Florida Roofing FAQ

When comparing all of your estimates, pay special attention to the materials used and the labor costs. Make sure your contractor is fully licensed and insured. Be sure to talk to people who have previously used these contractors to see if they had any complaints. Ask if the contractors cleaned up nicely, finished on time, and kept to the contract. Every roofing business relies on referrals, so find out what you can, and choose what suits you best.

Asphalt shingles, or composition shingles, are the most popular of roofing materials. They provide good protection for most any home and come in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors. They are also relatively easy to repair. While they do not last as long as tile or slate, asphalt shingles typically protect your house for 20 to 30 years, depending on the quality of material and installation. The quality of the shingles also affects how long the manufacturer’s warranty will be. With shorter life expectancies, asphalt shingles also have shorter warranties.

It’s usually best to have an experienced roofer inspect your roof when deciding whether to repair or replace your roof. However, you (and the contractor) should do an inside roof inspection and an outside inspection as well. Look for signs that the roof is failing such as stains on the ceiling, paint that is peeling, shingles that are missing in several locations, and so on. You also need to take into consideration the age of the roof. Are your “20 year” asphalt shingles more than 15 years old or were they installed just a few years ago. If the roof is well within its life span and you aren’t seeing other warning signs chances are good you can simply repair and/or replace those shingles that are causing a problem.

Should you strip your current roof before installing another? They are a few advantages to stripping your current roof. Though it may cost more to strip a roof it allows the roofers to inspect for any rotted wood, if any areas need flashing, you can apply ice and water shield. Most Contractors will not guarantee their work when laying over a roof. Generally speaking, experts estimate that the life of your new roof will be cut by as much as 20% if it is installed on top of the existing roof. Further, most counties and cities in Florida will not allow for work like this because of the high frequency of hurricanes (such as Hurricane Micheal & Hurricane Andrew) which increased the roofing standards in the state.

Replacing a residential roof is a labor-intensive project, depending on the type of roof, how many layers and weather conditions it could take anywhere from a day or two to a week or more.

If the chimney requires any maintenance or repair, the best time to work on it is before a new roof is installed. Coordinate the chimney mason with the roofing contractor and yourself to make sure all chimney flashing and chimney repairs are completed properly before the new roof is installed.

You should check with your local city government but almost assuredly you will. Pricing for a permit will vary from area to area. Some will be a flat fee whereas others may be based on the size or value of the project. If you are having the roof replaced by a contractor they will typically take care of the permit for you but it is important to confirm that with the company. If they do not take care of the permit and/or you are replacing the roof yourself you will need to talk to city development services.