(386) 624-3893
Cities Serviced Include: Port Orange, Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, Deland, Deltona, Debary, Orange City, Sanford, Lake Mary, Heathrow, Oviedo, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Wekiva Springs, Winter Springs, Winter Park, and other cities in Volusia and Seminole Counties.
When buying or selling a home, it is important to know the age and condition of your roof. Insurance companies also request different types of roof inspections, Roof Condition Certification, Wind Mitigation and a 4 Pt Insurance Inspection. A home inspection will tell you the age and condition of the roof but is a general type of roof inspection. Insurance companies require a detailed inspection of the roof and its components as well as documentation of previous repairs or roof replacement. A roofing inspection is vital and may help you understand the condition and when it may need repair or replacement. Roof inspections may be performed every few years throughout the lifespan of your roof and after severe storms or hurricanes to ensure your roof will last until its expected lifespan.
Roof Condition Certification Inspection
A roof inspection is used to determine the level of deterioration on a roof, the coverings useful lifespan, and if repairs or maintenance are needed. Roof inspectors will look for signs of deterioration or damage on shingles and other covering materials. A roof inspector does not need to remove any part of your roof. The Inspectors are trained and certified to correctly assess the lifespan of the roof visually.
The Inspector will also evaluate the flashing to assess the level of wear, roof penetrations like plumbing vents and skylights, examining gutters, and anything that attaches to the roof.
Roof condition certifications are separate from a home inspection. The following FLORIDA-LICENSED individuals may complete this form in Florida:
Roof inspectors climb up on the home, perform a detailed inspection and issue reports on:
If the roof does not require repairs, the inspector will estimate the remaining years of life for the roof and certify its inspection.
If the roof requires repairs, a roofing company will then issue the roof certification after the repairs are performed.
Updated: 07/29/2023
Elements Influencing Roof Certifications
Roof inspectors will take into consideration the following:
Type of Roofing Materials and Life expectancy
Common types of roofing materials are:
Asphalt shingles; Multilayer 20 – 25 Yrs, 3 Tab 15 – 20 Yrs, Rolled 10 – 15 Yrs, Over 25 Years Not Insurable*
Wood shake, Over 25 Years Not Insurable*
Tar and gravel, Over 25 Years Not Insurable*
Synthetic, Over 25 Years Not Insurable*
Other Roof Covering types Not Included Below
Tile, Slate, Clay, Concrete or Metal, Over 50 Years Not Insurable*
Clay or concrete tile, Over 50 Years Not Insurable*
Slate, Over 50 Years Not Insurable*
Metal or steel, Over 50 Years Not Insurable*
Mobile Homes, All Roof Types, Over 25 Years Not Insurable*
Age of Roof
Roofing companies say that wood shakes often require more repairs if they are older than 10 years. Tile roofs, as long as nobody has walked them -- because weight can cause them to crack -- can last 50 years or more. Composition shingle roofs are often warranted for 20 to 40 years, depending on the quality of the material.
Roof Pitch
The steepness of a roof is known as its pitch. Certain types of shingles may not be used on a roof with a low pitch or a flat roof. Architectural or Multilayer Asphalt shingles may not be installed on a roof with a pitch less than 4/12 for example.
Number of Layers
The inspector is required to note the number of layers of shingles. Two layers of shingles are the maximum allowed. A second layer of shingles may not be applied over a roof that has not had its sheathing refastened.
Previous Roof Repairs
Roof inspectors will want to examine a previous repair to make sure it was done correctly and won't cause future problems. Ensure you keep documentation from the previous repair or roof replacement for the insurance company.
Exclusions to Roof Certifications
Most roofing manufacturers will not honor claims due to natural disasters or severe weather; like high winds. In addition, they do not cover damage caused by foot traffic or improperly installed skylights or solar panels. Natural disasters, hurricanes and tornados are covered by either a homeowner's insurance policy or a flood insurance policy.
*Exception: Risks that do not meet the roof replacement eligibility requirements above may be eligible for coverage by submitting acceptable documentation verifying the roof has at least 3 years remaining useful life (Refer to Properties to Be Submitted to Citizens for Review Prior to Binding). Risks that establish roof eligibility under this exception are not required to provide documentation of full roof replacement until the policy renewal period in which the remaining useful life of the roof covering falls below the 3-year eligibility threshold.
Acceptable documentation includes a copy of a completed roofing contract; a statement from a licensed roofing inspector showing estimated age; condition and remaining useful life; a completed Roof Condition Certification form; or other acceptable proof of remaining useful life.
We offer services to all homeowners and provide inspection for all Florida insurance companies. We provide homeowners insurance inspections for the following companies. Allstate, Chubb Insurance, Security First, State Farm, Travelers, Farmers Insurance, American Strategic Insurance (ASI), Kin Insurance, UPC Insurance, USAA, Tower Hill Insurance, People’s Trust Insurance, ASI Preferred, United Services Automobile Association (USAA), Florida Peninsula Insurance Company, First Protective Insurance Company, Castle Key Indemnity Company, Florida Family Insurance Company, American Bankers Insurance Company, Ark Royal, FedNet, Heritage Property, Universal Property & Casualty, Citizens Property, St. Johns Insurance, American Integrity, Progressive, Florida Peninsula Insurance, and Homeowners Choice to name a few.
(386) 624-3893
The basic purposes of a
roof certification are to:
Many sellers are advised to provide a roof certification to the buyer as part of the sales process. Roof certifications give buyers peace of mind. If the seller does not provide a roof inspection, make it a contingency of the contract.
A home inspector has
nothing to gain by inflating the amount of repairs need. The
inspector should not be allowed to perform roofing repairs because
of possible conflicts of interest. If you use a roofing
contractor, they may advise to replace the roof rather than just
make the needed repairs.
Maintenance Home Inspection
New Home Warranty Inspection
Condominium
Inspection
Home Checkup
Inspection
Moisture Intrusion Inspection
Manufactured Home
Inspection
Mobile Home
Inspection
4pt Insurance
Inspections
Wind Mitigation
Inspection
Pool/Spa
Inspection
WDO* Termite Inspection
Roof Condition Certification Inspection
* WDO Inspections may only be performed
by a Florida Dept. of Agriculture licensed pest control company or
its trained employee. First Choice does not perform WDO
inspections. A list of licensed WDO inspectors may be
obtained by contacting our office, (386) 624-3893.
First Choice Home Inspections, LLC
Deltona, FL, US 32725-8246
Phone: (386) 624-3893
Email: home.inspections@aol.com
Home Inspection Services in Central Florida.
Area: Volusia, Orange, Seminole & Lake Counties Cities: Deltona, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Deland, Orange City, Debary, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Edgewater, Oviedo, Longwood, Eustis, Winter Park, New Smyrna Beach, Winter Spring, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, Heathrow, Leesburg, Apopka, Mount Dora, & Casselberry