Hurricane Milton was a close call for Southwest Florida. Although there were widespread power outages and downed tree limbs, the strongest winds stayed just offshore. Coastal areas experienced storm surge flooding, but Milton didn’t dump the foot of rainfall that some weather forecasters were predicting.
Many Southwest Floridians breathed a sigh of relief after Milton. Unfortunately, just because property owners didn’t notice any structural damage doesn’t mean businesses and homes emerged unscathed.
Milton was unique in that rainfall stopped abruptly halfway through the storm, and the hurricane was effectively the end of rainy season. That’s why so many plants died and trees lost their leaves – Milton churned up and spit out saltwater across Southwest Florida, and there was no rainfall to wash it away.
That sudden start to dry season also meant the most obvious sign of roof damage – leaks – didn’t present themselves. In the months ahead, rain showers were few and far between. That extended dry period gave any areas that experienced water intrusion an opportunity to dry out. Rain showers during dry season are brief, so if roof decking, rafters or insulation got wet, it could dry out before building occupants notice a wet spot on the ceiling, which is usually the first visible indication of a roof leak. It takes time for water intrusion to rot wood and roofing materials, penetrate insulation and, finally, the ceiling. At that point, what could have been a small repair turns into a costly project.
The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends a roof inspection twice a year for commercial and residential buildings. In Southwest Florida, property managers and property owners should schedule a roof inspection at specific times of the year:
- Before rainy season begins: ideally in April or May
- After rainy season ends: ideally in November or December
The first inspection ensures a roof is ready for what’s to come – intense UV rays, scorching heat, torrential downpours and, if there is a tropical storm or hurricane, high winds and flying debris. The second roof inspection is equivalent to a wellness check that evaluates how a roof fared during the summer.
Even though rainy season officially began May 15, it’s not too late to schedule that first inspection.
A good roof protects whatever is inside – inventory, computer equipment, electronics, furniture and, the most important asset of all, people.
