5 Signs Your Roof May Need Attention Before Hurricane Season

Florida's weather is hard on roofs. Here are five warning signs every Central Florida homeowner should know how to spot from the ground.

Florida's heat, humidity, and storm season take a toll on your roof faster than most homeowners realize. As a licensed home inspector and general contractor, I see the same preventable issues over and over. Here are five signs worth a closer look.

1. Missing or cracked shingles

After a storm, walk your property and look for shingle granules in the gutters or at the downspouts. Granule loss exposes the asphalt underneath and shortens the roof's life.

2. Stains on interior ceilings

Brown or yellow stains on upper-floor ceilings usually mean a slow roof leak — not condensation. These leaks can travel along rafters before they show, so the stain is rarely directly under the hole.

3. Sagging roof deck

From the street, a healthy roof line should be straight. Any visible dip or wave in the decking suggests moisture has softened the plywood underneath.

4. Lifted flashing around vents and chimneys

Flashing is the metal that seals the joints. When the sealant dries out in the Florida sun, flashing lifts and water sneaks in beneath it.

5. Age over 15 years

Most asphalt shingle roofs in Central Florida last 15–20 years. If yours is in that range, a professional inspection is cheap insurance before storm season.

When to call a professional

If you spot any of these, don't wait for the next downpour. A licensed inspector can document the condition and help you decide whether a repair or replacement makes sense. Schedule a roof-focused evaluation as part of your next home inspection.