New Roof FAQs

If you’re thinking a new roof installation may be on the horizon, you probably have a number of questions. Updating your rooftop is a big undertaking, and you’ll want to be well informed before you take the leap.

We’ve compiled this quick list of frequently-asked questions to help you gain some clarity on the process. While you’ll need an assessment from a professional roofer to confirm the details for your project, there are some standard trends and protocols you’ll be able to expect.

What is the Best Material for a New Roof?

Standard (3-tab) asphalt shingles are often the cheapest options for new roofing, at least when it comes to the initial installation. However, it’s important to understand that their limited durability will lead to more repairs and a sooner replacement down the road. For this reason, basic asphalt shingles can actually end up being the more expensive choice long-term.

Composite or architectural shingles are an upgrade in quality, and therefore cost a bit more than 3-tab asphalt. They offer significant durability, as well as enhanced insulation quality. Their lightweight structure also means that the installation will put less stress on the framing of your roof.

Metal roofing is quickly becoming a top choice, thanks to its extraordinarily low maintenance needs and long lifespan. In addition to economic efficiency, they offer benefits such as fire resistance, recyclability, and UV reflectivity. The latter point contributes to reducing home energy bills by as much as 10-25%.

Tile roofing may be heavy and the individual tiles may be delicate, but overall, it is a very strong covering option. Durability is enhanced by the material’s resistance to rot and mold. Material choices include clay, concrete and slate, with options that even mimic the look of traditional wood shingles. This tile is the perfect choice for homes replicating a Spanish or Mediterrannean style. Because tile is a specialty material, it is one of the most expensive types of roofing.

How Old Should a Roof be Before Replacing?

How often a roof needs to be replaced depends on its material. The following are the standard lifespans of the most popular roofing types on the market:

• Asphalt shingles – 15-20 Years
• Composite shingles – 40-50 Years
• Metal roofing – 50-70+ Years
• Tile roofing – 50-100+ Years

How Can I Tell if My Roof Needs to be Replaced Early?

Excessive wear and tear can cause roofs to expire before their expected lifespan is up. With South Florida’s harsh storms, this happens fairly often. Signs will indicate significant damage that can’t be resolved with a quick repair: widespread erosion or cracking throughout the roof’s surface, buckling or sagging, persistent leaks, large sections of missing roof cover, and, of course, holes where hail, branches, or other storm debris have penetrated the rooftop.

What Kind of Warranty Will My New Roof Come With?

The terms of new roofing warranties depend upon the manufacturer. They can last anywhere from 20 years to the entire time you own your home (known as “lifetime” warranties).

Many lifetime roof warranties can be transferred one time to the next owner of the home, but not any owners after that. If your home came with a transferred roof warranty, you should be able to use that to cover your new roof installation.

The contractor who installed your roof should also offer a warranty that covers their work. Any faults in the installation will be addressed under this type of policy. You’ll typically receive coverage for up to 2 years, but the best contractors offer lifetime warranties.

When is the Best Time to Replace My Roof?

You can avoid weather-caused delays to your roofing project by scheduling your installation for dry periods. Here in Southern Florida, we fortunately have plenty of sunny days throughout the year. However, hurricane season (June 1st through November 30th) will bring more rain and wind.

Will I Still be Able to Live in My House While My Roof is Being Replaced?

You will be able to stay in your home while your roof is replaced. Good contractors will make all of the accommodations they can to avoid disrupting your lifestyle. Staying elsewhere will only be necessary if you find the noise too bothersome to deal with, or if demolition has led to the discovery of greater structural issues that extend to other key parts of your home.

How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

Depending on the size and complexity of the roof, and provided there are no complications or weather disruptions, your roofing project should be wrapped up within just a few days or weeks. Your contractor should organize their schedule to carry out the work all at once, not spread out over months. Moreover, they should provide you with a detailed timeline that outlines a specific range of dates.

How Do I Find a Trustworthy Roofing Contractor?

Finding a dependable roofing contractor can be surprisingly difficult. Between all of the storm chasers and the under-the-table handyman crews, there are many companies out there who don’t uphold the basic standards of professionalism. Be wary of any contractors who approach you after a storm has rolled through town, and always ask to see licensing credentials.

It’s best to look for long-standing businesses that have established a strong reputation among homeowners in your area. Here at AKVM, we have become one of the most trusted roofing contractors in Sarasota, Manatee and Hillsborough Counties.

We are a BBB-accredited business, with all necessary licensing issued by the state of Florida. Our team provides free inspections and estimates, giving you all of the information you need to make a decision, without any commitment.

AKVM works in the best interest of our customers. We don’t need to nickel-and-dime hardworking homeowners, because our professionalism earns us all the business we need. If you’d like to see our work and hear from some of our past customers, we’re happy to connect you.

Contact us today to get started on your new roof installation.