ORLANDO, Fla. – As hurricane season approaches, now is the time to ensure your home’s roof is ready to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.
Start by walking around your yard to look for anything that could strike your roof, including dead or overhanging tree branches. Clean your gutters and visually inspect your roof for any missing shingles or tiles.
If your roof is 20 years old or older, it may need to be evaluated by a roofing contractor licensed by the State of Florida.
“Unfortunately, we know there are bad actors out there who will take advantage of consumers at every opportunity,” said Lisa Pate, executive director of the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association.
Pate suggests visiting her organization’s website, FloridaRoof.com, to find a qualified roofing contractor.
No matter which roofer you select, verify the contractor is licensed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and check for complaints on the agency’s website, MyFloridaLicense.com.
“Hiring a licensed contractor is not just a legal requirement, it also ensures that the work will meet the necessary standards,” said Pate, who cautions against using out-of-state roofers who may not be familiar with Florida’s stringent building codes. “It’s essential to engage a contractor who knows the local community and its specific needs. Local contractors are more likely to be available for future repairs.”
Under a recent state law, roofing contractors must include specific cancelation language in their contracts once the governor declares a state of emergency.
“Consumers have a 10-day window to cancel their contract without penalties, as long as they notify the contractor within that timeframe,” Pate said.
If your roof gets damaged during a storm, contact your insurance company right away.
“Many insurance policies require homeowners to hire one of their approved contractors,” Pate explained.
Be cautious of door-to-door solicitors offering discounts or free inspections.
“If someone approaches you with unsolicited offers, be skeptical,” Pate said. “There’s no such thing as a free roof, and these offers can be misleading.”
Roofing companies will be extremely busy after a storm passes, so it’s a good idea to contact several contractors and ask to be put on their schedules.
When signing a contract, roofing industry experts suggest paying a third of the total cost at the beginning of the job, another third at the halfway point, and the final third after the roof has passed final inspection.
If your roof is at risk of leaking while you wait for repairs, it is best to let a professional roofer install tarps rather than attempting the work yourself.
“Avoid causing further damage to your roof, since even small actions can make existing issues worse,” Pate said.