Roof inspections in Florida fall into several distinct categories — maintenance inspections, insurance compliance inspections, 4-point inspections, and wind mitigation inspections. Each one has a different purpose, scope, and impact on your insurance premium. Here's what each one covers and what to expect when an inspector arrives.
Maintenance inspection. The most common type. A maintenance inspection assesses the overall condition of your roof — shingle wear, flashing integrity, ventilation, attic moisture, and any signs of leaks or storm damage. ProCraft offers free maintenance inspections; we use the results to recommend repair, replacement, or no action. Most maintenance inspections take 45 to 90 minutes including the written report.
Insurance compliance inspection. Required by many Florida homeowner's insurance carriers, especially for roofs over 20 years old. The inspector documents the roof's condition with photos and provides a written report formatted to the carrier's requirements. If the roof passes, your policy can be renewed; if it fails, the carrier typically requires repairs or replacement before renewing. ProCraft provides Florida-carrier-compliant inspection reports as part of every free inspection.
4-point inspection. Required by many Florida insurance carriers for homes over 25 to 40 years old. The inspector evaluates four systems: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. The roof portion documents material, age, condition, and any visible damage. 4-point inspections are typically performed by a separate licensed home inspector but the roofing contractor's findings are often incorporated. Cost ranges from $75 to $150 for the entire 4-point inspection.
Wind mitigation inspection. An optional inspection that can substantially reduce your Florida insurance premium. The wind mitigation inspector documents features that reduce hurricane damage risk: roof shape (hip roofs score better than gable), roof deck attachment (8d nails at 6"/6" spacing scores best), secondary water resistance (peel-and-stick underlayment scores), roof covering attachment, and opening protection (impact windows or shutters). Wind mitigation credits can reduce homeowner's premium 10% to 40% — easily paying back the $75 to $150 inspection cost in the first year.
How to prepare for a roof inspection. Clear access to attic hatches and pull-down stairs. Move vehicles or yard items away from the perimeter of the house. Have your last roof permit, prior inspection reports, or any insurance claim documentation available. Be available to answer questions about the home's history, prior leaks, and any concerns.
Common issues found during Florida roof inspections. Failed pipe boot flashings (the rubber gasket around plumbing vents — typically fails at year 8 to 12 and is one of the most common leak sources). Damaged or missing ridge caps after wind events. Granule loss in older asphalt shingles. Damaged or improperly installed valley flashing. Improper ventilation balance between soffit intake and ridge or roof vent exhaust. Attic moisture from blocked soffits or bath fans venting into the attic instead of through the roof.
What inspection results mean for your insurance premium. Failing a renewal inspection typically results in policy non-renewal — meaning you need a new policy from a different carrier (usually at higher cost) or you need to repair or replace the roof to qualify for renewal. A strong wind mitigation report can reduce premium 10% to 40%. A roof under 5 years old typically qualifies for the strongest premium discounts.
Inspection frequency recommendations. Annual or biennial maintenance inspection for any roof over 10 years old. Immediate post-storm inspection after any named storm or significant wind event. Insurance compliance inspection whenever required by your carrier. Wind mitigation inspection at policy renewal — it pays for itself within months.
Free inspections from ProCraft. ProCraft Renovations provides free maintenance, post-storm, and insurance compliance inspections anywhere in Brevard or Indian River County. Free roof inspection — call (321) 550-2272.
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Licensed Florida roofing contractor #CCC1335912 — Brevard & Indian River County.