Popular for its stunning natural beauty and elegant charm, Longboat Key is a haven for coastal luxury living. The Longboat Key real estate market teems with breathtaking homes in a wide range of styles set amidst white sandy beaches, rich wildlife, and upscale amenities. But, naturally, homes situated along the Florida coast face more roofing problems than most. The saltwater and frequent lightning present unique challenges to Longboat Key homeowners that can damage your roof if left unchecked. Below, we review five of these problems and how you can address them.
UV Damage
You may notice that many homes for sale in Longboat Key have roofs made out of UV-resistant shingles or with reflective coating. This feature, which may seem peculiar outside The Sunshine State, is a deliberate effort to protect roofs from UV radiation. The significantly greater number of sunny days in Longboat Key than in other towns outside Florida means roofs receive more exposure, which accelerates the ageing process and causes structural damage over time. Common forms of damage include fading colour and leaks, and you can best avoid these through reflective coating and UV-resistant roofing.
Shingle Damage
Another common roofing problem Longboat Key homeowners face is shingle damage. The strong and frequent storms, hail, and high winds in the area primarily cause this issue. Over time, these weather elements loosen shingles and either crack or tear them off roofs completely. The impact of shingle damage goes beyond aesthetics. When their structural quality is threatened, roofs become susceptible to water damage and leaks. The best remedy is to hire an expert for regular inspections.
Pooling Water
When water fails to drain properly from the roof, it can pool. This prolonged exposure to water could cause roof damage over time, including leaks, rotting materials, and compromised wiring. Pooling water is common in Florida homes with low-slope or flat roofs or roofs with poor drainage systems. So, naturally, you can prevent this problem by installing tapered insulation systems on your roof or re-doing the design to slope more. It is also crucial that you clean out your gutters often, especially after a storm.
Leaking Roof
A leaking roof is often a symptom or end product of another form of roof damage. However, it is common enough to warrant mention. Leaking roofs usually follow hurricanes, heavy rainstorms, or years of neglect. Detecting and promptly fixing a leaking roof is crucial to the structural integrity of your home and other elements of your property, such as the walls and wiring. As a homeowner in Longboat Key, pay extra attention to signs of a leak, like blistered paint on the walls or ceiling, damp spots, and water stains. And unless you are an expert, hire a contractor to prepare any leaking roofs.
Explore the Florida Real Estate Market with Kathy Callahan
As you are figuring out how to buy a home in Longboat Key, damaged roofs are probably far from your list of priorities. After all, you have mortgages, loans, budgets, and schools to think of. Not to worry, however. Finding a home you will love in Longboat Key is as easy as hiring an expert agent like Kathy Callahan. Cathy has an intimate understanding of the local market and years of experience in real estate. Contact her today to discuss what you are looking for in a Longboat Key home.
