Florida homes work hard during the summer.
Months of intense heat, high humidity, heavy afternoon rain, and nearly continuous air-conditioning can expose weaknesses that may not have been noticeable earlier in the year. By the time fall arrives in Central Florida, your home has just made it through some of the most demanding conditions it will experience all year.
That makes September and October a great time to take a closer look around your property.
Here are seven areas Florida homeowners should pay attention to as we transition out of summer.
1. Take Another Look at the Roof
You don’t need a hurricane to have roof problems.
Summer thunderstorms, wind, UV exposure, and repeated heating and cooling can take a toll on roofing materials. Small issues can also go unnoticed until enough water finds its way into the attic or living space.
From the ground, homeowners can look for visible concerns such as damaged or missing shingles, displaced roof tiles, deteriorated flashing, debris accumulation, or staining around soffits and fascia.
Inside the attic, moisture staining on roof decking or framing may indicate previous or active water intrusion.
Remember that some roof problems are difficult to identify from the ground. Avoid walking on a roof unless you have the proper equipment, training, and experience to do so safely.
2. Check the Attic for Heat, Moisture and Ventilation Problems
The attic is one of the most overlooked areas of a Florida home.
A properly functioning attic ventilation system helps manage accumulated heat and moisture. Problems can occur when soffit vents are blocked, exhaust vents are inadequate, insulation restricts airflow, or modifications have changed how the attic was originally designed to ventilate.
Homeowners may notice excessive attic temperatures, moisture staining, deteriorated roof decking, compressed or displaced insulation, or bathroom exhaust fans terminating inside the attic.
Bathroom exhaust fans should discharge moisture to the exterior rather than into the attic space.
If the attic feels unusually hot or humid compared with similar homes, further evaluation may be worthwhile.
3. Your Air Conditioner Just Finished Its Hardest Part of the Year
Central Florida air-conditioning systems can operate for long periods throughout the summer.
Fall is a good time to check the HVAC system after months of heavy use.
Look at the air filter, condensate drain, air handler and accessible ductwork. Check around the air handler for water staining or evidence that the condensate system has overflowed.
The exterior condenser should also be reasonably clear of vegetation and debris so airflow is not restricted.
An HVAC system can still cool the house while developing problems, so unusual noises, excessive condensation, short cycling, or difficulty maintaining the thermostat setting shouldn’t automatically be dismissed.
4. Look for Signs of Water Intrusion Around Windows and Doors
Wind-driven rain has a way of finding small openings.
Inspect around exterior windows and doors for deteriorated sealant, cracks, staining, damaged trim, soft materials, or other indications that moisture may be entering the building envelope.
Inside the home, look closely around window corners and beneath windows for discoloration, bubbling paint, swollen trim, or damaged drywall.
A small stain doesn’t necessarily mean there is a major problem, but determining where the moisture originated can help prevent continued damage.
5. Walk Around the Exterior of the Home
One of the simplest home-maintenance inspections costs nothing.
Walk slowly around the entire house.
Look at the exterior walls, stucco, siding, soffits, fascia, roof edges, windows, doors and areas where different building materials meet.
Also look down.
Water should generally drain away from the structure rather than collect against the foundation. Watch for erosion, standing water, clogged drainage areas, damaged gutters, or downspouts discharging where water can accumulate near the home.
Small exterior maintenance issues can become moisture problems when they are ignored.
6. Don’t Forget the Electrical System
Florida’s summer thunderstorms can be hard on electrical equipment.
Take a moment to look at the electrical panel and accessible electrical components. Watch for corrosion, moisture intrusion, damaged equipment, unusual buzzing, overheating, or other visible concerns.
Test accessible GFCI-protected receptacles using their test buttons and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where applicable.
If breakers frequently trip or electrical equipment shows signs of overheating or damage, evaluation by a qualified electrician is recommended.
7. Check the Areas You Normally Ignore
Some of the most important home inspection findings occur in places homeowners rarely look.
Under sinks, around toilets, behind appliances, inside garages, around water heaters and near plumbing equipment are good examples.
Look for active leakage, corrosion, staining, deteriorated sealants, damaged supply lines, unusual odors, or materials that appear swollen from moisture.
Catching a small plumbing leak early can be much less expensive than discovering it after flooring, cabinetry or drywall has been damaged.
Buying a Central Florida Home This Fall?
Fall can also be an excellent time to inspect a home you’re considering purchasing.
After months of Florida heat, humidity and rain, conditions may reveal issues involving roofing, drainage, HVAC performance, moisture intrusion and attic conditions that might be less noticeable during cooler and drier periods.
A professional home inspection is designed to provide an objective visual evaluation of the home’s accessible systems and components at the time of inspection.
Heritage Home Inspections provides residential home inspections throughout Haines City, Davenport, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Poinciana and surrounding areas of Polk, Osceola and Highlands counties.
With decades of construction experience, inspections are performed with an emphasis on providing clients with clear, thorough and unbiased information about the property.