Roof repair in Cape Canaveral, FL

Florida's code caps repairs at 25 percent of a roof or roof section in any 12 months. Beyond that point, you have to replace the whole roof or the affected section. The exception applies only to a roof that was built, repaired or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or any later edition.

Cape Canaveral's median home was built in 1985, and only 3.7 percent of homes date from 2010 or later. That suggests many roofs here will need the full code applied to any large repair. Ask the Building Division before you plan the work.

Mobile homes are 7.3 percent of local housing units and follow HUD rules, not this line. Only 7.4 percent of units are single-family detached homes, so many repairs involve attached or multi-unit buildings. In those, ask which roof section your repair falls in.

Under Florida rules, the building official can sign off on ordinary minor repairs without requiring a permit. The City of Cape Canaveral Building Division issues roof permits and publishes a procedure for HB 803 exemption requests on qualifying single-family projects. Confirm with that office whether your repair needs a permit.

• Photograph damage from the ground and stay off a wet or damaged roof.
• Look in the attic for stains, wet insulation or daylight near vents.
• Cover openings only with methods you can do from the ground or a safe ladder.
• Report any insurance loss to your insurer within 1 year of the loss date.