Starting October 1st, new Florida law went into effect to increase the building code requirements for roof replacements. The new protections require:
- roof deck attachments and fasteners must be strengthened or corrected.
- secondary water barriers are required.
- if the insured value of the house is $300,000 and is in a coastal wind-borne debris region, roof to wall connections must be enhanced.
- Insurance discounts will vary based on where the home is located
What could this mean to you, the consumer? Additional costs to replace your roof. The Real Estate Webmasters predict the costs could rise 25%.
If you are purchasing a home, and it needs a new roof, get an estimate. You may go with the amount they offer, and not realize they are not taking the new law into consideration. Also consider the new law when making an offer on a house that has a roof over 10 years old.
If you are a seller, make sure that your roof replacement meets the new requirements---these changes will be checked by home inspectors.
