Roof repair in Virginia Gardens, FL

Florida caps patching at 25 percent of a roof or roof section within 12 months. Beyond that cap, the entire section has to be replaced or recovered. One exception exists: a roof built, repaired or replaced to the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, where only the repaired part must meet current code.

With a 1960 median build year in the village, many owners may not qualify for that exception, so a large repair can turn into a full replacement. A roofer cannot tell you which side of the line you are on without looking at the roof's history and its sections.

In the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, a recover over old material is barred if the existing roof is water soaked or has two or more layers of covering. Repairs must use products with a product approval and must not create new ponding water.

Miami-Dade's High Velocity Hurricane Zone rules call for a permit on any work touching a roofing component, repair and maintenance included. A licensed contractor has to execute the application. Confirm current permit steps with the Village of Virginia Gardens building and zoning office.

After a storm, stay off the roof. Photograph ceiling stains and visible damage from the ground, and cover openings only by methods that do not need a climb. Then have a roofer inspect before the next rain. The Atlantic season ends November 30, and activity peaks around September 10.

Florida law bars roofing contractors from offering anything of value for a roof inspection or a claim, and from advising on coverage. For any question about your own policy, start by contacting your insurer or agent. Notice of a new claim has to reach the insurer within 1 year of the date of loss.