How to Pick the Best Florida Roofing Contractors
Choosing the best Florida roofers is a crucial step in protecting your home and your finances. Knowing what criteria to use when searching for roofing contractors will get you off to a great start.
Florida roofing experts understand the unique challenges homeowners face in the Sunshine State. Ensure your roof is built to last come rain, shine, or high winds with a trusted residential roofing company.
1. Keep Your Search Local
Local Florida roofing companies are best placed to understand homeowners’ unique roofing needs in the state. The Atlantic basin experienced 18 named storms in 2024; five of these reached major hurricane status. Choosing a local contractor gives you the benefit of local experience of building for this type of climate.
Remember that the perfect roof in another state may not make it through even one hurricane season in Florida. That’s why going local with a reputable local contractor is the best way to guarantee long-lasting roofing systems no matter what the weather.
2. Verify Licenses and Insurance
Always check that any prospective roofers are fully licensed and insured. In Florida, this means having the relevant state and local business licenses. A reputable contractor will also have insurance coverage that includes workers’ compensation and general liability.
Working with a licensed and insured contractor protects the workers and you as the homeowners. It’s also a sign that the company takes professionalism and accountability seriously. Expert roofing companies like Bayside Roofing Professionals are backed by CertainTeed, which means they meet all state requirements and offer warranties on labor and materials. This is the best guarantee you can get from roofing contractors for peace of mind when investing in your home.
Top Tips:
- Verify that your contractor has all of the relevant state and local licenses.
- Ensure they hold Florida insurance policies that protect you in the event of an accident.
- Search for contractors certified by CertainTeed or other roofing manufacturers to access longer and more comprehensive warranties.
3. Avoid Storm Chasers
The term “storm chasers” refers to opportunistic, out-of-town contractors that turn up after a storm. Florida is no stranger to extreme weather. This offers a great opportunity for storm chasers to rush in and take advantage of homeowners in their most vulnerable moments. These companies will often offer quick fixes at a fraction of the cost. However, working with this type of company isn’t recommended.
Fixing or replacing a roof is a large investment. Ensuring professional installation with high-quality materials is a must to get the best return on your investment. It’s well worth hiring a local company that will stick around long after a storm passes and can help you with any follow-up work.
Top Tips:
- Be wary of door-to-door contractors who offer inspections or other services on the spot.
- Don’t feel pressured to commit to any services without thoroughly researching beforehand.
- Always choose trusted local roofers who will be there if any problems arise.
4. Check References and Online Reputation
Online reviews and word-of-mouth references can tell you a lot about how a contractor works. Take some time to do your homework and see how they’re perceived by other homeowners who have worked with them. Their social media presence may also indicate what kind of company they are and what values they have.
Most contractors won’t readily offer references for projects that went wrong. Instead, ask them for references from jobs where unexpected problems did arise and ask how they handled these curveballs. Reliable contractors will always have a robust system for addressing and resolving problems.
5. Gather Multiple Estimates
Gathering multiple estimates is the best way to understand a realistic price point for your project. This allows you to compare prices to find the best price-quality balance for your home.
Another advantage is being able to compare solutions. Different companies may offer different materials or ways of solving your issue. For example, one company may offer to replace your roof while others tell you you just need repairs. In this case, you can safely assume your roof still has years of life left and save yourself a big payout.
Top Tip:
Always ensure roof replacements are totally necessary. Ask various companies to confirm that a whole replacement is the only solution.
6. Prioritize Quality Roofing Over Low Costs
Price is naturally one of the most important factors when choosing a contractor. However, it’s important not to be solely influenced by price. Many disreputable companies offer low-cost roofing, but more importantly, they also offer low-quality roofing.
High-quality roofing materials installed by experienced professionals will stand the test of time and give a greater return on investment than cheap materials that will quickly need replacing or redoing. The latest technologies in roofing can also save you money in the long term. For example, research suggests that cool roofs (roofs constructed with cool roof shingles like those made by CertainTeed) can reduce buildings’ energy consumption by 50-65% in hot climates.
That said, sometimes the lowest price quote you receive could be the right choice for you. If you get an appealing price alongside guaranteed professional excellence, you could be onto a great deal.
7. Always Sign a Roofing Contract
Signing a contract is the most important step when choosing a roofing company. Always sign a contract, even if your contractors come recommended by a trusted friend or they have excellent reviews.
Remember that a contract exists to protect both parties. It guarantees that your new roof is completed as agreed and in a timely manner. It also gives the contractor the right to demand payment for their services. That’s why you should be extremely wary of a contractor that doesn’t offer a comprehensive, written contract.
Essentially, a roofer can do whatever they want to your roof if you don’t have a contract. There’s no way for you to demand that they complete the work or finish it to a certain standard without written proof. Not wanting to sign a contract is an alarming red flag that could indicate a scam.
8. Look for Onsite Supervision
Roofing projects are big jobs that require careful supervision. Look for a contractor that sends a crew and a designated supervisor. This will facilitate smooth communication and minimize misunderstandings, delays, or mistakes.
Ask your prospective roofing companies who will be in charge of your projects. They should have a project manager, foreman, or crew leader who will ensure the job is done right. This person will be your point of contact throughout the process, so they must be experienced, trustworthy, and professional.
Top Tips:
- Confirm that your roofing company will send a dedicated supervisor for your project.
- Having an experienced leader in charge adds an extra layer of assurance that your roofing system will be installed correctly.
9. Trust Your Gut
Trusting your instincts will take you a long way when working with contractors. Don’t ignore it if something doesn’t feel right during the evaluation process. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident in the company you choose. Don’t rush this big decision; take your time and find a contractor who aligns with your values, standards, and expectations.
Top Tips:
- Move on if the contractor doesn’t provide adequate documentation.
- Take your business elsewhere if the office staff or contractors are unresponsive, unpunctual, or lack professionalism.
- Hire a company you feel good about working with. Committing to getting roofing work done is a big decision and you deserve the best!
Work with an Established and Honest Local Roofing Company
Whether you’re looking for residential or commercial roofing experts, finding a reputable local company is key for long-term customer satisfaction. A solid, well-built roof offers long-term protection for homes and office buildings alike and can even contribute to improved energy efficiency.
It’s always best to trust your roofing repairs and replacements to reputable roofing professionals over other roofing companies that promise much but deliver little. Let Gator Rated help with your research and go with experts who match your values, budget, and expectations.
