Roof inspections in Greenacres, FL

Florida's roof-age statute, 627.7011(5), protects roofs under 15 years old from being refused solely for age. Once a Greenacres roof reaches 15 years, the insurer must let you hire an authorized inspector at your own expense. A finding of 5 or more years of useful life left bars refusal or non-renewal on age alone.

For a Greenacres home more than 20 years old, Citizens requires a 4-point inspection covering electrical, plumbing, HVAC and roof. Its roof section lists the covering material, roof age, remaining useful life, last permit date, and any damage. Shingle roofs past 25 years need documentation of five years of life left.

A separate wind mitigation form, OIR-B1-1802, covers roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections and roof shape. Its five-year validity depends on no material change to the structure. Palm Beach County is outside the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, so your region depends on the design wind speed at your address.

The inspector walks the roof and reports the covering, its age, remaining life and permit history. The damage list includes cracking, curling, granule loss, exposed felt, missing or loose tabs, soft decking spots and attic leaks. Wind mitigation adds attic items you cannot see, such as deck nailing and roof-to-wall connectors.

• Buying: the roof is often the largest repair item, and the report shows age and remaining life.
• Selling: a report ahead of listing answers a buyer's insurer.
• Insurer letter: order the report before agreeing to any replacement.
• After a storm: Hurricane Irma in 2017 put 2-4 ft of surge on the Palm Beach County coast, and wind damage inland can still loosen tabs.

For permit history on a Greenacres roof, ask the City of Greenacres Building Division. Florida law bars a roofer from offering anything of value for an inspection or advising on what your policy covers. Direct policy questions to your agent or insurer.