The weather in Miami, FL, makes it a beautiful place to live for much of the year. However, there are times when the weather can become quite severe, particularly during hurricane season. High winds and torrential rain can wreak havoc on a roof if you don’t take certain precautions.
Clean the Gutters Regularly
After storms or in the autumn, the abundant foliage in Florida can cause a substantial accumulation of leaves and other debris in gutters. Clogged gutters can translate into water pooling around the roof’s edge. This increases the risk of leaks and soffit and fascia board damage. If you have a large amount of tall foliage near your home, experts recommend that you remove leaves and other debris from gutters at least twice a year. Do additional checks after severe storms. You might also want to install gutter guards to filter out big debris and lessen the frequency of cleanings.
Seal Roof Flashing
Roof flashing is a series of thin metal strips used to cover openings in a roof, including those around vents, joints and chimneys. Proper flashing installation protects against the high volume of water during Florida rains. The likelihood of leakage increases when flashing deteriorates, becomes loose or corrodes over time. An expert can apply a high-quality sealant to the flashing and check it for damage regularly to ensure it remains waterproof.
Check for Mold and Mildew
Roofs in Florida are especially vulnerable to the deteriorating effects of mold and mildew. This is due to the state’s humid environment. You can check for mold and mildew by looking for unsightly black streaks or green patches on the roof. These elements will deteriorate shingles, making them more fragile. An expert will know which type of cleaning solution to use. If these elements have caused severe damage, the roofer may recommend replacing part or all of the roof.
Insulate the Attic
The insulation in the attic plays a vital role in how long your roof lasts. This is because it helps regulate the temperature of the roof. In Florida, the high heat can cause significant damage to shingles and other roofing materials due to overheating. With proper insulation, the roof will stay cooler and experience less deterioration from heat. Two of the best insulations to use to protect the roof include spray foam and fiberglass. In addition to making the roof last longer, insulation makes it easier to heat and cool your home. This can result in cheaper heating and cooling bills.
Ventilate the Attic
Ventilation is key to helping the roof last as long as possible. It works hand in hand with insulation. When there is poor ventilation, the attic will become full of heat and moisture. This can lead to lots of mold growth, wood rot and structural damage. Installing ridge vents, soffit vents or attic fans is one of the easiest ways to improve ventilation and airflow. The vents will release any trapped heat and moisture, greatly reducing the risk of damage.
Trim Overhanging Trees
Trees do a great job of providing shade, but they should never hang over your roof. If they do, they might drop leaves, pine needles and branches on it. Heavy branches might even fall and damage the roof during storms with high winds. All of this debris will reduce the overall lifespan and functionality of the roof. To keep this from happening, it’s best to keep all tree branches at least 10 feet away from the roof.
Repair Damaged and Missing Roofing Quickly
If your roof is missing shingles or other materials, it will look unattractive and won’t last as long. This is because missing parts leave the roof vulnerable to water penetration, which compromises its underlying layers and structure. Even minor problems, like curling shingles or loose tiles, can quickly worsen and cause major issues. The smartest move to make in this situation is to hire a roofer to replace the missing materials.
Invest in a Roof Coating or Add Solar-Reflective Shingles
Roofing materials with reflective coatings or shingles are an excellent investment since they can endure the Florida sun and heat. They lower the surface temperature of the roof by directing the sun’s rays away from it. This lessens the impact of thermal shock, which is the damaging effect of rapid temperature fluctuations on roofing materials. It’s also worth noting that lowering the temperature of your roof, attic and home can reduce energy costs and improve comfort.
Use Hurricane Straps
Metal connectors that secure the roof to the walls to protect it against high winds are known as hurricane straps. Many homeowners in Florida use them to protect their roofs during hurricanes. It is ideal to install these straps during the home’s original construction. However, an expert can easily retrofit them to your roof.
Install a Drip Edge
Roof drip edges are metal strips that run the length of the roof to divert water away from the wood fascia and supporting beams. If you live in Florida, where it rains a lot, using drip edges is paramount to preventing mold, rot and water damage to the roof.
Avoid Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is a great way to make your home look better. It can remove grime and dirt buildup, protecting the home from damage and premature aging. But when it comes to the roof, you don’t need to pressure wash it. If you do, the high-pressure water can rip up tiles and shingles. It can also remove protective coatings on the roof. The best way to clean a roof is to use a mild cleaning solution with soft-wash techniques. This is especially true if you have solar panels.
Paint or Replace Roof Vents
Roof vents are essential for ventilation, but they can rust easily in Florida’s humid climate. As they rust and corrode, the roof might leak. To prevent rusting, many experts recommend painting the vents with rust-resistant paint.
Use a Dehumidifier in the Attic
Even though roof vents can help with ventilation, they might not be able to get rid of all the moisture in your attic. This can exacerbate mold and mildew issues and speed up wood rot. Installing a dehumidifier in the attic will help with moisture control. Many experts recommend using whole-home dehumidifiers to help with humidity problems in Florida homes.
Action Roofing is here to make sure your roof is durable and long-lasting. We offer roof inspections, repair and maintenance. We also do installations for metal, flat, tile and shingle roofing. Many people in Florida rely on us for our storm damage services. Call us now to schedule roof maintenance for your home in Miami.
