In South Florida, the strong rain and wind storms during hurricane season will put each and every roof to the test. For this reason, a well-maintained roof is crucial for the structural integrity and overall safety. Because of our climate, one of the most important aspects of roof maintenance is waterproofing. Leaking roofs can lead to significant damage, including mold growth, structural issues, and costly repairs down the line.
With hurricane season right around the corner, ABC Roofing Corp is giving you a closer look and providing you with some essential waterproofing roof tips for 2025.
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
Some people might mistakenly think that waterproofing their roof is a DIY job; an easy undertaking through which they can save themselves a few dollars. In reality, roofing is a technically involved job where workers build up years of experience in the trade. There are safety concerns, technical know-how, as well as regulatory requirements. South Florida’s regulatory requirements are even more strict, and therefore, you need to consult a reputable local roofer with the experience and expertise to assist in waterproofing your roof.
A local roofing contractor understands the climate and conditions that each roof will need to withstand. Attempting to work on a roof yourself could result in serious injury and even death, so please, leave it to the professionals.
How To Choose The Right Waterproofing Materials For Your Roof
Once you have chosen the right contractor for the job, you’ll need to pick the materials that will best suit your roof waterproofing project. There are several important factors that you need to consider when making the decision, and your roofer should be able to help you choose.
Type of Roof
Most roofs in South Florida are sloped roofs, but there are also flat roofs that may need attention. They can provide the ideal patio or garden space for homeowners to make the most of the abundant sunshine. As you can imagine, different types of roofing will benefit from different types of waterproofing materials.
Flat Roofs
As the name suggests, flat roofs have little or no slope to them. They tend to leak over time if you don’t have competent roofers or choose the wrong membrane for the situation.
Some popular options for flat roof systems include:
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) – this membrane is a specialized rubber membrane that has specifically been developed for its longevity.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) – This membrane is light and reflective and helps to reduce the amount of heat generated by the sun.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – PVC is a strong and versatile membrane that is widely available.
Modified Bitumen – This is one of the more cost-effective options and involves applying multiple layers of asphalt-based materials.
Sloped Roofs
In South Florida, sloped roofs are strictly regulated because of the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). For this reason, the most important waterproofing option is the underlayment that’s used on the roof deck or sheath.
This wooden board layer, usually plywood or tongue & groove, is covered with waterproof materials that protect against wind, dust, debris, and water infiltration. Some roof underlayments are purely mopped on layers of heated bitumen, while others are self-adhering and may be combined with mechanically attached base sheets.
With sloped roofs, you have a lot of options to choose from for the aesthetic look of your home. Here are a few of the most popular choices for South Florida homeowners.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a staple option to cover your roof. They’re made from a modified bitumen and are the budget-friendly option for roof tiles. They come in many different colors and variations and are easy to install.
Metal Roofing
Standing seam metal roofs are extremely durable and will seriously enhance your home’s curb appeal. Metal roofs are one of the costlier options, but they could very well be the last roof that you will ever need to put on your home.
Tile Roofing
Tiled roofs can be very aesthetically pleasing and come in a vast array of options in terms of shape, finish, and color. Cement tiles and clay tiles are the most popular among the options and are very popular in South Florida, as they can give a unique sense of style to your roof.
Climate
We all know what the climate is like in South Florida. It’s hot, and it’s humid! With that in mind, you need to choose the most waterproof option possible within your budget and according to what your roofing contractor suggests. If you have less shade on your home a more reflective covering is desirable to reduce the amount of heat absorption through the roof.
Our Tips For Long-Lasting Protection
We’ve drawn on our extensive industry knowledge to come up with what we think are the most essential tips that will help you waterproof your roof for the longest possible protection.
Conduct a Roof Inspection
The best place to start is to contact a reputable local roofing company and get them to inspect the current state of your roof. They know what red flags to look for and the regulatory requirements. They will inspect your roof for signs of water leaks by looking for water stains, discoloration, or mold growth.
Next, your roofer will assess if there is any visible damage, which could include cracking, punctures, and broken or missing tiles and shingles. After that, they will remove debris such as leaves, twigs, branches, dirt, and moss, which all clog up the drain pipes and gutters and can cause pooling and eventual leaks.
Lastly, the inspection will pay close attention to the flashing that is around vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations to ensure a watertight seal.
Regular Roofing Maintenance
Regular roof maintenance is essential to prolong the life of your waterproofing and prevent future problems. This can be done just by a few small steps that will add huge value:
- If you can see your roof safely from the yard, conduct a preliminary visual inspection, see if there are any areas of damage or signs of wear and tear.
- Regularly clean your gutters and downpipes to ensure that they are free of blockages and can drain your roof effectively.
- From time to time, trim any overhanging branches that could damage your roof during storms.
- If you happen to spot anything out of the ordinary, act quickly, contact a professional roofer to nip any issues in the bud.
Use High-Quality Sealants
Make sure your roofer is using the best-in-class sealants when sealing flashing and other areas where joins occur. Ensuring that the best sealants are used will provide you with the best water-proofed roof possible.
South Florida Waterproofing Professionals: ABC Roofing Corp
If you are looking to get started on a waterproofing project for your roof, then you need to look no further. With over 30 years of experience in the South Florida area, ABC Roofing Corp. has grown with the roofing technologies available, and we’re as passionate as ever to serve our customers with quality workmanship and integrity. To get a free roofing quote to waterproof your home, give us a call today at 954-344-4622.
