Roof repair in Eagle Lake, FL

Florida limits patching to 25 percent of a roof or roof section across any 12 months. Redo more than that and the entire section must be replaced. The exception is a roof that was itself built, repaired or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or a later edition. For that roof, only the new work must meet current code, and no city or county can change that.

Eagle Lake has 1,435 housing units, and 39% were built before 1980, against 30% for Polk County. Homes that old were built under earlier codes. A roof may have been replaced since, so ask the owner or the permit record before assuming which side of the 25% line you are on.

The local building official decides whether a small repair needs a permit. The code lets ordinary minor repairs go ahead with that official's approval and no permit. Our look at the city's Building Department pages was only partial, so call that office before work starts.

• Stay off the roof. Take photos from the yard and from the attic hatch.
• Cover openings with a tarp from a ladder at the eaves only if it is dry and calm.
• Look for what an insurer's roof inspector lists: cracked or missing tabs, exposed felt, soft decking, attic leaks.
• Keep damaged materials and receipts until the repair is finished.

A new claim notice must reach your insurer within 1 year of the loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months. For answers on what your policy covers, contact your insurer or agent. Under Florida law a roofer may not advise you on coverage or offer anything of value for an inspection.