Roof repair in Juno Beach, FL

Under Florida's code, patching is limited to 25 percent of any one roof section within a 12-month period. Go past that and the entire section must be replaced or recovered. The exception: a roof built, repaired or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later only needs the repaired part to meet current code.

Many of the 3,658 housing units here were likely built before that 2007 line, so the original roof may not qualify for the exception. Ask the contractor in writing which roof section is involved and whether the 2007 exception applies.

Whether a small repair needs a permit is a call the building official makes. Check with the Town of Juno Beach building office before work starts.

Stay off a wet or damaged roof. Photograph ceiling stains, missing shingles and debris from the ground, and cover openings with a tarp when it is safe. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, so keep tarps and photos ready.

For insurance, notice of a new claim must reach your insurer within 1 year of the loss. Many Juno Beach roofs are likely to be 15 years or older. If yours is, your insurer must let you have an authorized inspector check it at your own expense. It may not refuse or non-renew for age alone if the inspection shows 5 or more years of life left.

Florida law bars roofing contractors from advising on coverage or pushing roof claims. What your policy covers is something your insurer or agent can explain to you.