The first thing to consider when evaluating the cost of your roofing project is to determine whether you will need a complete roof replacement OR a re-cover of your roof. The former is a far larger roof project and thus more expensive, while the letter is a smaller project and therefore less expensive. The next question to consider is what material you will use. Roofing materials range in aesthetic appeal, durability and cost. Shingles, for example, are an inexpensive roofing solution, while high-end slate will cost much more. Do your research on what fits your aesthetic appeal and then determine if it is within your budget range. You’ll also want to consider your properties architectural style. The more “valleys,” angles and “hard-to-get” spots you have, the more your roof project will cost

20 Years. That is the life expectancy of the average roof system. The lifespan of a roof system is determined by a number of factors, like: roof system design, building structure, material quality, material suitability, proper installation, periodic maintenance, local climate, and much more. Material quality is especially important because some roof system types such as clay tile, slate and (certain) metal can last longer.

A leaking roof is a bad thing. However, it doesn’t necessarily warrant a complete roof replacement. How much repair and work needs to be done on your roof depends on the level of damage caused by leaking. Talking to a professional is the best way to know whether only minor repair OR a full roof replacement is necessary. There are many problems that can lead to roof leaking, which is why it’s important to inspect your roof periodically and check for common warning signs. You can perform this inspection yourself, but it is a good idea to hire a professional at least once a year to check for any serious roof problems.

You have 2 options:

• Full Roof Replacement
  • A complete roof replacement requires that your entire existing roof system be redone. This involves a “tear off” of your existing system and is a full-blown roofing process. Cost depends on the type of shingle, style and warranty/durability you choose. Talk to your local roofing professionals to get advice on what best suits your needs and your budget.
• Re-Cover of Existing Roof
  • A re-cover of your roof system is the less demanding option. This process involves only the installation of the new roof system, meaning that it is a far more expedient and cost-friendly re-roofing option. However, building code requirements do not always allow for multiple re-roofs so if you’ve done this more than once before, then you may need a complete roof replacement. Talk to your local roofing professionals to ask about local building code requirements.

If you’re in the process of looking to hire a local roofing company, here is a list of things you need to know before you pull the trigger:

• A copy of the roofing companies current license
• A copy of workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Make sure you check the dates and it’s a policy, and not an exemption, Uninsured workers on your property become your liability.
• A list of employees that will be working on your project. Make sure it coincides with names on the workers’ compensation insurance.
• Do you use sub-contractors? If the answer is yes, make sure you get a copy of the subcontractors’ licenses and insurance. Any subcontractor doing roofing work in Florida must have a valid state roofing license.
• How long have you been in business?

There are variables that affect all roofing projects, such as weather, but typically, contractors are completely finished with your new roof, from removing the old roof to clean up between 3 to 5 business days. For new roofs, there are 3 crews that are involved: Roof removal, roof installation and gutters.

Several factors go into determining the cost of your new roof, including:

• Quality of your roofing contractor
• the brand of the material
• the physical material roofing type
• the grade of the shingles
• the size, shape, and slope of your roof

Don’t choose a roofing contractor on cost alone. Price is a factor, but not the only factor you should consider. Quality roofing material and contractor workmanship have value. Hiring the cheapest roofing contractor could cost more in the long run when you consider the cost to repair sub-par roofing and the damage it causes.

Older roofing shingles and wood shakes typically have a 15 to 30 year lifespan depending on the shingles’ quality, the location and tree cover of your home, and how well the roof was installed originally. Direct sunlight, weather/wind, and poor roof deck ventilation are rough on Florida roofs. Check for these warning signs:

• Curling shingles
• Loss of the asphalt granulation (looks like bald spots)
• Evidence of leaking on your ceilings
• Cracked or discolored interior drywall (painted or wallpapered)
• Decaying shingles
• Missing shingles
• Visible cracks
• Wind damage
• Broken or damaged shingles
• Rusted or missing flashing