Roof inspections in Seminole, FL

Florida law protects roofs under 15 years old from being refused coverage on age alone. Past 15 years, your insurer must allow an inspection by an authorized inspector, paid by you, before it can require a new roof. A result showing at least 5 years of useful life stops an age-only refusal or non-renewal. With 54.1 percent of Seminole homes built before 1980, many owners here may meet this rule.

The inspector has to be someone your insurer accepts. The statute's list includes a licensed home inspector, a licensed roofing or general contractor, an engineer or an architect. Ask your insurer or agent to name who qualifies before you pay for a visit.

Page one of the 4-point form's roof section asks for covering material, roof age, remaining life, the last roofing permit date and the share of the roof replaced. Citizens requires the full form for properties past 20 years of age. Seminole's median build year of 1979 suggests many local houses clear that line. Citizens' own line for shingle roofs is 25 years before it wants proof of five more years.

• Before you buy: a Seminole house from 1979 may still carry a roof near the end of its life.
• Before you sell: documented remaining life can answer a buyer's insurer questions early.
• After an insurer letter about roof age: the inspection described above is your right.
• After a storm: Lake Seminole reached 4.1 ft above MHHW during Hurricane Eta in 2020, and wind and debris can damage shingles.

A roofer's inspection covers what the forms ask: cracking, curling, granule loss, exposed felt, loose or missing tabs, soft decking, and leaks in the attic or on ceilings. The inspector also checks attic items you cannot see, such as deck nailing and roof-to-wall connectors, and photographs them.

If the work leads to a repair, confirm permit rules with the City of Seminole Building office. Under the 25 percent rule, repairing more than 25 percent of a roof in 12 months can require replacing the whole covering. A roof built or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or a later edition falls outside this rule.