So your roof is leaking, it needs to be repaired right? Maybe or maybe not. Do you know the age of your roof? What type of roofing system does your home have? There is a lot of points to consider when it comes to either repairing or replacing a roof, and knowing what you want and need beforehand will give you a head start in getting an appropriate estimate.

Choosing whether to repair leaks and issues with your existing roof or to invest in a new one can be a hard decision. Today’s economy is uncertain.. Most homeowners have the tendency to just patch up a leak and make do with what they have in hopes that it will solve their roofing problems, at least for a little while. However, when you’re thinking about roofing, that might not be the best idea. If your roof has needed several repairs over the years, is leaking on a large scale, is exposed to strong sunlight (we are in Florida after all!), or is more than 15 years old (Shingle roofs in particular), replacement is likely the best option. Advanced new roofing materials are energy-efficient and will keep you protected better than the roofing material your roof probably currently has, and will also save you money on bills in the future.

For most people, the roof is an afterthought — that is until it starts to leak. Only then we realize how critical that part of our home’s exterior really is. Besides keeping the home dry, the roof contributes greatly to the look of the house. When choosing roofing material, it may pay to consider all of the options. In Florida especially, Shingle Roofs are the most common type of roofs we here at Florida Southern Roofing install. Shingle Roofs are popular for the budget conscious and can really look great, and protect well when quality materials are installed by a licensed roofing contractor. While there is many roofing types, slate, composite, metal, clay tile, wood shakes, and many many more, today we are going to focus on shingle roofs and what you should know about replacing yours.

The roof can be one of your properties biggest investments, and yet they’re so easily neglected.

Roofs receive a lot of beating that tends to go ignored. Extreme weather, accidents, and lack of maintenance can affect the life of your properties roof and left ignored can lead to the need for a total roof replacement.

A roof that is well maintained is a great way to ensure that your property remains worry free. Below you will find a few tips for roof maintenance tips for Sarasota property managers.

Florida Climate

Managing a property in Florida, a property manager may not consider the climate in Florida when it comes to the roof on their property. While we don’t necessarily receive snow or big hail, we’re still not immune to some of natures harshest weather. As a Sarasota Property Manager you must take into consideration the climate in which your building resides. From summer storms (including hurricane season) to what feels like year round heat, the climate in Florida will affect the life of your properties roof.

How often do you look at your roof, really?

While arguably one of the most important parts of your home, the roof is usually an afterthought to most home owners. When you see a dreaded brown spot on your ceiling it generally means your roof is leaking and chances are some damage has occurred. Can your roof just be repaired or is it time to replace your roof? What determines if you can get away with a roof repair or does your home need a total roof replacement? Below is 5 ways to tell you need a new roof.

How old is your roof?

The age of your roofing system is a huge factor when it comes to ways to tell you need a new roof. Most roofing contractors agree that an asphalt shingle roof for example will need replaced in around 15 years in Florida, give or take. With the Florida sun and rain storms, shingle roofs just don’t stand up compared to tile or metal. This is not to say that a shingle roof can’t last 30 years, especially with the shingles currently available. Unfortunately, an old roof that is constantly leaking and needing repairs is a bad mix and generally points to the need for a shingle roof replacement.

Follow your neighbours lead

While one neighbour replacing their roof may just be a neighbour looking for something new, pay attention to the homes in your neighbourhood. If a few or a bunch of your neighbours are replacing their roofs, it may be a way to tell you need a new roof. Homes in the same neighbourhood are often times built similarly, and built at the same time. If you have 5 neighbours replacing their shingle roofs, chances are yours may be getting close to the end of it’s life as well. This is also a good way to determine roof age if you’re a new home-owner and are unsure of the age of your roof.

Check your gutters

In the event that you have the most common roofing system in Florida, shingles, you should check your gutters regularly (and with other roofing systems too!). Gutters should be inspected regularly for debris and to make sure they’re draining properly. Clogged gutters can lead to bigger issues in the future. If you notice shingle granules in the gutters it could be a way to tell you need a new roof. Shingles toward the end of their life will start to lose more granules.