Straight answers to the questions Southwest Florida homeowners actually ask about roofs, storms, and insurance. For anything not covered here, call (239) 555-7663 — the inspection and the honest answer are both free.
Storms & Insurance
How long do I have to file a hurricane roof claim in Florida?
Florida law currently allows one year from the date of loss to report an initial hurricane or windstorm claim. Practically, the window is shorter: damage documented promptly by a licensed contractor is far harder for a carrier to reattribute to age, wear, or a later event. If a named storm has touched your roof, get the inspection on record now.
Should I file a claim for minor roof damage?
Not always. If the documented repair cost sits below or near your hurricane deductible — typically 2–5% of your dwelling coverage — a claim gains you nothing and adds a claim record. Our inspection gives you the real repair number first, so the filing decision is made with facts.
What is an insurance “roof age” problem?
Post-Ian, most Florida carriers apply hard underwriting rules to roof age: shingle roofs past 15 years and tile underlayment past 20–25 face inspections, actual-cash-value-only coverage, or non-renewal. A documented roof condition report — or a new permitted roof — is the counter.
Repair & Replacement
Repair or replace — how do I decide?
Underlayment condition decides, not surface looks. A roof with sound underlayment and localized damage repairs well; a roof whose waterproof layer is at end of life turns every repair into rent. Since Florida’s SB 4-D reform (2022), post-2007-code roofs can legally be repaired section by section — we put the verdict and the reasoning in writing.
How much does a new roof cost in Southwest Florida?
Typical full-replacement ranges: architectural shingle $15,000–$25,000, concrete tile $25,000–$45,000, standing-seam metal $28,000–$50,000, flat/TPO sections $10,000–$20,000. Size, pitch, decking condition, and material grade set the number — our estimates itemize every line so you can see what drives yours.
How long does a replacement take?
On-site: 2–4 days for shingle, 4–8 for metal, 5–10 for tile. Add 1–3 weeks for permitting and any HOA approval, plus fabrication lead time for metal panels and special-order tile.
Licensing & Trust
How do I verify a roofing contractor in Florida?
Every legitimate Florida roofing contractor holds a CCC license, verifiable in seconds at MyFloridaLicense.com. Check the license, check the insurance certificate, and be wary of anyone who door-knocks after a storm, requests an Assignment of Benefits, or pressures a same-day signature. This applies to us too — verify before you sign.
What is a wind mitigation report worth?
Florida law requires insurers to credit documented wind-resistant features — sealed decks, nailing patterns, roof-to-wall attachment, rated coverings. Savings commonly run hundreds to thousands of dollars per year. Every roof we complete comes with the documentation.