Good roofs don’t leak all the time, but all roofs will leak at some point in time.
It may come in year five or year 25, but undoubtedly, water will try to find its way inside a building.
Today’s roofing materials generally hold up well in all elements and are virtually free from manufacturer defects, and if you use a licensed roofing contractor for installation, workmanship shouldn’t be an issue, either. While investigating and repairing leaks, roofing teams at Lloyd Roofing have pinpointed three primary reasons why roofs leak in Southwest Florida.
Acts of God
A roof is completely exposed to the elements, and Southwest Florida’s weather can be brutal – excessive heat, strong UV rays, heavy rain and wild temperature swings. Hurricanes, tropical storms and even afternoon thunderstorms can send debris flying into a roof or clogging gutters.
An article in Roofing Contractor magazine noted that the frequency of insurance claims for roof damage has skyrocketed. Since 2020, more than two dozen tropical storms, hurricanes and remnants have impacted Florida. It’s no surprise that property insurance rates, especially for commercial properties, have risen substantially over the past decade.
Negligence
Property owners recognize the importance of taking care of their assets. A roof, though, is oftentimes out of sight, out of mind.
Negligence can include allowing tree branches to make contact with a roof. Even gentle breezes can rub branches, limbs and palm fronds onto a roof. Over time, that constant rubbing can destroy roofing materials, especially single-ply or asphaltic membranes as well as shingles.
Additionally, contractors often need access to a roof to service or repair satellite dishes, HVAC units, exhaust fans and dryer vents. Although contractors may be careful while working, negligence comes into play when they inadvertently drop a hammer and break a tile, leave sharp screws and metal scraps that cause punctures or drag heavy equipment across the surface of a roof, tearing the membrane.
Lack of maintenance
Roofs should be maintained like vehicles. Regular tune-ups keep things operating at optimal levels.
Twigs and leaves can act as a dam that clogs gutters and downspouts. This causes rainfall to pool up on a roof, and ponding of water can hasten material decay. In Florida, roofs that are well maintained will prevent growth of mold, mildew and algae that can grow on top, under and around roofing materials. Roofs heat up quickly in the afternoon, but cool just as quickly when it rains. This causes metal on copings, flashings and other parts to expand and contract, a process that can loosen screws.
Recommendation: Property owners and property managers shouldn’t wait to accept the inevitable roof leak. Just like medical experts recommend annual physicals for individuals of all ages, even if they feel just fine, roofing experts recommend at least one inspection each year by a licensed roofing contractor. It’s common practice for many commercial buildings to schedule two inspections annually: one before rainy season to catch any issues or concerns before they cause a problem and the other after the end of rainy season and hurricane season to allow roofers to complete any minor fixes caused by wind, heat and rain.
Well-maintained roofs can last 20 to 25 years, or more. Roof replacements are expensive, and the best way to prolong the life of a roof is by taking care of it… much like you would a car or yourself.
