Roof repair in Miami Springs, FL

Florida allows no more than 25 percent of a roof or roof section to be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period. Once damage passes that threshold, the entire roof or the affected section has to be replaced or recovered. One exception applies. If your roof itself was put up or reworked to the 2007 code or newer, only the repaired part must meet current code.

The median Miami Springs home was built in 1958, and 90.3% of homes predate 1980. That tells you about the houses, not the roofs. Ask whoever did your last roof work when it was done and under which code, because that answer decides which side of the rule you are on.

In the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, a recover is barred where the old roof is water soaked or already has two or more coverings. When that happens, the roofing is stripped all the way down to the deck. Any repair has to be built with components that carry a product approval.

Inside the HVHZ, you need a permit for work on any roofing component, and that includes repair and maintenance. Roof permits here go through the City of Miami Springs Building office, so confirm there what a small repair needs. The contractor's name goes on the Uniform Roofing Permit Application, not yours.

• Keep off a roof that is wet or damaged, and take your damage photos from the ground.
• Cover openings only from a safe position, and keep your receipts.
• Check the ridge, vents and flashing before you assume a stain is minor.

For any claim question, your insurer or agent is the right call. Under Florida law, a roofing contractor cannot solicit claims or give advice about coverage. State law also sets a 1 year limit from the date of loss for reporting a new property claim.