visible damage to the roofing materials. Your roof may need replacement if you notice any of the following:
- Curling, cracked, or missing shingles. Granules in the gutters are another sign of significant shingle wear.
- Roof leaks and water damage. Water stains on the ceiling or walls indicate water infiltration. Mold and mildew in the attic also indicate that the roof is leaking.
- A sagging roof deck is also a sign that the underlying roof structures have been damaged by a leaking roof.
With South Florida being prone to violent storms and hurricanes, residential roofs are very susceptible to storm damage. Homeowners should always have their roofs inspected after a storm especially if they notice:
- Torn or missing shingles
- Loose or damaged flashing
- Debris impact damage
Higher Energy Bills
Poor roof insulation results in a home’s HVAC system working harder. If you notice a sudden spike in your energy bill, your roof may have lost its efficiency and need to be replaced.
Algae & Moss Growth
Due to the hot and humid South Florida climate, moss and algae growth can be a problem. While a small amount of mold and algae growth is not harmful, extensive coverage retains moisture and leads to roof structure deterioration.
Moss is particularly harmful to shingles, as it causes them to lift. Shingles that have lifted create gaps that allow water to seep in and compromise the roof structure’s integrity.
Roof Material Deterioration
With exposure to South Florida’s intense heat, humidity, wind, and rain, roofing materials will, over time, show signs of wear and tear. A roof should be replaced if:
- The asphalt shingles have loose granules, cracks, or start curling.
- Wood shingles start curling, rotting, and splitting
- Tile roofs crack, chip, or break
- Metal roofs rust, corrode, or loose panels
Damaged Roof Valleys & Flashing
Due to the amount of water channeled through them, roof valleys, where the two slopes of a roof meet, are prone to leaks. Missing shingles in these areas is a strong indication the valleys have been compromised and the roof needs replacing.
Flashing should be secure and intact. If you notice that the flashing is rusty, damaged, or has separated, water has seeped in and potentially caused damage that will require roof replacement.
Increased Roof Maintenance Requirements
If you find yourself continually patching or repairing minor roofing issues, you are most likely only making a temporary solution and not addressing the underlying problem. It may be more cost-effective to replace the roof.
Poor Initial Roof Installation
If your roof was not correctly installed, or not installed by a professional roofing contractor, it might fail prematurely. Signs of poor instillation include:
- Improper shingle alignment
- Inadequate or not correctly installed flashing
- Improper sealing around roof penetrations like chimneys and skylights
Tips To Extend Your Residential Roofs Lifespan
Roofing contractors agree that once a roof has significant damage or exceeded its lifespan, it will need to be replaced. There are however ways to ensure that your roof will not need to be replaced prematurely:
- Schedule regular roof inspection, maintenance, and cleaning, with professional roofing contractors
- Repair any damage promptly
- Check for and ensure the roof remains free of debris. Trim overhanging branches regularly
- Clean gutters and downpipes regularly, especially after a storm
ABC Roofing Corp, South Florida’s Roofing Experts
Homeowners know that due to South Florida’s unique climate challenges, regular roof inspections and maintenance are essential. Investing in roof replacement at the right time can protect your home from exposure to the elements and save you from more significant expenses.
ABC Roofing Corp has been South Florida’s roofing experts for over 30 years. State-certified, our family-owned and operated roofing experts have a reputation for being honest, loyal, and committed to excellence.
There are many reasons why only professional roofing contractors like ABC Roofing Corp should inspect, repair, and replace residential roofs including:
- We have expert knowledge and experience in all roofing areas
- We only work with and install high-quality materials obtained from reputable suppliers
- We are certified and follow industry standards, reducing the risk of future leaks and damage
- We have all the safety equipment needed to work on any roof pitch.
- Our services come with warranties on labor and materials
- We are familiar with and comply with the Florida Building Code
- We can assist in navigating insurance claims successfully
For all your roofing needs including inspection, maintenance, or roof replacement, we are here for you. Call us at (954) 344-4622 today.
