The difference between a roof that lasts 15 years and one that lasts 25+ years in Florida usually comes down to one thing: maintenance. Florida's combination of intense UV, salt air, humidity, tropical storms, and thermal cycling is the harshest environment for roofing materials in the continental US. Regular maintenance catches small issues before they become expensive emergencies.
Florida Roof Maintenance Calendar
Spring (March-May): Pre-Storm Season Prep
This is your most important maintenance window. Hurricane season starts June 1.
- Professional inspection: Schedule an annual professional roof inspection in spring. This gives you time to address issues before storm season.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Remove debris from winter. Clogged gutters cause water backup under shingles and fascia rot.
- Check flashing: Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall transitions. Look for rust, gaps, or lifted edges.
- Trim trees: Cut back branches within 6 feet of the roof. Overhanging branches drop debris and become projectiles in storms.
- Check attic ventilation: Ensure soffit and ridge vents are clear and functioning before summer heat arrives.
- Inspect sealants and caulking: Florida sun degrades sealants faster than northern climates. Reapply as needed around penetrations.
Summer (June-August): Storm Season Monitoring
- Post-storm checks: After any significant storm, visually inspect your roof from the ground. Look for missing or displaced shingles, debris accumulation, and new stains on ceilings inside.
- Algae monitoring: Florida's humid summers accelerate algae growth. Black streaks on north-facing slopes are algae, not dirt. Treatment with zinc or copper strips can prevent spread.
- Attic temperature check: On a hot day, check your attic temperature. Above 130°F suggests ventilation problems. Ideal: 10-15°F above outdoor temperature.
- Gutter maintenance: Florida's afternoon thunderstorms dump massive volumes of water. Ensure gutters handle the flow. Look for overflow points.
Fall (September-November): Post-Storm Assessment
- Post-hurricane season inspection: Even if no major storms hit, cumulative wear from summer storms adds up. Do a thorough visual check.
- Clean gutters again: Fall debris plus summer storm deposits mean gutters need clearing.
- Check for leaks: Run water over suspected weak points with a garden hose while someone watches from inside the attic.
- Schedule any needed repairs: Fall is the best time for non-emergency roof work. Contractors are less busy than spring (pre-storm rush) and demand-heavy post-storm periods.
Winter (December-February): Low Season Maintenance
- Inspect after cold snaps: Temperature swings cause thermal expansion and contraction that can crack sealants and shift flashing.
- Check attic for condensation: Cool nights and warm days can create moisture in poorly ventilated attics.
- Plan major projects: Winter is the slowest season for roofers. Best pricing and availability for roof replacements.
DIY Maintenance Tasks
These are safe to do yourself (from ground level or a stable ladder at the gutterline):
- Gutter cleaning and flushing (quarterly minimum)
- Visual inspection from ground level after storms
- Tree trimming away from the roof
- Clearing debris from roof valleys (if safely accessible)
- Checking attic for leaks, moisture, mold, or pests
- Monitoring ceiling stains inside the home
- Clearing drainage around the foundation
Tasks That Require a Professional
- Walking on the roof (risk of personal injury AND roof damage from improper walking)
- Replacing shingles, tiles, or flashing
- Applying roof coatings or sealants
- Any work near power lines
- Structural assessments
- Ventilation modifications
- Anything requiring a permit
Maintenance by Roof Type
Asphalt Shingles
- Inspect for granule loss (check gutters for excessive granules after rain)
- Look for curling, cracking, or buckling shingles
- Check for algae streaks (common on north-facing slopes in Pinellas)
- Ensure no exposed nail heads from popped nails
- Annual professional inspection recommended
Tile Roofs
- Check for cracked, chipped, or displaced tiles
- Inspect underlayment condition (tiles last 50+ years but underlayment needs replacement at 20-25)
- Never walk on tile roofs. Tiles crack under foot pressure. Professionals use foam boards.
- Check mortar at ridgelines and hips
- Look for moss or vegetation growth between tiles
Metal Roofs
- Inspect for scratches in the coating (touch up to prevent rust, especially on steel)
- Check seam sealants and fastener conditions
- Look for dents from hail or debris impacts
- Ensure expansion joints are functioning (metal expands significantly in Florida heat)
- Clean debris from valleys and transitions
Flat/Low-Slope (TPO, EPDM)
- Check for ponding water (should drain within 48 hours)
- Inspect seams and laps for separation
- Look for punctures, blisters, or exposed substrate
- Clear drains and scuppers (monthly during rainy season)
- Semi-annual professional inspection recommended for commercial properties
Warning Signs You Can't Ignore
These require immediate professional attention:
- Active leaks: Any water entering your home through the ceiling needs immediate investigation
- Sagging roof deck: Visible sag from inside the attic or outside indicates structural issues
- Daylight through the roof: If you can see light from inside your attic, water can get in
- Major granule loss: Bare spots on shingles mean UV protection is gone. Failure is accelerated.
- Mold in attic: Indicates chronic moisture intrusion or severe ventilation failure
- Multiple missing shingles: Exposes underlayment to UV, which degrades it rapidly
Schedule a Maintenance Inspection
Our free roof inspection covers every item on this maintenance checklist. We inspect your roofing, flashing, ventilation, gutters, and attic condition, then provide a written report with prioritized recommendations. Available throughout St. Petersburg,Clearwater, and all of Pinellas County.