Catching roof problems before they start to cause damage to your home is key for extending the life of your roof and lowering overall maintenance costs for your home. According to Bob Vila, it is recommended to get your roof inspected by a roofing contractor if it is over 10 years old. We recommend a rooftop and attic inspection at least once per year to avoid costly roof repairs later down the line.

Find more information at https://www.kirkeyroofing.com/common-roof-problems/

Many times repairing a broken or cracked tile is acceptable if replacement tiles are not available. Unmatched tiles can be painted to better match existing tiles, but the color will fade at a different rate than other tiles. Tiles will weather and fade over time and replacement tiles will not always match the other roof tiles. Your roof tiles are very important because they protect the waterproofing underlayment under the tiles which will deteriorate if exposed to the sun.  Limit foot traffic on your tile roof to reduce cracks and breakage, and have annual inspections of your roof by a professional roofer.

Replacing the roof on your home is a major construction project even for experienced residential roofers. You can expect a lot of noise and vibration during the first few days as materials are removed and new materials are loaded on the roof. You will want to remove or protect any valuables in your attic and on your walls and do lawn maintenance prior to the start of the roof project.

For more information, see our page on the roofing process: https://www.kirkeyroofing.com/the-roofing-process/

Always make sure any coating or sealant is compatible with your existing roof and approved by the material manufacturer. Using products that are not approved by the material manufacturer will void your material warranties and may shorten the lifespan of your roof. 

While coating or sealants can aid in keeping the rain at bay, they can also trap moisture coming from the bottom of your roof system or any water that can penetrate the coating in cracks. Trapped moisture or water can cause substantial damage to roof structures for shingle and tile roofs. 

You should have a professional roofer evaluate your roof to weigh the pros and cons of repairing, sealing, or replacing your roof to the most current building codes. A new roof, installed to the latest building codes, could save you in insurance costs and provide better protection for your family and home in the event of a major weather event.

Cleaning routines for your shingle or tile roof really will depend on the environmental factors surrounding your home and the color of your roof. Lighter color roofs will show dirt, mildew, and algae quicker than a darker-colored roof or a roof with multiple colors. Many roof tiles are manufactured with “antiquing” which helps to camouflage dirt. If you have a lot of trees surrounding your home, more debris from the trees will fall on your roof. Clean your roof as needed, however, always use a roof cleaner that uses low pressure or contact professional roofers to do routine maintenance.

Your roof is exposed to a lot of harsh environmental factors. As your roof ages, materials break down and water will penetrate the protective materials of your roof. Joints and connections between roof surfaces and openings for ventilation are especially prone to breaking down and causing leaks. If water does not shed from the roof properly, standing or trapped water will also break down your protective roof materials over time. Metal flashings, nails, or screws will also corrode from water exposure over time. 

The key to a long roof life with low maintenance costs is to hire a roofing contractor that uses premium materials and skilled and certified installers. Regular inspections to catch problems early, before they do substantial damage to the interior of your home, is another way to minimize maintenance costs over the life of your roof.

The best roof for your home will depend on many factors. Each type of roof system has pros and cons. Understanding your roof and the expected lifespan in your area is important for your planning and budgeting so that you can protect your home and your wallet. No matter which roofing material is best for your home or your budget, the building codes in Florida are designed to provide protection to you and your home in the event of a storm.

Asphalt shingle roofs come in many attractive styles and colors, are the most affordable upfront, and are relatively low maintenance. However, shingle roofs can break down faster than other types of roofs in states, such as Florida, that have intense heat and sun. Shingle roofs are also less wind resistant in areas subjected to extreme weather, such as Florida with its tropical hurricane season. Due to these risks and factors, your insurance company may require replacement before the expected life or warrantied period, causing you to spend money to replace the roof before it is necessary.  

Tile roofs, made from clay or concrete, are available in many beautiful colors and shapes. Tile roofs add a lot of architectural and curb appeal to your home. The tile is a protective covering on the waterproofed underlayment which keeps rain from entering your home. Tile roofs are more expensive than shingle roofs, however, if installed properly, they can add a significant amount of lifespan to your roof. Tile roofs require a little more care and maintenance than shingle roofs. Care must be taken to not crack or damage your roof tiles. Cracked or broken tiles will cause roof leak issues over time due to the sun damaging the protective material layer underneath the tiles. Installation systems vary and the wind protection is relative to the type of system installed. Some tile roof systems can withstand a category-5 hurricane. Make sure you understand the system your tile roofers will be using.

Metal roofs are available in many different colors and styles. Depending on where your home is located in relation to the coastline, you may require an upgraded painted finish or material to prohibit rusting and damage from the salt air. Metal roofs can be installed to withstand high winds. There is a wide price range for metal roofs depending on the type and thickness of the metal material, the fastening system, and the finish. Make sure you understand the warranties and performance expectations when selecting a metal roof. Depending on the type of metal roof, the price is comparable to a tile roof or slightly more expensive.

All major types of roofs -- shingle, flat, tile, and metal -- offer energy-efficient options. Generally, in shingle and tile roofs, the lighter colors are more energy efficient. However, darker colors can also be Energy Star Rated. Metal roofs also offer Energy Star Rated options. 

Your roofing contractor can help you select an energy-efficient option. You can also add insulation to your attic to make your home more energy efficient. There are many types of insulation and heat barriers for your attic, so make sure you talk to your roofing contractor about which products are compatible with your roofing system to protect your roofing warranties.

Florida experiences extreme heat and intense sun for a large portion of the year. Tropical force rains also test the resilience of any roof system. The installation system, regular inspections, and maintenance are key to getting the most life out of your roof.  

Asphalt shingles typically last a maximum of 20 years in Florida, even though material warranties can be much longer. However, due to shingles becoming brittle over time, your home insurance company may require replacement as soon as 16 years. Tile roofs typically will last 30-50 years, depending on how the roof was installed and what materials were used. Concrete tile usually has a 50-year warranty, however, the waterproofing materials underneath the tile are typically 30 years. Metal roofs will vary on the materials used and the location to the coast, therefore it is harder to estimate a lifespan. Depending on the materials and location on the coast, a metal roof could last 15 to 50 years.  

For more information, feel free to reach out to a roofing contractor here at Kirkey Roofing Inc.

Any type of roof has pros and cons. That said, tile roofs are a popular option in Florida. Here are some things you should know:

Pros:

- Clay or concrete tiles last up to 50 years, working hard to protect your home for many years while adding a lot of curb appeal to your home

- Tile roofs are more energy efficient than other roofs

- Tile roofs can be installed to withstand a category 5 hurricane

- The concrete or clay material of tile roofs is recyclable and used for many different things in construction

- Tile roofs are naturally fire resistant

- Tile roofs can last twice as long as a shingle roof

Cons:

- Tile roofs are more expensive than shingle roofs

- There are many installation methods, making it difficult for consumers to compare estimates and make sure they will get the best protection and life out of their tile roof

- They require more maintenance and special care than a shingle roof

For more information, get in touch with qualified tile roofers here at Kirkey Roofing Inc.

Yes, we provide free, no hassle quotations to property owners.

We are very different in the way we care about the safety of your home and family which is why we want you to rest assured that although the Construction industry has a terrible reputation for hiring people you would not want near your home, the crews we send to your home have been thoroughly background checked and drug tested.

As with most industry leaders who advise homeowners not to give any contracting company up front money or pay for the job in cash we never ask for deposits. Depending on the scope of work, in-progress payments may be required. Final payment by you is never required until you are 100% satisfied. If someone is asking you for a large deposit up front, this could be an indication that you should do further checking into the financial stability of the company.

Any roofing work done requires a license unless the homeowners are doing it themselves. Hiring an unlicensed contractor puts the homeowner at risk. As warned by the Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation, “Any person working on your home who is unlicensed must be employed by you, which means you must deduct F.I.C.A. and withholding tax and provide workers’ compensation for that employee. Without workers’ compensation insurance, you could be held liable for injuries received on your property and typically, your homeowners’ insurance policy will not honor your claim if the work being performed required a licensed contractor.” Not only is this dangerous but it is a crime, Chapter 455.227, Florida Statutes: Any person who knowingly aides, assists, procures, employs or advises an unlicensed individual can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and may face fines of up to $5,000 for each offense. You can check to see if your contractor is licensed by going to www.MyFloridaLicense.com or call 850-487-1395 For more information contact your local building department

For an averaged size home, a shingle roof usually takes 2-3 business days and a tile roof takes approximately 7-10 business days, depending on the weather and amount of carpentry replacement required. Don’t worry – we don’t leave your job until it’s finished. Your Roofing Specialist can give you a more accurate estimate on your particular project length.

Always call the producers of his or her policy, the number should be located at the top left of the certificate. Without insurance you are responsible for the medical care of the workers if an accident occurs and for any damage to your property. Also check the coverage amounts, typically a 1 million dollar liability policy is standard for a roofing company. Also, ask to see a list of covered employees.

Yes, we carry general liability, automobile insurance and workers compensation. It is expensive, but we care about our employees and our customers. Copies of our insurance certificates are available upon request.

Yes, we offer a 1-year workmanship warranty on all repair work (unless otherwise stated) and a 10-year warranty on all roof replacements. Manufacturers offer additional warranties for materials, ask your roofing specialist for details.

We have been in business since 1951! Statistics show that 80% of all roofing contractors are out of business within 2.5 years. If the company you select closes shop what good is the warranty? Remember, price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism, experience, quality workmanship, and solidly established business should also weigh heavily in your decision.

Yes, Kirkey Roofing applies and pays for all required permits for your roofing job. Beware of a contractor who asks you as the homeowner to pull a permit; this is usually an indication of an unlicensed and/or uninsured contractor. This could also mean they have complaints or unpaid fees with the local building department and are unable to pull a permit.

First of all, our office and production staff regularly monitor the weather using up to the minute weather radar and stay in constant contact. Secondly, we always have protective materials on hand to protect your home if any unexpected storms arrive.

Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

Yes, we offer installment plans up to 10 years and deferred interest up to 18 months.

You can be confident that our company has always been Kirkey Roofing so if a problem were to arise with your roof, we will be here. Many local companies have changed their names to get out of servicing warranty claims. This is why we say… “Your roof is only as good as the contractor who installs it”.