Deciding to replace the roof on your home is a major expense. It also can’t help but be a disruption to daily life, so it’s very important to ask pointed, specific questions before you sign any contract. The right questions are going to reveal whether your Orlando, FL contractor truly understands your house, the demands of central Florida weather, and what will actually protect your investment with this roof replacement.
Questions to Ask Before Roof Replacement
About Your Contractor and Their Plan
Start with basic questions about their qualifications and business stability:
- How long has the company been operating under its current name and ownership?
- Are they properly licensed and insured in Florida? (That includes having current workers’ compensation and general liability coverage)
- Will they remove the existing roof completely or install overtop your shingles?
- Will they replace all flashing, drip edge, step flashing around chimneys and vents, and valley metal, or simply reuse what is already in place?
- What does the manufacturer’s material warranty actually cover, and what additional protection does the contractor’s workmanship warranty provide?
- How long are both warranties valid, and are they transferable to a new owner if you sell the house?
- What’s the wind uplift rating on the roof you propose and does it meet current Florida Building Code requirements and my specific wind zone?
Why These Matter
A company unable to produce current proof of their insurance and licenses may leave you personally exposed if there’s an accident or if damage occurs during the project. A company that just layers a new roof over the old one could have a legitimate reason for doing this (sometimes metal roofs can be done this way, for instance), but layering can also hide underlying deck damage, past leaks, or rot and may void the manufacturer warranty.
As for your wind rating, lower-rated or minimally compliant roof might cost less initially but can lead to premature failure in storms or complications with your insurance claims and premiums later.
Timeline and Contingencies
- How many working days will the actual installation take once crews begin?
- What happens if afternoon thunderstorms or other weather delays occur
- Will they properly tarp and secure the house each evening?
- How will they protect landscaping, existing gutters, skylights, solar panels, or attic ventilation?
Contractors who have clear written plans for these situations tend to cause far fewer headaches than those who improvise as problems arise.
Other Questions to Ask
- Will every scrap of old material, nails, and packaging be hauled away at the end of each day and at project completion, or is that up to you to arrange?
- Can you provide a written change-order policy for any issues that get discovered once the old roof is removed?
- Do you recommend any ventilation improvements or insulation upgrades?
- What maintenance plan do you recommend?
When you are ready to have your roof thoroughly evaluated by people who prioritize extending the life of what you already have whenever it makes practical sense, contact us at Revive My Roof for a free inspection and an honest assessment of your Orlando home. We also serve Detroit, Dallas, Tampa, Jacksonville, Nashville, and Richmond.
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