Roof inspections in Lake Park, FL

Fla. Stat. 627.7011(5) bars an insurer from refusing or non-renewing a homeowner policy solely because a roof is under 15 years old. At 15 years and older, you get the right to hire an authorized inspector at your own expense. A report showing 5 or more years of useful life left stops an age-only refusal or non-renewal.

The statute names who counts as an authorized inspector: the insurer must accept the person, and the list includes home inspectors, building code inspectors, roofing contractors, engineers and architects. Phone your insurer or agent for its accepted names before booking, since a report from the wrong person may not be used.

Citizens Property Insurance also asks for a 4-point inspection on properties more than 20 years old, and the roof section records covering material, roof age, remaining useful life and permit history. With the Lake Park median build year of 1977, many local homes fall past that 20-year line. Which rules apply to your policy is a decision for your insurer or agent.

An inspector looks for cracking, curling, granule loss, exposed felt, loose or missing tabs, soft decking and visible leaks in the attic and on ceilings. The report also records age, remaining life and the date of the last roofing permit. Lake Park roof permits go through the Town of Lake Park Community Development office, so confirm any permit history there.

• Buying a home built before 1980, which describes more than half of Lake Park housing
• Selling, when a buyer or lender asks for roof age and remaining life
• Receiving an insurer letter that mentions roof age
• After a storm, before you file anything or sign a contract

After a storm, note that Fla. Stat. 489.147 bars roofers from offering anything of value for an inspection or from advising on coverage. Talk to your insurer or agent about your policy and claim deadlines.