We admit it, the title of this blog was meant to grab your attention. After all, those of us who live in South Florida do not experience the problems others across the country associate with winter, such as ice dams, icicles, or heavy snows.

In fact, the winter is one of the best times of year in terms of the wear and tear your roof may experience. The severe storms, heavy rains and strong winds of hurricane season are behind us, and the summer humidity – which can cause condensation issues –  is also largely alleviated.

So what Florida winter roof issues do we experience?

Winter Roof Issues

Given that we enjoy relatively cool, dry weather during the winter months, this is the perfect time to perform annual inspections and maintenance on your roof, as well as in your attic if necessary. Here are the top three issues you should look for in order to have a strong roof by the time the summer rains resume.

1. Roof Integrity: Take advantage of the dry weather – and hence a dry roof – to examine the roof and assess any damage that may have occurred throughout the season. If you have a tile roof, look for cracked or missing tiles. (Keep in mind in you are walking on your tile roof that you can easily crack additional tiles and do further damage, so it is best to leave that inspection to a professional roofing contractor.)If you have an asphalt shingle roof, look for curling or cracked shingles, as well as for excessive amounts of loose or missing granules, which may indicate that your tiles are degrading. Winter is a great time to repair these issues, as well as to apply a roof sealant to help shore up the integrity of your roof and give it a longer life.
2. Insulation Issues: If you have suffered a roof leak, have noticed condensation, or if your home is more than a few years old, you will want to check on the insulation.Given that our air conditioners work diligently to keep cool air in the home during the hottest months, you’ll want to ascertain that there is still sufficient and adequate insulation, as recommended by your roofing company.

   Checking insulation also a good way to discover if you are dealing with any critters, which like to steal the insulation for their nests – or simply nest in the insulation! Replacing old, compacted, or damp insulation with new product will make sure that your cold air stay where it belongs next summer.

3. Gutter Health: During the summer, our gutters transport massive amounts of rainwater. If there are any blockages or damage which have caused the water to flow more slowly or to back up, gutters can get heavy and sag. Winter is a great time to clean gutters, remove any birds nests or debris, and to repair fasteners which may have been compromised.Run a water hose to determine if water leaks from any part of your gutters other than downspouts, as water buildup in the wrong place can cause damage to your home’s foundation, landscaping, or even interior walls. If gutters are still sagging, they could damage your roof or soffits, and should be repaired before the rains resume next spring.

While we may not experience traditional winter roof issues, your roof does require regular maintenance and care to remain in its best condition.

Winter is a great time for a professional roof inspection, and to take care of any small issues before they become large problems. Avery Roof Services has been providing quality roofing contractor services to Sarasota homeowners for decades, and we have the answers you need.