Why Older Roofs Are Killing Home Sales in South Florida

In South Florida’s real estate market, an aging roof is one of the most common—and least understood—reasons home sales fail.

At Certified Inspectors, we routinely inspect homes across Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County that are structurally sound, well-maintained, and legally sellable—yet still unable to close. The reason is almost always the same: the roof does not meet current Florida insurance underwriting standards.

If your roof is approaching 15 years old, or was replaced prior to modern permitting and inspection requirements, this article explains why it can derail a transaction—and how a proper Roof Inspection or Four Point Inspection can prevent that outcome.

Many homeowners relocating from other states are surprised to learn that in Florida, insurance carriers effectively control whether a home sale can close.

Unlike other states where a roof is evaluated mainly for leaks or visible damage, Florida insurers focus on:

• Roof age
• Roof covering type
• Permit history
• Remaining useful life as stated on a Four Point Inspection

Once a roof—particularly an asphalt shingle roof—approaches 15 years of age, many carriers will:

• Decline coverage entirely, or
• Offer premiums so high that the buyer no longer qualifies for financing

No loan means no closing, regardless of price reductions or seller credits.

One of the most damaging findings during a pre-listing roof inspection is an open or expired permit.

This often occurs when:

• A contractor failed to schedule final inspections
• A permit was never properly closed with the city or county
• Records are missing or inconsistent across municipalities
• When uncovered during a sale, these issues can require:
• A licensed engineer’s certification
• New permits
• Extended review timelines with local building departments

In Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, this can delay closings by weeks or months.

In deed-restricted communities, roofing materials and colors often require written HOA approval before installation.

During inspections, we frequently uncover: 

• Missing architectural approvals
• Unresolved HOA violations
• Roofing installations that technically violate community rules

These issues may not surface until after a contract is signed, creating legal exposure and serious closing delays.

3. Why Roof Credits Rarely Work in Florida

Offering a credit at closing instead of replacing an older roof is a common strategy—but in Florida, it usually fails.

Here’s why:

• Insurance must be active before or at closing
• Insurance companies rely heavily on the Four Point Inspection
• If the roof fails the inspection, coverage is denied
• •Without insurance, the lender will not close

A credit cannot fix an uninsurable roof.

A Four Point Inspection evaluates:

1. Roof
2. Electrical
3. Plumbing
4. HVAC

From an insurance perspective, the roof is the most critical system.

Insurers often require confirmation that the roof has:

• No active leaks
• Acceptable installation and condition
• Documented remaining useful life, typically 3–5 years minimum

At Certified Inspectors, we perform pre-listing Four Point Inspections so sellers can identify and address issues before buyers and insurance carriers get involved.

When roof issues are discovered before listing, sellers gain:

• Control over repair timing
• Ability to obtain competitive pricing
• Reduced risk of failed contracts
• Stronger negotiating position

Waiting until the buyer’s inspection often leads to rushed decisions, price concessions, or canceled deals.

Certified Inspectors provides:

• Roof Inspections
• Four Point Insurance Inspections
• Pre-listing inspections for sellers
• Buyer inspections tied to insurance requirements

We understand how Florida insurance carriers interpret inspection reports—and how small documentation issues can have major financial consequences.

Many insurance carriers begin flagging asphalt shingle roofs around 15 years old. Some may require replacement sooner depending on condition, installation, and inspection findings.

A Four Point Inspection is primarily used by insurance companies to assess risk before issuing or renewing a policy. It is commonly required for homes over a certain age.

Yes. Even if a roof appears functional, insurers may deny coverage based on age, material type, or remaining useful life documented in the inspection.

No. Insurance must be in place before closing. If the roof fails the Four Point Inspection, a credit does not resolve the insurability issue.

Yes. A pre-listing roof inspection allows sellers to identify issues early and avoid last-minute delays, renegotiations, or failed contracts.

Inspectors note visible issues and documentation provided, but permit problems often surface during underwriting or title review. Pre-listing diligence is critical.

If you’re planning to sell—or struggling with insurance requirements—don’t wait for a failed contract to discover roof issues.

👉 Schedule a Roof Inspection or Four Point Inspection with Certified Inspectors

🌐 https://www.certifiedinspectors.us

📍 Serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties