No one wants to hear that their roof needs fixing. It’s even more frustrating if you don’t have the money to do it. In Tampa Bay, lots of homeowners are wondering: Can you replace your own roof in Florida? It’s a big question! You should also think about: Should I do my roofing in Florida? We have the answers to these questions.
All Star Roofing has been helping people in Tampa Bay with roofs for over 60 years. We know everything about replacing roofs. Let’s talk about if it’s okay for a Florida homeowner to replace their roof.
Can I Replace My Roof in Tampa Bay, Florida?
Ready to give your Tampa Bay home a fresh look? Learn if you can replace your roof as we dive into important tips and advice!
Choose the Right Time
Timing is really important when you’re doing your roof replacement. If it suddenly starts raining, your roof could get damaged. So, when you pick a day to start fixing your roof, make sure there’s no chance of bad weather.
If you can’t avoid bad weather, be ready to cover your roof with a tarp or a sheet as soon as you see signs of it. Once the bad weather is gone, you can get back to fixing your roof. But here’s the thing – many DIY roof projects depend on family and friends, and they might not be available on another day.
Think about the time of year too. Doing a roof replacement in Florida isn’t always safe, even if you’re allowed to do it yourself. Summer can be tough because the heat makes the work risky. Getting too hot can harm your roof and you. So, be careful about when you choose to replace your roof.
Get the Right Permits
If a homeowner decides to replace their roof, it can be a real headache if they don’t have the right permits. They might get in trouble, and their home insurance might not believe them when they say they finished the roof replacement. So, how do you get the permits to replace your roof in Florida on your own?
The rules in Tampa Bay vary depending on where you live. A good starting point is to reach out to your local construction department and find out what permits you’ll need. Usually, homeowners have to go in person to sign the permits.
Purchase Roofing Materials
If you’re replacing your roof on your own, you’ll likely go for shingles. They’re the easiest roofing materials to put in, and they’re easy for most homeowners to get. You’ll also need to buy and install other roofing stuff, like water-resistant layers and ventilation systems.
Roof Replacement Is Almost Complete
You’re almost done with the roof replacement! You can now remove the old roof from your home and install your new roof.
- A homeowner in Florida who replaces their roof themselves must legally supervise any work that is not done by a licensed contractor. If you do not have a large and experienced team, this could mean several days of work. You may also need to take more time off if the weather is bad.
- You will need to fix any damage that has occurred on your roof deck after you remove your old roof.
- You will need to perform a final check after you have completed the roof installation to ensure that all is well. If you do not pass the inspection, then you’ll need to fix any issues that are found by the inspector, which will require more time and cost for your roof replacement.
You can see that there are many places where a DIY Florida roofing replacement can go wrong. Now that we have covered the fact that you can do your roof replacement in Florida, let’s ask the most important question. Should you?
Should I Replace My Roof in Florida?
In most cases, it’s not a good idea to replace your roof by yourself. There could be an exception if you’re a Tampa roofing expert with lots of experience and have a reliable team who knows about roofs. But even if you’re experienced, it’s still better to hire a roofing company.
Now, let’s debunk some common myths about doing your roof in Florida to explain why it might not be the best idea.
Myth # 1: Do-It-Yourself Roof Replacement Is Cheaper
It might seem like replacing your roof on your own would save you money. While doing the job yourself can save some money, getting a professional to do it will cost more than just buying materials.
If you’re not a professional roofer, doing the job yourself can cause issues with your insurance. If the insurance company thinks the work wasn’t done right, they might cancel your policy. Finding insurance from another company can be tough, especially in Florida, where homeowners’ insurance is a big deal. This could be a costly mistake if there’s a storm or other damage.
Myth # 2: DIY Roofs Are as Good as Professional Roof Replacements
You’ll still lose money even if you’re a pro roofer trying to replace your roof yourself. Why? Because you’re missing out on warranties. When you hire a licensed roofing contractor to replace your roof, you usually get warranties for both the materials and the work. But if you do it yourself, you don’t get these benefits.
If there are problems later on, which is more likely with DIY roof replacements, you won’t have any warranties to shield you from extra costs.
Myth # 3: It’s Safe to Replace Your Roof on Your Own
Many folks don’t realize that roofing is risky, and it gets even riskier if the person doing it isn’t a pro following safety rules. Besides the risk of getting too hot, accidents or falls with tools can lead to injuries. This isn’t just about people’s well-being; it can also be a financial worry.
When you hire a professional crew, they’re covered by workman’s comp and liability insurance. Without this coverage, if someone gets hurt on your property during the job, you’re on the hook for medical costs. Florida says roofing companies must have liability insurance of at least $300,000. We strongly advise not working without it.
How to Afford a Roof Replacement
Doing your roof replacement in Florida isn’t a good plan. If you’re thinking about a DIY roof repair, you probably have a good reason for not hiring professional roofers. For many folks, the reason is money. Let’s see how to afford a roof replacement if you don’t have the money.
Get Insurance to Pay For It
Your insurance might help pay for a new roof if it’s needed because of storm damage, like strong winds or heavy rains.
First, check your policy to see if this benefit is included. Start gathering proof of the storm damage—take pictures of tiles blown away by the wind, find articles online about the storm causing the damage, etc.
Then, check your insurance company’s website to learn where to send your information to start your claim.
Once your insurance approves your claim, you can pick a roofer to replace your roof. We suggest avoiding any roofing company that wants you to deal directly with your insurance provider. In Florida, some dishonest roofers charge insurance companies too much and keep the extra money for themselves.
Get Roof Replacement Financing
All Star Roofing knows that getting a new roof isn’t always easy. We provide financing to help with roof replacements. With our financing choices, you can have the roof replacement you need now and pay for it gradually. For many families in Florida, roof replacement is not a problem anymore. It’s a chance to invest in their home.
Florida’s Top Roofing Company Is the Best Choice for Roof Replacement
Don’t try to save money by doing your roof replacement. It’s better to rely on experienced roofing professionals for help. All Star Roofing has been serving the Greater Tampa Bay area for over 60 years, and has a lot of 5-star reviews that prove it! Instead of saving money by attempting a DIY roof replacement, you can save money by making sure the job is done right and using top-notch roofing materials.
You can easily schedule your roofing estimate online. Once you know the cost, we’ll work with you to figure out the best financing options for your roof replacement.
Get your free estimate today and discover why All Star Roofing is the best roofing company in Tampa, Florida!
Other Services We Offer
- ROOF INSTALLATION
- RE-ROOFING
- SHINGLE ROOFS
- TILE ROOFING
- FLAT ROOFING
- METAL ROOFING
- EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR
- HURRICANE HELP