How long does a shingle roof last in Florida?

Less than the number printed on the wrapper. Sun, heat and wind are harder on asphalt here than almost anywhere else, and roofs on the coast take salt air on top of that. Ventilation and installation quality make more difference to real-world life than the shingle's shelf rating does.

What is a secondary water barrier?

It is a sealed layer over the roof deck — usually a self-adhered membrane or taped seams — that keeps water out if the shingles come off in a storm. Florida requires it on many re-roofs. It is one of the most useful things on a modern roof and you never see it once the job is done.

Do I need to be home during the work?

No. It is loud, so plenty of people prefer not to be. We will need access to the driveway and to the electrical outlets outside.

Will a new roof lower my insurance?

Often it does, because your wind mitigation inspection improves. We cannot promise a number — that is between you and your carrier — but a new roof with modern attachment and a secondary water barrier is exactly what that inspection looks for.

How long does a shingle roof last in Florida?

Less than the number printed on the wrapper. Sun, heat and wind are harder on asphalt here than almost anywhere else, and roofs on the coast take salt air on top of that. Ventilation and installation quality make more difference to real-world life than the shingle's shelf rating does.

What is a secondary water barrier?

It is a sealed layer over the roof deck — usually a self-adhered membrane or taped seams — that keeps water out if the shingles come off in a storm. Florida requires it on many re-roofs. It is one of the most useful things on a modern roof and you never see it once the job is done.

Do I need to be home during the work?

No. It is loud, so plenty of people prefer not to be. We will need access to the driveway and to the electrical outlets outside.

Will a new roof lower my insurance?

Often it does, because your wind mitigation inspection improves. We cannot promise a number — that is between you and your carrier — but a new roof with modern attachment and a secondary water barrier is exactly what that inspection looks for.

Florida Certified Roofing Contractor CCC 1334537

Shingle roofs, installed for Florida wind — not a catalog picture

Architectural asphalt shingles over a proper underlayment and nailing pattern, with the permit and inspections handled.

Get my free estimate (954) 775-8990

New architectural shingle roof installed by Flat Rate Roofing — Our work in South Florida

What we do

Shingles are the most common residential roof in Florida because they are the most affordable way to cover a sloped roof well. What separates a shingle roof that lasts from one that does not is almost never the shingle itself — it is the underlayment beneath it, the nailing pattern, and how the edges and valleys were detailed.

Full tear-off down to the deck, so nothing is hidden.
Deck inspection with rotten plywood and fascia replaced before anything goes back on.
Secondary water barrier where the code requires it.
Architectural and dimensional shingles rated for Florida wind zones.
Starter strip, ridge cap, drip edge, and valley detailing done properly.
Ridge and off-ridge ventilation sized for the attic.
Full cleanup, including a magnet sweep for nails.

Permits, inspections, and who is responsible

Roofing work in Florida generally needs a permit from the city or county building department, and the permit has to be closed out with a passed final inspection. An open roofing permit is one of the first things that surfaces when a home is sold or refinanced, and it is far more expensive to resolve after the fact.

Flat Rate Roofing pulls the permit under Florida Certified Roofing Contractor license CCC 1334537, schedules the inspections, and closes the permit when the work passes.

You can verify our license at Florida DBPR.

Shingle roof questions, answered

How long does a shingle roof last in Florida?: Less than the number printed on the wrapper. Sun, heat and wind are harder on asphalt here than almost anywhere else, and roofs on the coast take salt air on top of that. Ventilation and installation quality make more difference to real-world life than the shingle's shelf rating does.
What is a secondary water barrier?: It is a sealed layer over the roof deck — usually a self-adhered membrane or taped seams — that keeps water out if the shingles come off in a storm. Florida requires it on many re-roofs. It is one of the most useful things on a modern roof and you never see it once the job is done.
Do I need to be home during the work?: No. It is loud, so plenty of people prefer not to be. We will need access to the driveway and to the electrical outlets outside.
Will a new roof lower my insurance?: Often it does, because your wind mitigation inspection improves. We cannot promise a number — that is between you and your carrier — but a new roof with modern attachment and a secondary water barrier is exactly what that inspection looks for.