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How Often Do I Need to Have My Roof Inspected in Florida?

Living in Florida, you know how important it is to have a sturdy roof over your head. With the unpredictable weather conditions that our state experiences year-round, it’s crucial to maintain your roof’s integrity by having regular inspections.

At Roof Bear Orlando, we understand that homeowners often aren’t sure when their roof needs attention. That’s why we’re here to help answer some common questions about roof inspections in Florida.

We discuss when to schedule a professional inspection and what signs you should look out for that indicate it’s time for a checkup. Let’s get started!

Florida Roof Inspections: The Facts

Living in the Sunshine State comes with a lot of perks, but it also means dealing with a lot of heat and humidity. These weather conditions can take a toll on your home’s roof, which is why it’s essential to schedule regular inspections. The big question is, how often should you get your roof inspected?

We recommend getting your roof inspected at least once a year if you live in Florida. However, if you’ve recently experienced severe weather such as hurricanes or hailstorms, it’s best to have an inspection immediately after the event.

Additionally, if you notice any signs of damage or wear and tear on your roof, don’t wait for the yearly inspection—call a professional from Roof Bear Orlando right away.

The Importance of Roof Inspections

With hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and intense sunlight all year round, your roofing system in Orlando sure takes a beating. That’s why regular roof inspections are crucial to ensure that your home or business is protected from the elements.

The biggest benefit of regular roof inspections is that they can help identify any potential issues before they become major problems.

Roofing professionals like our team at Solar Bear Orlando can spot signs of damage such as:

• Cracked shingles
• Loose flashing
• Mold growth

These issues may seem minor at first but can lead to significant damage if left unaddressed.

In addition to identifying problems early on, regular roof inspections also extend the life of your roofing system. A well-maintained roof not only protects your property but also adds value and curb appeal!

Roof Inspections & Homeowners’ Insurance

It’s also important to understand the importance of regular roof inspections and how they can affect your homeowners’ insurance. Your roof is one of the most crucial parts of your home and plays a significant role in protecting your property.

In general, most insurance providers require a roof inspection to ensure that your home is safe from potential leaks or damage caused by natural disasters. Your policy may even have specific requirements for how often you need to have your roof inspected depending on its age or condition. Failing to comply with these requirements can result in denial of coverage or higher premiums.

By getting a regular roof inspection, you not only satisfy the requirements set forth by your insurer but also catch any potential issues before they become costly repairs down the line.

Bottom line: A well-maintained roof can potentially reduce your homeowners’ insurance premiums.

Is Your Roof at Risk? Find Out with Roof Bear Orlando

At Roof Bear Orlando, we understand the importance of a well-maintained roof. That’s why we offer top-notch roofing inspections and services to homeowners in Orlando, Florida. Our team of roofing experts provides you with the best solutions to protect your home!

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Schedule your inspection at (727) 471-7442 now and let us help you keep your roof in top shape.

Roof Terminology Every Homeowner Should Know

The anatomy of a roof is much more complex than the average person may think. Even the most ambitious DIY’er wouldn’t dare start a roofing project knowing what goes into the job. But even if you don’t plan on building your own roof, it helps to know the different parts in case you ever need to call for repairs or touch-ups. Roof Bear Tampa is here to help you out with this list of roof terminology that every homeowner should know.

Deck

The deck is arguably the most important part of any roof since it serves as the base. Every other component of a roof is stacked on top of this base layer that can be made of either wood, steel, or concrete. Common materials for the roof base include plywood and oriented strand board (OSB).

Drip Edge

A simple metal sheet is placed in areas of the roof that tend to collect the most water. The water is guided down the drip edge and into the gutter system to help prevent water damage.

Eaves

The small overhang at the edge of the roof by the gutters is known as the eaves. This area is often in need of inspections since it’s exposed to the elements.

Fascia

The wooden trim along the edge of your roof is referred to as the fascia. It offers visual appeal by completing the roof’s appearance while sealing up corners and edges.

Flashing

Areas of the roof that are at high risk of water damage are touched-up with waterproof flashing for added protection.

Penetrations

A penetration refers to anything that sticks out of the roof and disturbs its structure. A perfect example of a penetration would be a chimney.

Ridge

The ridge is the highest point of the roof where the sides meet. To be more precise, the ridge refers to the seam that the roof creates when the sides touch.

Shingles

The topmost layer of the roof that you can visibly see is typically made up of shingles, but tiles can also be used. This is the “fun” part of the roof where homeowners can choose the style and color that they want for their home’s exterior aesthetic.

Slope

Every roof needs to have a slope to account for water drainage. Believe it or not, even flat roofs have a slight slope so that water doesn’t pool up on top.

Square

When a roofer talks about the number of squares that a roof has, they are actually talking about a specific unit of measurement. In this case, one square equates to 100 square feet.

Underlayment

While the base of the roof is the bottommost layer, the Underlayment rests right on top of that. This layer of the roof is designed for extra protection underneath the topmost shingles.

Need A Professional Roofer? Call Roof Bear Tampa!

At Roof Bear Tampa, our qualified contractors know every part of a roof like it’s nothing. Whether you need repairs, re-roofing, or a brand-new roof installation, we’re the best roofing company for the job! Call today to schedule your next service and request a roofing estimate.

What Are the Best Shingles for Florida Roofs?

Living in the Sunshine State means dealing with some intense weather conditions, especially when it comes to your roof. That’s why choosing the right shingles is crucial for any Florida homeowner. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start!

But fear not, because our team at Roof Bear is here to help you navigate through all the choices and find the best shingles for your Florida roof. We’ll look at different factors such as durability, energy efficiency, and affordability that will help you make an informed decision.

So, let’s dive into the world of roofing and find out which shingles are best for your Florida roof!

Shingles 101

If you’re in the market for new shingles for your Florida roof, you may be wondering which ones are the best choice. There are a few things to consider before making a decision, including the climate and weather conditions in your area, as well as your personal style preferences.

Asphalt Shingles

The most common type of shingle used in Florida is asphalt shingles. These affordable and durable shingles come in a variety of colors and styles, making them easy to match with any home design.

They also have a long lifespan, typically lasting 15-30 years depending on the quality of the product and installation. Asphalt shingles are also resistant to wind damage, which is important during hurricane season.

Wood Shingles

Another option is wood shingles, which give a natural and rustic look to your roof but require more maintenance than other materials. But keep in mind, though they look great, they may not stand up to Florida’s ample sunshine, rain, and high winds during hurricane season.

Tab Shingles

Tab shingles are a popular choice in Florida because they offer excellent protection against high winds and heavy rain. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose one that matches your home’s aesthetic. Additionally, tab shingles are easy to install which means you’ll save money on installation costs.

They are also quite durable and have a longer lifespan than other types of roofing materials which means you won’t have to replace them as often.

Slate Shingles

When it comes to durability and style, slate shingles are a top choice. They’re made from natural stone and can withstand harsh weather conditions like rain, wind, and hail.

Slate shingles can last up to 100 years with proper maintenance. This makes them an excellent investment if you plan on staying in your home long-term. Additionally, slate shingles come in various colors and sizes which gives homeowners the flexibility to choose a unique style that fits their taste.

One of the best benefits of slate shingles is that they are fire-resistant. With Florida’s unpredictable weather patterns such as thunderstorms and lightning during hurricane season, it’s important to have a roofing material that adds an extra layer of protection against fires caused by lightning strikes or other hazards.

Metal Shingles

Metal shingles are also a great choice for homeowners in Florida, as they can withstand high winds, heavy rains, and extreme temperatures.

One of the biggest advantages of metal shingles is that they are also fire-resistant. This is particularly important in areas like Florida where wildfires can occur. Additionally, metal shingles are energy-efficient and can save homeowners on energy costs over time. They also come in a variety of colors and styles to complement any home’s exterior design.

The best part of metal shingles is that they require little maintenance compared to other roofing materials such as asphalt or wood.

Solar Shingles

Solar shingles are an excellent option for Florida homeowners who want to save money on their electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint. These innovative roofing materials are designed to look like traditional asphalt shingles, but they contain photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity that can power your home.

They can be installed on both new and existing roofs, providing seamless integration with your home’s aesthetic. Plus, because they’re integrated into the roof itself, there’s no need for bulky solar panels or mounting hardware cluttering up your yard or roofline.

Another advantage of solar shingles is their durability in harsh weather conditions. Florida homes face strong winds, heavy rains, and intense sunshine throughout the year, making it essential to choose a roofing material that can withstand these elements.

Central Florida Roofing Services

Roof Bear is the go-to roofing company for all your roofing needs in Central Florida. From new roof installation to roof repair and maintenance, our team at Roof Bear has got you covered!

Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (727) 471-7442 to learn more about our services and get a free roofing estimate. Protect your home for years to come with Roof Bear’s superior roofing services in Tampa, The Villages, Sarasota, and Orlando!

Top Warning Signs Your Roof Is Failing

Many homeowners enter and leave the house every day without looking up to see how well their roof is doing. Although roofs aren’t a high-maintenance component that needs daily checkups, it’s still worth it to keep your roof’s condition in mind before it can bring you costly problems in the future. It can also be dangerous to ignore certain indicators that could pose a major hazard. In case you don’t know what to look out for, the professionals at Roof Bear Tampa have your back with these top warning signs that your roof is failing.

The Roof Shingles Look Anything But Normal

You probably have a general idea of what roof shingles should look like, but they’ll gradually change in appearance as they become damaged or start to wear in age. Although it’s possible to replace individual shingles to maintain a clean-looking roof, some of these conditions could be warning signs of something greater. You might need to take action if your shingles are:

• Curled
• Bumpy
• Blistered
• Loose
• Missing
• Dark

Bumpy or blistering shingles often happen when they’re nearing the end of their life cycle and can’t handle direct sunlight as well as they used to. Dark spots may also show if the shingles are becoming too old. Loose shingles can occur when they become deteriorated enough to where they can no longer secure themselves to their foundation. Some of the granules that fall off of shingles due to deterioration can be found in your gutters or driveway. You might also come across popping nails that refuse to stay down since they don’t have enough materials to latch onto.

Evidence of Water And/Or Air Leakage

When your shingles or flashing becomes worn out or loosens up away from its foundation, it can invite water and air into the building through the exposed cracks. These gaps can also happen if your roofing has deteriorated. These leaks can show up anywhere, but the most common location is in the attic which happens to be the least occupied room in most homes. Every now and then, take a moment to check your attic for any water leaks that you might not be aware of. Spots on the ceiling or mold lining the creases where the roof and walls meet can also be a dead giveaway. Even if you don’t see any signs of water damage, an increased energy bill can be due to air leakage.

A Sagging Roof On The Verge Of Collapse

Some things are hard to ignore, like a sagging roof. This is a major red flag that requires immediate attention on an emergency level because it can collapse at any moment. Aside from the catastrophic property damages that can occur, no one wants to be within the vicinity of such a dangerous occurrence which can lead to an urgent hospital visit or worse.

It’s Been Over 20 Years Since The Roof Was Installed

Roofing doesn’t last forever, and most roofs that have been installed over 20 years ago are typically on their way out. When purchasing a new home, you should always ask how old the roof is and keep track of when it might be time to get a replacement. If you can’t find an answer, you can always hire a qualified roofer to perform a detailed inspection before giving expert advice on what to do next.

Expert Roof Replacement In Tampa!

Do you think your roof is failing? Contact the professionals at Roof Bear Tampa to schedule a roof inspection! If it’s time for a roof replacement, we have the expertise and quality products to replace your roof with one that looks beautiful and will last you decades.