Frequently Asked Questions

Due to Florida's intense climate, roofs in the state are susceptible to unique problems caused by heavy rain, high winds, extreme heat, and year-round humidity. Common issues include: Leaks, Storm Damage, Algae and Mold Growth, Poor Ventilation, and Damaged Flashing and Sealant.

Look for these key signs: Leaks or Water Stains on your ceilings or walls, Missing or Damaged Shingles/Tiles, Granule Loss in your gutters, a Sagging Roofline, or if the roof is reaching fifteen to twenty-five years of age in Florida's aggressive climate.

The best roofing materials for Florida homes are those that can withstand high winds, heavy rain, and intense heat.Popular and recommended options include:

• Metal Roofing: Known for its durability and longevity (40-70+ years), metal roofing is highly resistant to wind and impact damage. It also reflects solar heat, which can help reduce cooling costs.

• Tile Roofs (Clay and Concrete): Tile roofs are a popular choice due to their classic appearance and ability to withstand extreme weather. They have natural thermal resistance, helping to keep a home cooler. While more expensive upfront, they can last 50 years or more.

• Asphalt Shingles: This is a budget-friendly option. However, it's important to choose high-quality shingles with reflective coatings and algae-resistant properties to ensure they hold up against the Florida sun and humidity.

Hiring a licensed and insured contractor is critical for a number of reasons:

• Legitimacy and Expertise: A Florida license shows the contractor has passed knowledge tests on building codes and best practices, and is a legitimate business.

• Protection for You: A reputable contractor will have general liability and worker's compensation insurance. This protects you, the homeowner, from financial responsibility in the event of an accident or injury on your property during the project.

• Permit and Inspection Handling: Licensed contractors are required to pull the necessary permits and schedule inspections, ensuring your roof replacement or repair is done to code.

Florida has some of the strictest building codes in the country, especially regarding roofs, to prepare for hurricanes and other severe weather. Key requirements include:

• Underlayment: Specific types of underlayment, such as self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen, are required to be installed over the entire roof deck to prevent water intrusion.

• Wind Uplift Resistance: Roofs in "high wind" areas are required to meet specific standards to resist uplift forces. This can include specific nailing patterns for sheathing panels and using materials with a higher wind rating.

• The "25% Rule": If 25% or more of your roof is damaged, the entire roof must be replaced to bring it up to current building codes.

  • Senate Bill 4-D created a crucial exception to this rule. The applicability of the 25% rule now depends on when your roof was built or last replaced:

    • For roofs that comply with the 2007 Florida Building Code or newer: If your roof was built or replaced after March 1, 2009 (the effective date of the 2007 code), and it sustains damage to 25% or more of its area, you are now only required to repair or replace the damaged portion. The entire roof does not need to be brought up to the current building code. The repaired section, however, must meet the current code.

    • For roofs that do NOT comply with the 2007 Florida Building Code: The original 25% rule still applies. If your roof was built before March 1, 2009, and you haven't had a full replacement that brought it up to the 2007 code or later, then if more than 25% is damaged, a full roof replacement is still required to bring the entire system up to current code standards.

Yes, a permit is almost always required for roof replacement or a major roof repair in Florida. This is due to the state's stringent building codes designed to ensure roofs can withstand hurricane-force winds. A licensed contractor will handle the permit application process, which typically involves submitting detailed project plans, including the type of materials, fastener types, and other key information. A permit ensures the work is inspected and verified to be up to code, which is critical for your home's safety and for insurance purposes.

A wind mitigation inspection is a specialized inspection that checks a home for specific features that can help reduce damage from high winds, especially during hurricanes. In Florida, having a wind mitigation inspection can result in significant discounts on your homeowner's insurance premium. The inspector checks things like:

• Roof-to-wall attachment: How well the roof is secured to the walls.

• Roof deck attachment: The type and spacing of the nails used to secure the roof sheathing.

• Roof covering: The type of material and its wind resistance rating.

• Secondary water resistance (SWR): An extra layer of protection under the roof covering to prevent water intrusion if the roof is damaged.

• Roof shape: Certain roof shapes, like a hip roof, are more wind-resistant and can qualify for a discount.

The process can be complex, but here are the key steps:

1. Document the Damage: As soon as it's safe, take photos and videos of all the damage to your roof and any related interior damage. Do not start major repairs or clean up debris until an adjuster has seen the property.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Immediately notify your insurance company of the damage to start the claims process.

3. Get a Professional Estimate: Hire a licensed and reputable roofing contractor to provide a detailed, itemized estimate for the repairs or replacement. This estimate will be crucial for your claim.

4. Meet with the Adjuster: An insurance adjuster will be sent to your home to assess the damage. It is highly recommended to have your roofing contractor present during this inspection to ensure all damage is properly noted.

5. Review the Settlement: The insurance company will provide a settlement offer based on the adjuster's assessment. If the offer is too low or your claim is denied, you have options, including appealing the decision or hiring a public adjuster to represent you.