[Tvflguy]

Our TV designer home is 14 years old. Shingles look just fine, from the ground.

Would be good to get an unbiased opinion of our current roof condition. Unbiased meaning not necessarily from a roofing company who probably wants to sell a job... Don't really need that pressure or bias.

Any advice? ....in preparation for a discussion with our home insurance policy, who may want to raise rates simply on roof age... And FYI, even if we are 2+ years out from needing replacement, would be good to know and plan ahead...

TIA

[Stu from NYC]

On a regular basis people knock on our door and they graciously want to fly a drone overhead to check on our roof.

Our home is about 15 years old and most roofs in our village have been replaced as required by insurance company.

So far Allstate has not required us to replace it and figure we are paying more for insurance but leaving well enough alone

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

Our TV designer home is 14 years old. Shingles look just fine, from the ground.

Would be good to get an unbiased opinion of our current roof condition. Unbiased meaning not necessarily from a roofing company who probably wants to sell a job... Don't really need that pressure or bias.

Any advice? ....in preparation for a discussion with our home insurance policy, who may want to raise rates simply on roof age... And FYI, even if we are 2+ years out from needing replacement, would be good to know and plan ahead...

TIA

Call a home inspector for an unbiased opinion.

[JohnN]

Tower Hill is our insurance via Baldwin (formerly The VIllages insurance brokers). They do not require a replacement at 15 years.
Sky Light Roofing provides free inspections and they've stated (I forget the actual numbers, the thread is back there somewhere) that quite a few of their inspections do not require a roof replacement. They seem like an honest bunch

[SkylightRoofing]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

Our TV designer home is 14 years old. Shingles look just fine, from the ground.

Would be good to get an unbiased opinion of our current roof condition. Unbiased meaning not necessarily from a roofing company who probably wants to sell a job... Don't really need that pressure or bias.

Any advice? ....in preparation for a discussion with our home insurance policy, who may want to raise rates simply on roof age... And FYI, even if we are 2+ years out from needing replacement, would be good to know and plan ahead...

TIA

Skylight Roofing Villages does not solicit or do any high-pressure roof sales. We are family owned and operated and have been for over 20 years here locally. Please feel comfortable calling us at 352-552-4766 or 888-520-0363 and you will get an honest response with the office, and Brent will be out to inspect and provide only clear information for you to digest. Our goal is to make your roof last as long as possible, not to push roof sales.

Overview and Insights:

• Family and Villages owned business
• Free estimates with zero sales pressure
• No subcontractors
• 12-OSHA10 Crews/Supervisors.
• Full FL CGC / CCC licensed & displayed on all our equipment.
• Workmans Comp
• County Permits always applied for with 3-Inspections on each installation.
• Photo and Video log on every install
• Everyone receives “Top Grade” Architectural Shingle (No Tier-Selling)
• ARC Documents conveniently managed
• Platinum Preferred FL Contractor Roofing Installation In 2017-2026

Trusted Roofing Company in The Villages, FL | Skylight

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Skylight Roofing Villages FL 10 - Nextdoor Skylight Roofing Villages FL - The Villages, FL - Nextdoor

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[Velvet]

I had d’Angelo home inspector do everything in the house. I got everything fixed roof was in good condition at age 14 etc. 352-250-7818 last time they were quite busy.

[Topspinmo]

My roof was 22 years old and NOTHING wrong with it, sure roofing scams said wind damage sand lost even thought there was little sand in eves. Then, the reverse insurance Fraud insurance required roofs over 10 years old to be replace or you couldn’t get insurance or if insurer it would OUTRAGEOUS. So I had to have my perfectly good roof replaced JUST To GET INSURANCE.

IMO Now you’re question? how can I tell if my roof good? Well, first question would is it leaking? If don’t see any leaks look at underside in attic when raining, you should see no moisture/drips except where rain might blow in around vents, (mine has vent caps on top to release heat from attic.)

IMO (worth nothing) Then are there shingles missing or buckling up, are the eves full sand? Some sand normal. If you answer no to all those question do yourself favor and forget about paying someone to tell you if good or not, especially if they recommend roofer? I don’t trust 90% of roofers or inspectors, some IMO run scams together? But, if it makes you feel good go ahead get replaced. BUT, that’s no guarantee it won’t leak after new roof put down as my neighbor found out.

[Michael G.]

I'm guessing with the economy the way it is right now, Insurance Companies are backing off
on roof replacements after so many years paid for by the house owner.
Same with the age of water heaters and HVAC systems.

Just my guess.

[Mrmean58]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

Our TV designer home is 14 years old. Shingles look just fine, from the ground.

Would be good to get an unbiased opinion of our current roof condition. Unbiased meaning not necessarily from a roofing company who probably wants to sell a job... Don't really need that pressure or bias.

Any advice? ....in preparation for a discussion with our home insurance policy, who may want to raise rates simply on roof age... And FYI, even if we are 2+ years out from needing replacement, would be good to know and plan ahead...

TIA

Yes. And not from social media.

[Malsua]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

Our TV designer home is 14 years old. Shingles look just fine, from the ground.

Would be good to get an unbiased opinion of our current roof condition. Unbiased meaning not necessarily from a roofing company who probably wants to sell a job... Don't really need that pressure or bias.

Any advice? ....in preparation for a discussion with our home insurance policy, who may want to raise rates simply on roof age... And FYI, even if we are 2+ years out from needing replacement, would be good to know and plan ahead...

TIA

Most roofs are just fine at 14 years, however, many/most insurance companies won't write a new policy on a 15+ year old roof. I know of two who will write a policy on a 20yo roof. They cannot cancel your policy based entirely on roof age.

If you are planning to sell, you should expect to have to replace it. I can think of no homes with roofs of that age that get sold without some sort of replacement plan. Sometimes it's a credit, or other deal.

I am a licensed and active home inspector, I am roofs practically every day. I inspected around 200 roofs last year alone. I have been on a 13yo roof that had so much loose granule, it was difficult to safely walk on and this was a standard roof here in TV. They aren't very steep. By the same token, I was on an 18yo roof recently that was just fine. The shingles were maybe a little stiff/brittle, but otherwise not an issue.

I inspected a bunch of roofs after the 2024 hurricanes and most were just fine, some were a mess though. My suggestion is that if you're concerned, get it inspected.

From personal experience, my rental property had a 2004 roof when we bought it in 2019. When we re-roofed in anticipation of selling it in 2024, the insurance went down $650ish. My point is that they had been raising our rates every year as the roof got older. Part of that was the big insurance inflation in the last few years, but some was roof age.

[cwmmfink]

A few years ago my insurance company required an independent inspection of my 15 year old roof. I hired Target Home Inspections at a cost of $85. They took numerous photos using a drone and then inspected my attic to ensure construction of the roof met code. Within an hour they sent the report to my insurance company and I remain insured to this day.

[SaucyJim]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Our home is about 15 years old and most roofs in our village have been replaced as required by insurance company.

This is a blanket statement. I ran it by my AI buddy:

--- begin AI buddy output ---

Florida law gives homeowners some protection here. For a roof that is 15 years old or older, the insurer must allow you to obtain an inspection from an authorized inspector before requiring replacement as a condition of issuing or renewing coverage. If that inspection shows the roof has at least 5 years of useful life remaining, the insurer generally cannot refuse or non-renew the policy solely because of the roof's age.

What this means in practice:

Roof under 15 years old: They generally cannot deny or non-renew solely because of age.
Roof 15+ years old: They can require an inspection.
Inspection says 5+ years of life remain: Age alone should not force replacement.
Inspection finds deterioration or less than 5 years remaining: The insurer may require replacement, limit coverage, or decline renewal depending on their underwriting rules.

The catch is that insurers can still make decisions based on condition, not just age. Some Florida carriers are very aggressive with older roofs, especially asphalt shingle roofs, and may request inspections, certifications, or other documentation

--- end AI buddy ---

[SaucyJim]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Call a home inspector for an unbiased opinion.

Amen. Do not go to carpenter to see if you need to be nailed. LOL!!

[Malsua]

Originally Posted by cwmmfink

They took numerous photos using a drone and then inspected my attic to ensure construction of the roof met code.

I have walked on so many roofs I can pretty much tell you the condition of it within 3 steps off the ladder. The roof pitch on most homes here in TV are shallow, 6/12 or less and even the few 12/12 I have been on have shallow areas to assess the shingles.

I am of the opinion that you cannot properly inspect an asphalt shingle roof properly without walking on it. Sometimes there are no options, such as super steep, inaccessible 2nd/3rd stories or tiles, there is no snow here, so that's not an issue. If they immediately grab a drone and not a ladder, you're not getting a good inspection. Sorry, just the way it is. I do think the underside needs inspection too, so that was good, just keep in mind they are not the authority holding jurisdiction. They cannot inspect "to code". They can inspect and suggest that it appears to be to code, but any inspector who isn't with the city/town/county who tells you it's approved to code, is on shaky ground. It's out of their lane and they can get sued out of business if they are wrong and shut down by the DBPR.

[SkylightRoofing]

When Villagers do their homework, they will understand that here in Florida..and more specifically The Villages, our homes were put up with basic “builder grade materials”.

This is the largest retirement community on the planet. There are many opinions on every social platform, but all the comments boil down to a few facts (I live here as a contractor, licensed FL adjuster (independent), and a FL state licensed inspector):

• When homes were built many years ago, they installed them with building codes applicable at that time and asphalt laminate that was as economical as possible (as would any property development company this large).

• They used only passive venting. No power and a limited as possible to meet county requirements. Whether a Villa, Single-Family, or Premier property…these were built as efficient and entry-level as possible. Basically, these roofs have not been breathing very well with limited ventilation and perforated soffits that only move so much air as we live close to one another. Hot exterior and hot attic interior drys out laminate twice as fast.

• People knocking on doors and soliciting “3rd degree fraud” for scam insurance fraud have some people getting “ear tickled” by the idea, but not understanding the lie and thus carriers are either dropping us after a certain roof age or tripling-premiums. Yes, this is happening daily. I speak to Villagers 5-6 days a week and I hear the same story every few hours. It’s because these things can’t last and regulations shift. Nothing is free.

If you want an honest inspection on your roof and without being “sold, lied to, or fear of roof manipulation”…just read what your neighbors are saying about SkyLight Roofing Villages.

Family owned for over 20 years. Read the reviews right here on TOTV on the SkyLight Roofing Profile. Updated weekly for your personal review.

Our job is to not sell roofs, it’s to see how long we can make them last. We have always believed in this mission statement. We will never touch a roof (mechanization) nor will we share false data with our neighbors. And yes, a roof has to be walked (gingerly) so you know the current feel of the decking. No drone can do this. It’s just a ploy to draw you into a circus tent and to push roof sales. Most of the solicitors have never seen a hammer. Never trust a solicitor Villagers.

We wish you all the best with your research. We are here for you every day.

352-552-4766 / 888-520-9363