It is a general consensus in the roofing industry that annual roof inspections are a smart way to keep your roof in its best condition. Nearly every roof these days is built to last at least 25 years, but severe weather, flying debris or strong sunlight may cause premature deterioration and damage.

Annual roof inspections will allow you to catch and fix a problem early, before it has the opportunity to wreak further havoc on your roof – and therefore, your home.

You may wonder if there is a preferable time of year to schedule these inspections. Here in Sarasota, a winter roof inspection is generally considered your best option – here’s why.

Benefits of a Winter Roof Inspection

1. Hurricane Season is Over: One of the few downsides to living in paradise is that we are often on alert for hurricanes. The official hurricane season is the beginning of June through the end of November.  These massive storms can cause damage ranging from missing or broken tiles due to wind, or a hole or breach caused by flying debris. We do recommend that you visually check your roof after every major storm.  However, unless you suspect a problem of some kind, you should wait until the season is over. In that way, you are less likely to see your newly repaired roof sustain more damage.
2. Rains are Infrequent:  Although you may often spot a leak during a rainstorm, you generally cannot fix it until the roof has dried off. It is also a safety concern to be on a slippery, slick roof. Because South Florida is primarily dry throughout the winter, it does not experience the daily deluge of other times of the year. Dry conditions allow for safe inspections and easier repair.  Should you need to ascertain the source of a leak, you can simply run a garden hose over the affected areas to determine where the water flows.
3. Temperatures are Milder: Let’s face it, spending time on a roof in the summer sun sounds miserable. Performing a thorough roof inspection may take a couple of hours, and cooler temperatures make the whole job much more pleasant.

There are a few additional things to keep in mind regarding a winter roof inspection. Because of the conditions listed above, professional roofing companies are often quite busy during the South Florida winter.

They are not only performing inspections, but as many repairs and roof replacements as possible while the weather is cooperating. Therefore, you should schedule your roof inspection in advance. We recommend calling by mid fall in order to get on the schedule by early winter – which also allows for a few months to then schedule any necessary work.

Of course, the experts at Avery Roof Services always recommend that you visually inspect your roof after every wind event or major storm, no matter the time of year. You should also periodically look at interior framing, eaves, ceilings, walls, and around skylights. If your roof has sustained damage or you see evidence of a leak, call for professional assistance immediately.

You never want to put off fixing water intrusion or structural  problems, as these could get worse with each rainfall.

Avery Roof Services is proud to be your local Sarasota roofing professionals – we have been taking care of our friends and neighbors right here in town for decades. We look forward to working with you to make sure that your roof remains healthy, and your home and family remain safe and dry.