A roof certification is a document issued by a licensed roofing contractor after a thorough physical inspection. It states the current age, condition, and estimated number of years of useful life the roof has remaining.
How It Applies to Florida Landlords
Roof certification is arguably one of the most important documents for Florida landlords. Most homeowners insurance companies in Florida will not provide coverage for an older home unless the roof has been certified to be in good condition with several years of life left. Furthermore, when purchasing a property, a bank may require a roof certification to ensure the structure is insurable. Due to the intensity of Florida’s hurricane seasons, frequent inspections and maintenance are essential, and having a certification can significantly lower your annual insurance premiums or prevent your policy from being canceled.
Key Takeaways
- Many Florida insurers demand a recent roof certification for homes over 15-20 years old.
- Schedule regular inspections, especially after major wind events, even if there is no visible damage.
- Use certified, licensed roofing contractors for these inspections to ensure the document is accepted by insurance carriers.
- Keeping records of your roof's age and repairs will make getting future certifications easier.