Did you know? Florida has endured more direct hurricane strikes than any other state? We love our beautiful state (and no one complains about the mild winters), but she sure has her share of roof-damaging weather.
For example, Florida ranks 5th in the nation for state-wide averages of annual rainfall, and we rank first when it comes to average high temperatures. In a list of U.S. cities that receive the greatest number of major rain storms per year (cities that average more than 20 days annually with an inch or more of rain), only 12 cities made the list — and Florida is the only state with 4 cities named.
We are familiar with rainy weather in Florida, but is that the only weather-related impact on our roofing? Read on to learn more.
Why are roofs different in Florida, and what can I do about it?
Roofs are affected differently in Florida because of the climate. The three top weather conditions that affect roofs in Florida differently than in other states are the sun (ultraviolet rays), humidity, and storms.
Let’s start with the sun. Florida ranks number one in the country as the state with the highest average temperature annually. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can erode the roof’s coating and cause shingles to become brittle. Fluctuating temperatures (like in Florida, where we can shift 30 degrees from morning to night!) can make matters worse, causing shingles to curl. Because this can leave your home susceptible to water damage, you should replace curling shingles as soon as possible to prevent having to replace the entire roof due to massive leaks.
The sun can also cause discoloration. Although this isn’t a structural problem, it does become an aesthetic issue that might lower the value of the home. Tip: There’s nothing much you can do about it except choose a shingle color that won’t quickly fade or bleach.
Without proper insulation for your roofing, roofing materials can be subject to what is called “thermal shock.” This type of damage can occur when the roof’s top layer heats up quickly in direct sunlight, while the bottom layers are still relatively cool. Any kind of rapid expansion or contraction may damage a roofing system by causing cracks or tears that can ultimately shorten the lifespan of the roof. Tip: For the longevity and durability of your roof, invest in quality insulation.
How Humidity and Storms Affect Florida Roofs
In addition to sun damage, Florida homeowners have to consider humidity and storms too. Due to poor ventilation in the roofing system, excessive moisture can build up and create mold, damaging your roof and eventually creating roof decay, leaks, or structural instability.
Tip: Reliable materials like asphalt shingles perform well in high-heat climates where there are extreme temperatures and moisture (hello, Florida!). Tip: Regular inspections will catch mold (or algae) growth early, which is why maintenance is key to protecting your roof and preserving the lifespan of your investment.
When storms hit, roofs can be damaged by the rain, hail, extreme winds (and debris), or even lightning strikes.
Speaking of storms, we’ve had a few hurricanes recently that really did some damage to our state. Unfortunately, a rising number of Florida homeowners have had their insurance policies canceled or were refused coverage simply due to the age of their roof. In response to this widespread issue, the Florida state legislature implemented new roof requirements for homeowners insurance in Florida in May 2022.
More Tips to Protect Your Roof From the Florida Weather
Given how much weather your roof endures, and how important your roofing is to the value of your home and the protection it provides, here are five tips to take care of your roof:
- Keep your roof clean and free of debris. This is easier said than done. Sure, you can spot a tree limb of a clump of leaves, but you might want to hire a professional to blast away algae. Don’t let algae or moss fool you—they can wreak havoc on a roof and result in unwanted moisture that results in surface damage or rot and, ultimately, leaks.
- Check for damaged shingles and replace them. A preventative maintenance plan is a great way to spot damaged shingles and replace them with new ones. This way, you extend the life of your roof, save money by preventing the need to replace the entire system, and are ready when bad weather arrives.
- Don’t forget to check the gutters. We suggest investing in a screen that keeps your gutter mostly clear of fallen leaves and large debris. But it’s a good idea to clean your gutters at least once a quarter to be sure that roof runoff (water) is being diverted away from the home.
- Check your insulation and ventilation. As we stated previously, proper insulation and ventilation is important. Florida attics get hot, and if it isn’t adequately ventilated or insulated, the heat can build up and damage the roof from the inside.
- Check for interior leaks and stains. We recommend visiting your attic twice a year during heavy rain. That’s the best time to see if there are problem spots so you can have them addressed as soon as the rain lets up. A professional preventative maintenance plan from a local roofing company you trust will do regular checks for leaks and stains on the exterior roof itself, but if you see something in your attic or on a ceiling inside your home, call a pro for help right away.
Need a roof inspection or local roof repair?
At Sentinel Roofing, customer service is our top priority. If you need residential or commercial roofing in central Florida—repairs, inspections, or installations—our team of roofing experts provides dependable, professional service every step of the way.
For answers to questions, to schedule a service call, or to request a FREE estimate, contact us today.