What is a roof Certification inspection and why do I need one?

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Roof Certification Inspection

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   The number one defense against damage to a home’s interior is a water-tight roof. As a home approaches 20-years of age or older, an insurer wants to know that a home it is issuing a policy on is protected by a roof that’s in good condition and has no visible leaks and or damage.  So your agent will request a “roof inspection,” or sometimes referred to as a “roof certification inspection.” 


   The standard form used in Florida for roof inspections is the Citizens Insurance “Roof Condition Certification Form” (CIT RCF-1 1108).  At Southwind Inspection Services we use this standard form which is accepted by most insurance companies, and requires two photos of the roof to be submitted as part of the report.  

   

   The roof certification must be prepared by a qualified person, such as a Florida-licensed roofer, state licensed building contractor, architect, or engineer. The letter outlines the type of roofing material, overall condition, estimated age and the approximate remaining useful life, as well as any evidence of leaks or other defects that may cause leakage. Such defects may include - Curling, Lifting, Loose, Missing Shingles or Tiles, High Granule Loss along with damaged Roof Vents etc...


   Unfortunately, even if the roof appears to be in good condition, if it is past what is considered an average lifespan for that particular type of roof material, an insurer may request that it be replaced based solely on age. Typically, they want to see a report that shows a minimum of about 3 to 5 years of remaining life. A shingle roof, for example, that is over 20-years old will often require replacement for insurance just based on the age, no matter what its condition.