Roofing questions, answered

Age, spread and the deck tell most of the story. One leak around a pipe boot or a few missing shingles on an otherwise sound roof is usually a repair. Widespread granule loss, brittle or curling shingles, soft decking in several places, or repeated leaks in different spots on a roof near the end of its expected life usually point to replacement. We look at the whole roof and the attic, then tell you which one makes sense and why.

Heat, sun and storms shorten roof life here compared with milder climates. As a rough guide, asphalt shingle roofs often last around 15 to 20 years; concrete and clay tile lasts much longer, though the underlayment beneath the tile often needs replacing around the 20 to 30 year mark; and metal roofs commonly last 40 years or more. Ventilation, installation quality and storm exposure move those numbers a lot.

We do not recommend it in Florida. Tearing off lets us inspect and replace damaged decking, re-nail the deck to current standards and install the underlayment current code calls for. Layering over hides problems, adds weight and can shorten the life of the new roof.

It depends on the size and pitch of the roof, the material, how many layers come off, the condition of the decking, and what current code requires for your house. We do not quote prices sight unseen. After we measure and inspect, you get a written, itemized proposal so you can compare like with like.

Yes. Call (321) 352-3177 to set up a free estimate for a repair, a reroof or a new roof.

Yes. A reroof in Florida needs a building permit from the local building department, and the work is inspected. Small repairs may fall under a size threshold set by the local department. Whether your home is inside the City of Longwood or in unincorporated Seminole County decides which office issues the permit. As a licensed roofing contractor, we pull the permit for the work we do.

Many single-family reroofs take a few days on the roof once the permit is issued and materials are delivered. Weather, the material (tile and metal take longer than shingle) and how much decking needs replacing all affect the schedule. Your proposal will include the expected timeline.

That depends on your policy, the cause and age of the damage, and your insurer’s decision, so we cannot promise any outcome. What we can do is inspect the roof, tell you honestly whether we see storm damage, and give you a written estimate and photos you can share with your insurer if you choose to file. Be cautious of anyone who promises a “free roof” or offers to cover your deductible.

Only if it is safe. Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof. If water is coming in, protect what you can from inside, take photos and call a roofer. A properly installed temporary tarp can limit further damage until a permanent repair is made.

Use the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s license search at myfloridalicense.com. Roof It’s roofing contractor license number is CCC1337225.

The scope of work, the materials by name, how damaged decking is handled and priced, the permit, clean-up, the expected timeline and the payment terms. Get it in writing before work starts.

Be cautious of any contractor who wants the full price before work begins. Payment terms should be in writing and tied to the progress of the job.