Roof Replacement Cost in Florida – What You Need to Know

Florida is sunny and warm for the better part of the year.

As a Floridian, your home must have a high-quality roof to shield you and your family from being barbecued alive by the hot sun.

If your roof is damaged on most parts or has served you for 15 to 30 years, you must replace it.

Upgrading your roof is also a welcomed move, but now we have the issue of costs.

Roof replacement cost in Florida can be expensive, but your home insurance company might get the beating on your behalf for what it’s worth.

The other option left is funding the whole project on your own.

The difference is the intensity.

You’re about to find out the roof replacement costs in Florida.

What is the Average Cost of Roof Replacement in Florida?

We’ll never stop reminding you that the roof is among the most significant investments in your home.

When someone mentions roof repair, you definitely know a lot of money will exchange hands.

The price is, however, determined by many factors, including the material, size of the roof, and the company installing it.

The worst mistake you can ever make is hiring an inexperienced contractor to repair your roof because they are cheap!

It also matters if you want a complete roof replacement or repair.

The average insurance cost of replacing a shingle roof in Florida is between $10,000 and $30,000.

The factors we mentioned can even send the costs spiraling to the ceiling.

The lowest you can pay for a 2,000 square feet shingle roof is $9,000.

If you intend to get rid of shingles for a clay tile roof of the same size of the roof, it will cost you $50,000 roughly for that.

By now, you’re probably shaking your head and wondering if living in a tent or an RV would be more affordable.

None of them can compare to a home in terms of comfort.

Your homeowners’ insurance might come through if you pay for it.

You might not have to spend much on your roof repair or replacement.

You will only have to pay about $500 for more minor issues.

However, to qualify for a cover, your roofing company must perform a detailed roof inspection and help you negotiate with your insurance cover.

That’s where Eagle Watch Roofing comes in.

Factors that Affect Roof Replacement Costs in Florida

Eagle Watch Roofing has been replacing roofs for years now.

We have learned that roof replacement costs will never be the same.

The reason why is that there are a lot of factors contributing to the final cost.

We always aim to provide our customers with the most accurate information.

Here are factors affecting roof replacement costs in Florida that you might want to know.

The Roofing Material

The type of roof you use for your home matters to the overall roofing replacement cost.

There are various roof types available based on your budget and preferred look.

Asphalt shingle roof is the one to go for if you are on a tight budget.

Asphalt shingles are not the longest-lasting, though!

There are also premium shingle roofs that compliment your home but come at a premium price.

If you want a longer-lasting option, you might want to go with a metal roof.

Even though a metal roof is slightly expensive, it will serve you longer and will be worth the investment.

Metal and shingle roofs are the most common because of their affordability.

However, there’re also some premium roof types.

Cedar shake, slate, and tile are expensive materials for your roof.

You’ll need to dig deeper into your pockets to replace your roof with one of these materials.

Your insurance cover will only come through for the upgrade costs if that is your agreement.

The System’s Materials

A roof is not only made of shingles or what you lay on the top.

There are a lot of other essential components of your roof, like the gutters, the ventilation system, and the loft.

All these components go into the final cost of your new roof. Here are some of the materials that will be used.

• Nails
• Roofing cement or sealant
• Underlayment
• Roof deck
• Replacement flashing
• Tools and equipment
• Pipe boots
• Drip edge

All these components will weigh down your roofing costs, but it’s crucial to invest in quality instead of getting the cheapest materials to lower the final costs.

Cheap is expensive, they say, and you don’t need to learn that through one of the most crucial elements of your home.

The Type of Roof You Have

All roofs are not the same, and the type of roof you have on your property directly affects the repair and replacement costs.

Different roof designs include:

• Steep roofs
• Flat roofs
• Sloped roofs
• Unusually designed roofs
• High or low-pitch roofs

A steep or sloped roof with a sloppy pitch will require more materials, a technically skilled roofing contractor, and tools which will mean higher replacement costs.

Unusually designed and high-pitched roofs are more technical to replace and, therefore, will impact the final replacement costs.

They might also demand additional workers.

Flat and low-pitch roofs are easier to replace and, consequently, affordable.

Labor Charges

It’s always best to hire a professional company for roof replacement.

The company will charge you, that’s for sure, but it will save you a lot of stress at the end of the day.

They use sophisticated equipment you don’t have, have undergone training in risk management, and if anything goes wrong, you won’t have to pay anything.

Fixing problems that a DIY left behind means double costs because you might have to purchase materials again.

A highly skilled roofer is your best bet if you want your roof to last longer and stand out.

If There Will be Roof Removal

It’s impossible to lay a new roof over an existing one if the roofing material is slate, tile, metal, or clay.

You can lay one over an old asphalt shingle roof to lower costs, and it would require less labor.

It also adds a layer of protection for your shingle roofs, keeps the homeowner’s insurance intact, and does not affect the overall look of your roof.

In most cases, however, contractors recommend removing the old roof and rebuilding it afresh.

If you already have two layers of asphalt shingles, adding another one on top wouldn’t be right.

Also, Floridian local and state codes won’t allow the contractor to add another layer.

As with other roofing materials, curling shingles should be removed before replacing them.

Replacing a roof without examining the structure or framework would waste resources.

A weak framework means your roof risks caving in. It’s not a matter of whether it would, but when!

The Size and Complexity of Your Roof

The larger the roof, the more money it will suck up!

The square footage of your roof plays a pivotal role in determining how much money you will spend on your roof replacement.

The number of materials, labor, and time will weigh in to determine the final cost.

Moreover, the complexity of your roof will also factor in.

The facets, hips, and valleys will make replacing your roof more expensive.

A roof with these elements takes longer to complete, and if we factor in hourly pay, you will pay way more for the labor.

Your Roofing Contractor’s Operating Costs

Don’t mistake these costs for labor costs.

The operating costs are classified, and they’ll always factor in. For a professional finish of your roof, it takes more than having the right workforce at the site.

Some expected operating costs include:

• Advertising and promotions
• Their headquarters, shop, and truck yard costs
• Vehicle fuel and insurance
• General liability insurance
• Workers insurance.
• Taxes
• Payroll
• Licenses and bonds
• Training costs

All these are some of the costs of operating a roofing company.

Therefore, all these will be included in the final cost of your roof replacement.

The operating expenses must be factored into the final cost regardless of the service you need.

Tips to Budget for Your Roof Replacement Project

Replacement of a roof is expensive, and there’s no way you can escape the high costs except through a successful insurance claim.

Otherwise, the remaining options will help cut the costs slightly or allow you to pay in monthly installments.

Let’s get to them.

File a Roofing Insurance Claim

If your roof is damaged and requires replacement, and you believe your homeowner insurance can cover the costs, it would be best to make a claim.

It’s the only way to avoid paying thousands of dollars on roof replacement.

Your roofing company can inspect your roof and help you with the claim. The insurer will cover the main costs, while your budget will be deductible.

For instance, you might be required to pay $500 while the insurance company pays $3,500.

Consider Financing

Sometimes, we are caught off guard by projects we had no plan for, especially an emergency.

When you need to replace a roof suddenly and don’t have enough money, you can request a “Roof Now-Pay Later” option with a monthly payment plan.

You can also take out an interest-free or interest loan to finance the roofing project.

Not only will financing help break the costs into smaller monthly payments allowing you to take care of other expenses, but it will also allow you to use costlier materials you couldn’t afford.

Plan for Unexpected Expenses

Always plan for expenses that might come by.

As roofers work on your roof, they might uncover issues, maybe with the frameset supporting your roof or anything related, and they’ll require you to buy the materials before they can proceed.

About 10 to 20 percent of your budget should be set aside for the unexpected.

You might be forced to stay in a hotel with your entire family because your house is still under construction.

Consider Your Choice of Roofing Materials

You also need to consider the material for your new roof.

There are a lot of choices available. Materials have different advantages and disadvantages.

Some provide a short-term solution, while others are long-term.

The latter might cost more, but their longevity means you won’t have to return to your pockets for roof replacement soon.

Plan Your Budget in Advance

You probably know when your roof will need replacement.

When you can tell it’s just around the corner, you can start preparing your budget as the day nears.

Consider the price of the materials, size of your home, damage, and project duration.

DIY vs. Professional Cost to Replace a Roof

Roof replacement is an extensive and complicated project. Risks are also involved, and falling from the roof could be fatal.

Besides, some poor workmanship can result in expensive repairs down the line.

Therefore, you should think twice before replacing your roof by yourself.

We wouldn’t advise you to go the DIY way unless you are a professional roofer with the right skills and equipment.

Otherwise, it would save you money then you find yourself spending way more down the line.

About 50 % of the total replacement costs go to labor and the roofing company.

Therefore, if you decide to do it yourself, expect to spend half the total costs when a professional company is involved.

For example, if a company quotes $2,000 for a complete roof replacement in your home, you can spend about $1,000 to $1,300 if you decide to DIY.

It will take you longer to complete the project.

Conclusion

In Florida, shingle roofs should be replaced after 15 years, while tile and metal roofs can last up to 30 years.

The “25-roof rule” states that if 25% of the roofing is damaged without a proper permit, it should be replaced.

However, with a valid permit, the damaged section can be repaired.

Although replacing a roof may facilitate selling a house, it’s not guaranteed to increase the sale price or speed up the process.

If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, replacing it before selling can help avoid passing costs to the buyer or selling at a lower price.

Contact Eagle Watch Roofing for reliable roof replacement services in Florida.

FAQs

Do you have to replace your roof every 15-years in Florida?

You must replace your shingle roof immediately after it hits the 15-year mark, even though they have warranties of 30 years. Tile and metal roofs can be replaced after 30 years.

What is the 25-roof rule in Florida?

The law states that if 25% of the roofing is damaged and there is no proper construction permit, it should be removed and reroofed. If there is an appropriate permit, you can repair the section.

Do I have to replace my roof to sell my house in Florida?

Most homeowners think it would be easier to sell their homes if they replaced their roofs. It’s not a guarantee. However, if the top is near the end of its life, you can return it to avoid paying the costs to the buyer or selling your home cheaply.

Do you have to change your roof every 15 years in Florida? 

Shingle roofs in Florida should be replaced after reaching the 15-year mark, even though they may have warranties of 30 years. Tile and metal roofs can typically last up to 30 years before replacement is necessary.

What is the “25-roof rule” in Florida? 

The “25-roof rule” in Florida states that if 25% of the roofing is damaged and there is no proper construction permit, the damaged portion should be removed, and the roof should be replaced. However, if a valid license is obtained, the damaged section can be repaired instead of replaced.

Do I have to replace my roof to sell my house in Florida? 

While replacing a roof can make it easier to sell a home in Florida, a higher sale price or a faster sale is not guaranteed. However, if the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, replacing it before selling can help avoid passing the costs to the buyer or selling the home at a lower price.

If you’re looking for a reliable roofing company in Florida, Eagle Watch Roofing can provide you with a competitive quote and efficient roof replacement services. Our expert contractors understand the unique roofing needs of Florida homeowners. Contact us today to arrange a roof replacement for your home.