Roof Replacement in Miami & South Florida

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1. 01

   Tear off to the deck

   We remove the old roof covering and underlayment all the way down to the wood deck. That is the only way to see rot, soft spots and loose sheathing that a roof-over would hide.

   In Florida Florida's code allows a roof-over only in limited cases, and not over tile. In Miami-Dade and Broward the limits are tighter. A tear-off lets the deck be checked and re-nailed.

2. 02

   Repair and re-nail the deck

   Damaged sheathing is cut out and replaced, and the deck is fastened back down to the framing where its nailing falls short. A tight deck is what the rest of the roof is nailed into, so it has to hold every layer above it against wind uplift.

   In Florida On re-roofs of site-built homes permitted before 2002, Florida's code requires ring-shank nails wherever the deck nailing falls short. In Miami-Dade and Broward, any deck must meet code nailing first.

3. 03

   Underlayment and water barrier

   Underlayment goes on from the eave up, each course lapping the one below it so water always runs over a seam, never into it. If the covering is ever damaged in a storm, this layer is the backup that helps keep water out.

   In Florida Florida's code calls for a secondary water barrier under shingle and metal roofs, such as a full self-adhered layer or taped deck seams. Tile roofs use their own underlayment system.

4. 04

   Edges and flashing

   Metal drip edge goes along the eaves and rakes, and flashing goes along valleys and wherever the roof meets a wall, a chimney or a pipe. Some flashing goes in before the roof covering and some goes in with it. Many leaks start at these transitions, so they get extra attention.

   In Florida Florida's code puts drip edge over nailed underlayment on shingle roofs. On two-layer tile underlayment, the metal usually goes between the layers.

5. 05

   Install the new roof

   Shingle, tile or metal goes on, attached exactly the way its product approval and the code say: which nails, screws or adhesive, how many or how much, and where. That attachment pattern is a big part of the roof's wind resistance.

   In Florida Roof coverings need a Florida or local product approval. In Miami-Dade and Broward, it must be approved for the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, often through a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance.

6. 06

   Ridge and ventilation

   Ridge cap and ridge or off-ridge vents finish the top of the roof. Where the attic is vented, balanced intake and exhaust lets heat and moisture escape, which helps the roof last and can help the attic run cooler.

7. 07

   Inspect and clean up

   The building department inspects at set stages, such as once the underlayment is on, during installation and at the end, and we close out the permit. We clean up every day and sweep the yard and driveway with magnets for loose nails.

   In Florida Keep your permit and final inspection records. A wind-mitigation inspector may ask for the permit date and product approval numbers.

General sequence only. Your written proposal and permit list the exact products, product approvals and steps for your roof.