Roof repair in Shady Hills, FL

Within any 12-month period, patching under Florida's code is capped at 25 percent of a roof or roof section. Once repairs go beyond that, you must replace or recover the whole roof or section. The exception applies only when the roof itself was built, repaired or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or a later edition. A local government cannot change that exception.

Nearly half of Shady Hills housing units, 48.3 percent, are mobile homes. Those roofs follow the HUD code rather than the Florida Building Code's site-built rules. Ask whoever inspects your roof which standard applies to yours before you plan a repair.

Homes here have a median build year of 1990, and 21 percent of units predate 1980. That suggests some roofs have been patched more than once. Count any repairs in the past 12 months before deciding on another patch.

Shady Hills is an unincorporated community, so roof permits go through Pasco County Building Construction Services. A building official may approve ordinary minor repairs under the code without requiring a permit. Confirm with that office whether your repair qualifies.

• Stay off a wet or damaged roof. Photograph damage from the ground.
• Cover openings with a tarp from inside the attic only if it is dry and safe.
• Report any claim to your insurer yourself. Notice is due within 1 year of the loss date.

Florida law bars roofers from urging you to file a claim or advising you on coverage. Check your policy with your insurer or agent before signing any roofing contract.