Reasons To Have Your Central Florida Roof Inspected
As the thunderstorm capital of The United States, Florida is subject to nature’s wrath year-round. With dozens of storms occurring during hurricane season, even the most well-made roofing requires constant maintenance to keep you and your family safe.
Residential roofs in Central Florida need to be able to stand up against more punishing weather than anywhere else in the country. It is advised that every two years, before and after severe weather events and anything else unexpected, a routine inspection by Florida home inspectors may be warranted to assess the condition of your home, especially your roof.
Here are why you need to inspect your Central Florida roofing system.
Protect Your Home From a Storm
Thunderstorms are more common in Central Florida than anywhere else. There’s no way to prevent such events, but you can prepare for them. Over time, your roofing accumulates damage without you knowing – cracks, chipping, and warps are weak spots that could get you in trouble. A roof inspector will find all issues in your roof and immediately report them so you can take action.
The first thing you need to do is check your homeowners insurance policy. Wind and flood damage are not typically covered by regular homeowner’s insurance policies. It’s best to check your insurance policy before the storm hits and prepare any needed repairs. You should also prepare an emergency kit containing blankets, food, and a flashlight. Ideally, you should take shelter in your basement or another interior room. If you cannot, stay away from the windows and doors.
While protecting your home is a big undertaking, it’s well worth the extra effort. If you already own a home in a storm-prone area, you’re likely protected in some areas. If you don’t, you can start small by focusing on one area at a time. This way, you’ll ensure that you’re making the best preparations for the worst possible situation. In addition to your roof, you should also consider your windows and doors. Don’t forget about your garage door!
Invest in storm-resistant windows and doors. Storms can seriously damage your home and its contents. Ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed. You can also invest in hurricane-resistant shutters. These can help prevent damage due to hurricanes and other storms. However, remember that your main concern should be your own safety and those of your loved ones. In addition, you should prepare a first-aid kit for any injuries you may sustain.
Increase Your Home’s Value
A roofing inspector won’t renovate your roof for you, but having them check your roof’s condition will tell you if your existing roofing should retire and be replaced with new ones. In good condition, your home will sell for greater value, keep your property’s worth from plummeting, and be handed down securely to future generations.
One of the best ways to improve your home’s value is to do some cosmetic renovations. Homebuyers are looking for a comfortable, safe environment to call home. If possible, move personal items from the rooms and clean out cabinets and drawers. Additionally, make sure there is adequate lighting throughout the home. Strategically place mirrors to reflect natural light. Consider how lighting will affect the overall value of your home, and decide which projects will add the most value.
The next step in selling your home is to update its appearance. While there are many costly home renovation projects that you can undertake to boost your home’s value, small changes can greatly improve its appearance. For instance, replacing worn doorknobs can create a new look in any room. Choose a style that matches the overall theme of your home and apply it to bedroom, bathroom, and closet doors. Make sure to update fixtures, as well.
In the meantime, living near a park can also boost the value of your home. People want to be close to parks and recreational facilities, and proximity to parks and playgrounds can enhance your home’s value. Some homeowners choose homes close to dog parks and golf courses, because they have different interests. This type of environment is especially beneficial for people with young children, as well as active adults. You can also look for a neighborhood that offers amenities like tennis courts, playgrounds, and nature trails.
Prevent Insurers From Refusing Coverage
This will only happen if you neglect to maintain and care for your roof. Insurance companies don’t want to risk insuring a home with too many issues, so having an inspection assures them.
There are many ways to prevent an insurer from refusing to provide coverage. You should read the policy and ask questions. Make sure you fully understand what is excluded. If an insurer cannot provide coverage because of a pre-existing condition, they must provide a valid reason. If you are denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition, the insurer must provide you with a valid reason or they will be required to stop paying you.
Another concern is risk selection. With the Affordable Care Act, insurers are no longer allowed to exclude or charge higher premiums for clients with preexisting conditions. However, there may be unintended consequences for the insurance market. For instance, insurers may choose to focus their marketing efforts on health-conscious clients and avoid enrolling people with expensive medical conditions. The result could be higher premiums for all consumers.
The Affordable Care Act has introduced many important changes to the insurance industry. Under the ACA, insurers are prohibited from denying coverage if you have a preexisting condition, and they are also required to pay for certain kinds of medical tests. The goal of these changes is to make the market more fair and affordable. As a result, the ACA has helped improve health coverage for consumers in many ways. By forcing insurers to offer coverage regardless of a pre-existing condition, consumers are protected from unfair insurance practices.
Another major change is the law’s protections for children with preexisting conditions. In the individual market, about 140,000 children with preexisting conditions have coverage, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid help the sick and low-income families get healthcare. Under the new law, insurers can no longer use pre-existing conditions to deny coverage, and the new health law will make these laws more effective.
Local Roofing Inspectors Are More Cost-Effective and Trustworthy
Looking up “roof inspection near me” will show a list of all local roofing inspectors in Central Florida. It’s a small investment you want to make for long-term goals and will save you thousands of dollars from future issues you do not want to face. Additionally, Central Florida roof inspectors know roof conditions specific to the region and will guide you in repairing them.
Frontline Inspections offers comprehensive roofing inspections for your home in Central Florida. Contact us at (407) 223 2928 or via email at info@frontlineinspections.us to learn more.