Shingle Roofing in Fort Myers, Lee & Collier

Architectural shingles for Florida homes

Most shingle roofs installed today are architectural, or dimensional, shingles: thicker, layered asphalt shingles with a textured look that resembles wood shake or slate from the street. They replaced the older flat three-tab style on most Florida homes because they are heavier and better suited to higher wind ratings.

In Southwest Florida, how a shingle roof is installed matters as much as which shingle you pick. The Florida Building Code sets requirements for the underlayment, the fastening pattern, the starter strip at the edges and the flashing details that let a shingle roof hold up in high winds. Those details are where storm damage usually starts.

Our shingle roof replacement process

After a free inspection and written estimate, we pull the permit and tear the old roof off down to the deck. Damaged decking is replaced and the deck is fastened to code before new underlayment goes down. Then come the drip edge, starter shingles, field shingles, ridge caps, new pipe boots and flashing. The job finishes with the final inspection, clean-up and a magnetic sweep for nails.

Shingle roof repair

Afternoon storms and hurricanes lift and tear shingles, and Florida sun dries out sealant and pipe boots over time. We replace damaged shingles with the closest available match, reseal lifted tabs, replace failed pipe boots and repair flashing so a small problem does not become a ceiling repair. If the roof is near the end of its life, we will tell you so before you spend money on a repair.

How long a shingle roof lasts here

Heat, UV and humidity shorten shingle life in Florida compared with milder climates, and shingle roofs have the shortest service life of the common options. Good ventilation and timely repairs help a shingle roof reach its full life. If you are weighing materials, our guide to shingle vs. tile vs. metal roofs in Florida compares them side by side.