ROOFING, IT’S NOT JUST COVERING YOUR HOME!

Your roof is an investment. It is also your first line of defense in protecting your home and contents. According the University of Florida IFAS Extension, there are three major factors involved in roofing: the roof system, materials and contractor qualifications.

The Roof System- this is the number of components properly assembled to provide the appropriate shelter for the structure. Roofing is more that shingles, tile, or metal- it is the system that brings it all together!
The key to a roof system’s effectiveness is complete protection, and this can be negatively affected by even a few missing, torn, or worn out shingles. The right roofing system should include proper design, quality materials, ventilation and protection against moisture.

Roofing Materials- For most structures, roofing materials in Florida must meet certain minimum standards. Your choice may be impacted by factors related to the location of your home. Consideration should be given for: need for fire resistance (Class A rating is highest), exposure to sun, protection from rain, ability to withstand wind, exposure to conditions for moss and algae, falling leaves or other debris.

Contractor Qualifications- All roofing contractors are not alike and time spent finding a well-qualified contractor will make a big difference in the quality of your roof. Florida law requires that all roofing work be done by a contractor licensed to perform such work. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can result in a fine to the consumer of up to $5,000. Always get at least three proposals and ask the following questions:
Do you have a permanent place of business and for how long?
Are you properly licensed and insured according to the Florida licensing requirements? Please provide your license number.
Will you be obtaining a roofing permit? (If your contractor suggests that you pull the permit, beware as this is never a good idea).
May I see copies of your certifies of insurance for workers' compensation and contractor liability insurance?
Can you provide me with a list of client references that I may contact?
Do you guarantee your work, and what type of written warranties will you provide?
Will I receive a written proposal with a complete description of the work and specifications, such as estimated starting and completion dates?
Will my property remain relatively clean and orderly during the project?
Who will be the on-site person in charge on a day-to-day basis?

What are reroofing options?
There are basically two. A complete replacement of your roof system, tearing off the old system, or recover over the existing roof. If you have had one recover then you cannot re-roof the existing roof.
Use caution when considering a ‘re-roof’. Most shingle companies void the wind part of the warranty on a roof over and most Insurance companies won't insure a roof over, and the ones that do, charge more or have exclusions regarding the roof. Make the call to your Insurance Company!

How long should a roof last?
Roofs degrade at different rates depending on a number of factors: quality of original construction, level of abuse, level of maintenance, etc. Poorly designed and installed roofs can last as few as six or seven years, most roofing contractors feel 20 years is an acceptable service life. Remember, in our hot Florida climate most roofing systems do not last as long as they do in other climates. You might be surprised to find that due to our Florida climate a lot of roofs do not last for the full warranty and manufacturer’s warranty.

A final note is that it is your responsibility to make sure that all material suppliers and subcontractors (if any) are paid. If you pay your contractor and they do not pay others, you may legally be required to pay twice (this is the Florida Construction Lien Law, part I, chapter 713, Florida Statutes).

For more information about roofing questions and options, contact one of our professional roofing members.