Roof repair in Lakeland Highlands, FL

In any 12-month period, Florida's code limits repairs to 25% of a roof or roof section. The whole roof section has to be replaced as soon as the repairs go past that limit. The exception applies only if that roof itself was built, repaired or replaced to the 2007 Florida Building Code or later, which took effect March 1, 2009. In that case the new work alone must meet the current code, not the whole roof.

The median home here was built in 1986, but that describes houses, not roofs. A roof may have been replaced since. Ask the contractor when your roof was last redone and get the answer in writing.

Mobile homes make up 5.9 percent of local housing units. Those roofs follow the HUD code, not the Florida Building Code, so ask what rules apply before you agree to any scope of work.

Lakeland Highlands is an unincorporated place, so roof permits go through the Polk County Building Division. Ordinary minor repairs can be approved by the building official without a permit under the code. Call the division before work starts, because whether your repair counts as minor is their decision.

• Stay off a wet or damaged roof. Photograph damage from the ground.
• Cover openings with tarps only if you can do it from a ladder at ground level.
• Look in the attic for wet insulation, stains or daylight through the deck.
• Keep receipts for any temporary repairs.

Roof repairs are covered by the roofing contractor scope, including damaged sheathing and fascia found during the job. Read the contract and any insurance notice before you sign. With 84.0% of local homes owner-occupied, most readers here carry their own policy, so take coverage questions to your own insurer or agent.