When a Central Florida HOA recently reached out to Bigfoot Roofing for help, they were dealing with a problem no community expects this early in a building’s life: significant roof concerns on 176 townhomes built only five years ago. Our Orlando team completed on-site inspections of all 19 buildings, and the findings were consistent across the community. The roofs were experiencing frequent leaks, rising maintenance costs, and visible structural concerns that required a deeper look.
Most notably, the HOA reported that “the boards in the roof are bowing,” which is a reference to the roof sheathing buckling along the panel seams. This issue can appear alarming to homeowners and board members, especially in a community that is still considered new construction.
Below, we break down the likely causes, what this means for the community, and how HOAs can proactively protect their assets.
Understanding Roof Sheathing Buckling in Newer Homes
In Florida, our strict building codes require proper materials and installation practices, so it is unlikely that the decking itself is the problem. Instead, the sheathing movement is typically caused by installation and moisture-related conditions that develop over time.
Based on our initial assessment, the most probable causes are:
1. Improper Sheathing Spacing During Construction
OSB or plywood roof decking must be installed with a 1/8 inch gap between panels to allow for natural expansion.
When sheathing is installed too tightly, the panels swell with humidity and heat, creating pressure that leads to visible buckling along the seams.
This is one of the most common issues found in large-scale, production-built communities.
2. Inadequate Attic Ventilation
Townhomes are especially vulnerable to ventilation issues due to shared walls and restricted airflow.
Without balanced intake and exhaust ventilation, heat and humidity build up inside the attic, causing the roof decking to absorb moisture and expand beyond its allowable tolerance.
This excess moisture can also shorten the lifespan of shingles, fasteners, and underlayment.
3. Possible Installation or Nailing Issues
Sheathing that is improperly nailed or fastened can shift as it expands and contracts.
If nails are overdriven, underdriven, or spaced incorrectly, the panels lose rigidity and the seams begin to show through the shingles over time.
Why Three-Tab Shingles Accelerate the Problems
The community was roofed with three-tab shingles, which are common in large new-build communities due to their lower cost.
However, in Florida’s climate they do not provide the structural rigidity or wind resistance of architectural shingles. As the roof deck moves, the flat, thin three-tab shingles allow every ridge and buckle to become visible.
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This often leads to:
- Recurring leaks
- Blow-offs during storms
- Higher long-term maintenance costs
- Shortened roof lifespan compared to expectations
Bigfoot Roofing’s Full Forensic Inspection Approach
To ensure the HOA receives accurate, actionable answers, Bigfoot Roofing is completing a comprehensive forensic inspection of:
The entire roofing system:
- Attic spaces
- Ventilation system
- Sheathing connection points
- Moisture levels and airflow patterns
- Areas with known leak activity
This process allows us to determine the exact cause of the buckling and develop a long-term, cost-effective path forward for the community.
Our goal is to help board members make informed decisions that protect both residents and the association’s financial health.
Why HOAs and Property Managers Should Act Early
Roofing issues in attached housing can spread quickly and affect multiple units if not addressed promptly. A proactive inspection can help:
- Prevent costly repairs by solving root-cause problems early
- Reduce insurance claims and ongoing leak response expenses
- Extend the lifespan of the roof system
- Improve energy efficiency and attic performance
- Provide clarity and documentation for future planning
Communities across Florida rely on Bigfoot Roofing for exactly this type of diagnostic work because having the right information at the right time is critical.
Serving HOAs, Property Managers, and Asset Managers Across Florida
If your community is experiencing recurring leaks, wavy or buckling roof lines, ventilation issues, or premature roof aging, our team is here to help.
We provide:
- Professional roof and attic inspections
- Full forensic evaluations
- Reserve study support
- Repair and replacement recommendations
- Project management for community-wide roofing needs
- Proudly serving Central and North Florida
- Bigfoot Roofing & Construction
- Florida Strong. Legendary Results
