Rain, Rain Go Away!

Living in Florida means it is inevitable that at some point you will encounter a tropical storm or a hurricane. Paying attention to the upkeep of the exterior of your home, especially its roof, can help to determine the amount of repairs that would need to be done after a major storm hits. The exterior of our homes is constantly aging due to various weather conditions including extreme heat, rain, and wind. In hurricane regions pay special attention to areas such as carports, awnings, canopies, roof overhangs, lanais, etc. to make sure that their roof is fastened properly and this attachment is not wearing down in its stability.

Another important area to notice is the draining system that is used for the roof on your building. It is imperative that water has a way to come off of the roof, especially after extreme rain, in order to prevent black mold and a leaky roof. This means there must be an ability to drain around any obstacles like chimneys, windows, or doors. This drainage should help the water reach the exterior ground and land at least 3 feet away from the house. In order to do this roofs must be fastened properly, drainage spouts must be sized not only for average rain, but for extreme rainstorms, and 4-6 inch “peel and seal” waterproof strips should cover the joints of the roof.

These regulations are areas that your inspector will examine when you are considering purchasing or selling a home. While the inspector cannot warrant a roof or give a prediction of how or when a leak or other problems may develop, they are able to point out areas of concern that could potentially lead to problems in the future. The knowledge of these areas can lead to proactive maintenance that can save a lot of money in the long run.