We try to anticipate some questions you may have and provide the answers below. If you need additional information please send us an email or give us a call at (407) 788-0066 or (386) 860-2618.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for a new roof?
A: The cost of your roofing system will depend on the size, pitch, and type of roofing system you use. Because every roof is different we are unable to list any prices please contact us to set up an appointment for a free no obligation quote.
Q: What research should I do before choosing a roofing company?
A: When deciding on a company you should receive three estimates. You should be present to meet with each company this will give you a chance to discuss any questions you have. Questions that we recommend you ask are as follows: You should ask if they are licensed by the State of Florida, anyone who practices contracting the covering of roofing systems in the State of Florida is required to be licensed. Ask for a copy of there insurance policies workers compensation and general liability, ask if they require a down payment, Get a start and finish date in writing, ask what kind of warranty they offer?
Q: Should I choose the lowest proposal?
A: You should not base your decision on the lowest price there are many factors that can affect the price of your roofing system. Ask questions a company that gives a low price may be using lower grade material, subcontractors, or may have missed something that they could charge you for later.
Q: Should I ever pull a permit for a contractor?
A: No, it is not your responsibility to pull a permit a contractor is required to pull all permits required for the work they are doing. A contractor that is not pulling his own permits is either not licensed or that they do not have the necessary paperwork on file to pull a permit. This could also mean that the contractor may not carry the proper amounts of general liability and workers compensation insurance, which could put you at risk if an accident occurred.
Q: Should I give the contractor a down payment?
A: You should not pay your contractor until your roof has been completely installed and passed all inspections. We do not recommend giving a down payment, as this could lead to money issues in the company you do not want your money going towards another customers job. If your contractor does insist on a down payment it should never be more than 10 percent.
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Q: Should I hire a contractor who uses subcontractors?
A: No, many roofing contractors will try to cut cost by hiring subcontractors. A roofing contractor should never subcontract a job to another roofer. The reason this is done is to keep the contractor from having to pay workers compensation on his employees. The problem with this is the subcontractor is not going to be licensed and 99% of the time will exempt himself and his workers from worker compensation. In this situation should an accident occur on your property you would be held responsible. You will often receive a lower price from a roofing contractor who hires subcontractors, but is it worth the risk?
Q: What if I have rotten or damaged wood on my roof deck?
A: Many times you can't tell if you have rotten or damaged wood until the old roofing system is removed. Before any wood is replaced, however, we will attempt to show you so that you can give us your opinion.
Q: Can I roof over an existing roof?
A: Yes, you can put a new roof over an existing roof, but we would not recommend this because your roofing system will not last as long and should you have a leak it will be more difficult to repair. It will also be more expensive when you need to replace your roofing system in the future.
Q: Why didn’t my roof last as long as the manufacturer rated it?
A: Because of the extreme weather conditions in Florida roofs will not last to manufacturer’s ratings below is a list of some of the more common shingles and their life expectancy in Florida when properly installed.
- 25 year 3-tab shingles are the most common roofs in Central Florida. This roofing system has a wind rating of 60 MPH and will usually last 15-18 yrs.
- 30 year architectural shingles are becoming very popular because of their appearance and there cost is only slightly higher than 3-tab shingles. This roofing system has a wind rating of 70 MPH and will usually last 18-20 yrs.
- 40 year architectural shingles are a thicker shingle with a more shadowed appearance to provide an even greater dimensional look. This system has a wind rating of 90MPH and will usually last 20-22 yrs
- 50 year architectural shingles are an even thicker shingle more shadowed appearance to provide an even greater dimensional look. with more shadow. This system has a wind rating of 110MPH and will usually last 23-25 yrs.
- All of the wind ratings provided are from the manufacturer Owens Corning other shingle manufacturers may have different ratings
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