A homeowner's field guide
Choosing, Installing & Caring for a Florida Roof
Your roof has to handle sun, heavy rain, and severe weather. The right system depends on the building, not just the material sample. Here's what to compare before work begins and how to care for the finished roof.
01 / Materials
Find the right system for the slope
Pitched and low-slope roofs need different protection. Compare service life, weight, maintenance, wind ratings, energy performance, and installed cost with a licensed contractor.
Learn more about roof typesMetal Roofing
A durable pitched-roof option with clean lines and strong long-term value for Florida properties.
Shingle Roofing
A versatile, familiar pitched-roof choice with a broad range of colors and budgets.
Tile Roofing
A distinctive, long-lasting roof system for homes designed to carry its weight.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
A layered asphalt-based membrane for low-slope roofs, porches, additions, and flat sections.
TPO Roofing
A reflective single-ply membrane designed for large low-slope and commercial roofs.
02 / Installation
What a roofing project should include
Inspection & written proposal
The contractor evaluates the roof deck, slope, leaks, ventilation, flashing, and drainage. A written scope should identify materials, necessary repairs, permit responsibility, and what happens if concealed damage is found.
Preparation & tear-off
Crews protect landscaping and property, remove the old system where required, and inspect decking. Damaged wood should be addressed before new underlayment covers it.
Dry-in & installation
The roof is dried-in with the appropriate underlayment and flashing, then installed to the product's instructions and the applicable local code. Details around edges, penetrations, valleys, and seams matter as much as the main field.
Inspection & handoff
Confirm cleanup, permit and inspection status, final photos, manufacturer information, and the written workmanship warranty before filing the project documents.
03 / Maintenance
Keep the roof performing
- Check from the ground after major storms for missing materials, lifted edges, or debris.
- Keep gutters, drains, and valleys clear so water can leave the roof.
- Watch ceilings and attic spaces for staining, dampness, or new leaks.
- Have a professional inspect flashing, sealants, fasteners, and low-slope seams when wear appears.
- Keep tree branches clear of the roof and never walk on a fragile or storm-damaged surface.
04 / Warranties
Know what is covered
A manufacturer's material warranty and a contractor's workmanship warranty protect different things. Read both documents for duration, exclusions, transfer terms, registration requirements, and how to request service. Keep the invoice, installed product details, and final inspection record together. No warranty replaces routine care or automatically covers storm damage.
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