In order to renew homeowners insurance for older Florida homes, Citizens along with most other Insurance Companies are now requiring either a Roof Condition Certification (CIT RCF-1 09 13) or proof of roof replacement. This requirement is based on the following criteria:

This requirement is based on the following criteria:

If there is no finalized building permit for the roof replacement on file, a Roof Condition Certification inspection will be required upon renewal to avoid denial of homeowners insurance coverage.

For homeowners’ insurance coverage, all roofs must be in good condition with no signs of damage such as curled or missing shingles or visible leaks. Furthermore, all roofs must have at least five (5) years of useful life remaining.

By confirming that your roof is in good condition, a roof certification inspection gives you peace of mind. It can also help you avoid issues with your homeowner’s insurance policy, such as cancellation or rate increases.

Unlike a standard roof inspection, a roof certification provides formal documentation of the roof’s condition and any necessary repairs. This certification is an important record of your roof’s integrity and stability, which are essential for determining your home’s insurability.

A roof certification is a document that confirms a licensed home inspector in Florida has inspected your roof. This official document certifies that the roof is in good condition and free of substantial flaws. It also certifies the roof will last for the duration specified in the certificate.

When requested by your insurance company

In today’s volatile homeowners insurance climate. Insurance companies in Florida are reviewing the insurability of their customers homes by requiring a Roof Certification Inspection.

When buying a House

When home buyers evaluate a property, the roof is usually their biggest concern because replacing it is one of the most expensive home improvement/repair projects. The last thing you want to deal with after buying a house is having to replace the roof. A roof certification inspection can help verify that you won’t need to replace the roof right after you move in.

When selling a House

When preparing to sell your home, the buyer or their realtor will most likely request a home inspection. You’re more likely to close the sale if you can provide a roof certification inspection report documenting the roof’s condition.

After a Hurricane

Very often an insurance company may request a roof certification inspection after a hurricane event. Requiring a roof certification to determine whether to maintain your insurance policy.

When updating Your Homeowner’s Insurance

Once your roof reaches 20 years of age, insurance companies pay more attention to its condition, especially in Florida where hurricanes are a significant threat. They may request a roof certification for older or outdated roofs.

A roof certification includes all the details that a buyer, insurance adjuster, or other agency needs to evaluate the condition of the roof and any issues you, the homeowner, should address. The standardized document covers:

• Owner’s name and property address
• Details of any damage or issues
• Date of inspection
• Projected remaining life of the roof
• Conditions of the inspection
• Special instructions from the agent
• Roof photos
• Additional comments or observations
• A checklist of inspected roof components
• Signatures of licensed inspectors

To correctly fill out the certification document, a roofing inspector must conduct a thorough inspection of the roof, both exterior and interior (attic area). This inspection is designed to detect any current issues and assess how much longer the roof will last. Be sure to have your attic access clear of obstructions for the inspector at the time of your roof certification inspection. The inspector will also either walk on or drone inspect the entire roof system.

Age of the Roof

The primary objective of a Roof Certification Inspection is the Age of the Roof. Older roofs are at a greater risk during severe weather, and this risk is even higher in coastal regions of Florida. Florida’s environment is tough on roofs and tends to age them more rapidly. Regardless of your roof’s actual age, insurance companies will base coverage on the estimated age and estimated remaining life of the roof. Coverage must be granted provided your roof has a minimum certified remaining life of 5 years or more.

Proper Installation and Maintenance

Visible Signs of Internal and External Damage

Some roof damage is immediately visible, but other issues may be harder to detect. Sunset Side Inspections Roof Certification Inspectors have been trained and certified in how to thoroughly inspect the entire roof system uncovering even the most hard to detect damage.