How Often Should You Inspect Your Roof in Florida? (What to Look For)
Short answer: In Central Florida, check your roof twice a year—once before hurricane season (late spring) and again in fall—plus after any significant storm. From the ground and attic, look for missing shingles, loose flashing, soft decking, and water stains. If you spot anything suspicious, schedule a free roof inspection so a licensed roofer can document the issue and recommend repair or replacement options.
Why do Florida roofs need more frequent inspections?
Florida roofs take a beating: intense UV exposure, sudden temperature swings, heavy rain, and tropical-storm winds. Even small openings around vents or flashing can let water travel under the surface, where it quietly damages decking and insulation. Routine inspections catch problems early—often while a simple spot repair will solve it—so you can avoid emergency leaks and bigger bills later.
When should I inspect my roof each year?
Plan around Florida’s weather patterns:
Late spring (April–May): Make sure everything is tight before hurricane season.
Fall (October–November): Check for summer storm wear and prep for winter fronts.
After a significant storm: High winds or hail? Do a quick visual check immediately, then book a professional inspection if anything looks off.
Safety first: Do not climb your roof. Perform visual checks from the ground with binoculars and from the attic. Leave on-roof inspections and photos to a licensed pro.
What should I look for on the ground?
Walk your property’s perimeter and note anything unusual:
Missing, lifted, or creased shingles (common after wind gusts).
Shingle granules in downspouts or around the foundation (accelerated wear).
Bent, loose, or rusted flashing at walls, chimneys, skylights, and valleys.
Damaged or sun-cracked pipe boots around plumbing vents.
Sagging, soft, or uneven areas that could indicate failing decking.
Stains or streaks along fascia/soffits that suggest hidden leaks.
Debris build-up in valleys or behind chimneys that can trap water.
For metal or tile roofs, also scan for loose fasteners, missing caps/tiles, and exposed underlayment.
What should I check inside the attic?
Bring a flashlight (and watch where you step):
Dark water stains or fresh damp spots on the underside of the roof deck.
Sunlight peeking through (active holes or gaps).
Mildew smell or insulation clumping (ongoing moisture).
Dripping or rust on nails/metal connectors after a rain.
If you notice any of the above issues, it’s time to call a professional for a moisture-meter test, photos, and a repair plan.
How do storms change the inspection routine?
After strong winds or hail, do a fast triage:
Walk the yard for fallen shingles, tile pieces, or metal fragments.
Check fences and screens for embedded granules (a hail clue).
Look at tarps or neighbors’ roofs—if they’re damaged, yours may be too.
Call for emergency tarping if you have an active leak to prevent interior damage.
Schedule a documented inspection with photos; this helps if you pursue an insurance claim.
What’s different for shingle vs. metal vs. tile roofs?
Asphalt shingles: Watch for curling, cracking, loss of granules, and lifted tabs. Average lifespan in Central FL can be shortened by heat and storms, so inspections matter.
Metal roofing: Look for backed-out fasteners, damaged panels, or seam movement. Proper fastener tension and sealants keep wind-driven rain out.
Tile (concrete/clay): Focus on underlayment health. Cracked or displaced tiles can expose the membrane; look for exposed felt or slipping tiles along eaves and valleys.
What’s a simple homeowner's roof checklist I can use?
Florida Roof Quick-Check (10 minutes, from ground & attic):
Perimeter scan for missing/loose shingles, tiles, or metal pieces.
Inspect flashing lines (walls, chimneys, valleys) for gaps or rust.
Check pipe boots and penetrations for cracks.
Look for granules at downspouts or bald shingle patches.
Confirm gutters are clear and draining (no fascia stains).
In the attic, look for water stains, damp insulation, or light through the deck.
After storms, repeat a quick scan and note anything new.
If any item fails, book a pro inspection to verify and quote a fix.
How often should a professional inspect my roof?
At least once a year—twice is better in Florida—plus after severe weather. A licensed contractor documents conditions with photos, checks penetrations and fasteners up close, reviews underlayment where visible, and provides a written estimate if repairs are needed. That documentation is also helpful for insurance and future home sales.
When is it time to stop repairing and consider replacement?
Consider a complete system replacement if you notice:
Multiple active leaks on different slopes.
Widespread shingle failure (bald spots, curling, cracking) or soft decking.
Aging roof (e.g., shingle systems ~15–25 years in Central FL) that needs frequent patching.
Storm damage is significant enough to compromise the underlayment or code compliance.
Not sure? Start with an inspection. If the roof is generally healthy and the issue is isolated, a targeted repair usually makes sense. If the system is at end-of-life, replacing it often saves money and hassle in the long term. For details on repairs, see our page for roof repair in Winter Haven.
Do inspections help with insurance or wind mitigation?
Yes. Newer roofing systems and up-to-code installations may qualify for wind-mitigation credits. Thorough inspection photos and written findings also help document storm damage for a potential claim. A reputable contractor will guide you on whether the damage likely meets claim thresholds and can provide the scope of work your carrier may request.
What if I’m considering solar or other roof add-ons?
Always inspect—and address any needed repairs—before adding solar, satellite mounts, or HVAC penetrations. Penetrations are common leak points in Florida’s wind-driven rain. A pre-installation roof check avoids rework and keeps warranties intact.
Bottom line
Twice a year + after storms is the Florida rule of thumb.
Do safe visual checks from the ground and attic.
Call a licensed, insured local roofer for annual (or post-storm) professional inspections with photos and a written plan.
Schedule a free roof inspection.
American Roofing FL is licensed & insured (CCC1333453) and local to Polk County. We’ll provide photos, a clear explanation, and an honest recommendation—repair when it’s smart, replacement when it’s truly time.
Call (863) 360-6804 or book online at https://americanroofingflorida.com/home.
