What to Expect During Roof Repair and Replacement

Q: How can I extend my roof’s lifespan?

Treat it like preventive medicine. Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t back up under edges and soak the decking—check especially after storms. Manage trees: trim back overhangs; big branches are a real hazard in wind events. Insulate the attic to reduce heat transfer that can stress rafters and age materials faster. Ventilate the attic (intake at soffits, exhaust at ridge) to dump heat and moisture before they warp wood or cook shingles from below. Do regular roof cleanups/visual checks for debris, missing/curling shingles, or granule loss. Schedule professional inspections to catch small issues before they snowball. Sarasota heat + summer storms reward proactive care.

Q: How do the main roofing materials compare in Sarasota’s climate?

Asphalt shingles: Affordable, easy to source, and versatile. Pros: fire/water resistance, low maintenance, ~25-year lifespan. Cons: lighter weight can mean blow-offs in big storms; extreme summer heat can warp/crack; expect occasional repair budgeting. Clay tile: Classic look, handles heat and salt spray, long-lasting (up to ~50 years). Pros: fire/rot resistance, stays put in wind. Cons: pricey, heavy (may need structural reinforcement), and fragile during handling. Concrete tile: Popular in Florida and lighter than many expect. Pros: durable (about 50–100 years), low maintenance, fire/water resistance, strong wind performance, color options (can mimic wood/other looks). Cons: somewhat expensive; design options are more limited than premium materials. Metal roofing: Comes in profiles that resemble shingles/tiles/shakes. Pros: little maintenance, fire/water/insect resistance, stands up to salt spray, reflects heat (can lower cooling bills), up to ~40-year lifespan. Cons: higher upfront cost and more limited design choices. Slate: Stunning and extremely durable (often 100+ years). Pros: water/rot/fire resistance, high hurricane tolerance. Cons: very heavy (reinforcement likely), fragile to walk on, and the most expensive option here.

Q: Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. If you browse our Roofing Project Gallery , you will see high-resolution drone videos of our featured projects with links to the materials we used.

February 16, 2017•2 min read•

How-To ArticlesRoof RepairRoof Replacement

Copied!

what to expect during a roof repair and replacement

What to Expect During Roof Repair or Replacement in Sarasota

A home’s roof is its main defense against the elements, and roof replacement can be a significant investment. If you’re preparing for roof repair or roof replacement, understanding the process can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Here’s what Sarasota homeowners should know before the first shingle is removed.

Noise, and Lots of It

Roofing projects are noisy by nature. The level of disruption will depend on the size and scope of the project, but expect hammering, scraping, and movement overhead. If you’re working from home, have small children, or pets sensitive to sound, consider spending time away during peak work hours.

Protecting Unsecured Items

The vibrations from roof work can travel through your home’s framing. Pictures, mirrors, and other wall-mounted items may shift or fall. It’s wise to remove or secure these items in advance to avoid damage.

Take the first step

Schedule a fast, no-pressure visit. Since 1987 we’ve got you covered.

Get started

Protecting Outdoor Furniture and Landscaping

We use tarps and plywood to protect your home and landscaping during roofing work. However, delicate items like potted plants, grills, and outdoor furniture should be moved out of the way beforehand. While our contract outlines responsibilities, we typically help homeowners with this step to ensure proper protection.

Garages and Attics

Debris can fall around and into garages or attics. We recommend moving cars, motorcycles, and boats away from the house. If you store valuables in the attic, cover or relocate them. We offer attic protection services if you’d like us to take care of this part.

Be Aware: It’s a Construction Zone

Once roofing begins, your home becomes an active construction site. Please exercise caution and keep children and pets away from the work areas. Avoid walking barefoot outside during the project to prevent injuries from stray nails or debris.

Debris Removal and Cleanup

At SonShine Roofing, we perform daily cleanup and will sweep for nails and debris using magnetic rollers. While we take care to keep the site clean, be aware of your surroundings during the project.

Material Delivery and Equipment

Roof repairs and replacements involve large deliveries of materials and removal of old roofing. Delivery trucks and dumpsters may need to use your driveway. Please discuss any special instructions or access limitations with us during the planning phase to ensure a smooth delivery process.

“Being prepared for roof repair and replacement work will help make it a positive experience.”

Understanding what to expect ahead of time can make your roofing project far less stressful. If you have questions or special concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our goal is to make your Sarasota roofing experience safe, seamless, and successful. Contact SonShine Roofing to learn more or schedule your free consultation today.

General FAQs

Does attic insulation and ventilation really make a difference?

Yes—more than most homeowners realize. Your roof surface can run nearly 100°F hotter than the air on summer days, and attics can hit the high 100s. Without proper insulation and balanced airflow, that heat and moisture can warp beams, fry shingles from beneath, and invite rot. The fix is straightforward: sufficient attic insulation plus soffit intake + ridge exhaust ventilation to move hot, wet air out.

How do the main roofing materials compare in Sarasota’s climate?

Asphalt shingles: Affordable, easy to source, and versatile. Pros: fire/water resistance, low maintenance, ~25-year lifespan. Cons: lighter weight can mean blow-offs in big storms; extreme summer heat can warp/crack; expect occasional repair budgeting.
Clay tile: Classic look, handles heat and salt spray, long-lasting (up to ~50 years). Pros: fire/rot resistance, stays put in wind. Cons: pricey, heavy (may need structural reinforcement), and fragile during handling.
Concrete tile: Popular in Florida and lighter than many expect. Pros: durable (about 50–100 years), low maintenance, fire/water resistance, strong wind performance, color options (can mimic wood/other looks). Cons: somewhat expensive; design options are more limited than premium materials.
Metal roofing: Comes in profiles that resemble shingles/tiles/shakes. Pros: little maintenance, fire/water/insect resistance, stands up to salt spray, reflects heat (can lower cooling bills), up to ~40-year lifespan. Cons: higher upfront cost and more limited design choices.
Slate: Stunning and extremely durable (often 100+ years). Pros: water/rot/fire resistance, high hurricane tolerance. Cons: very heavy (reinforcement likely), fragile to walk on, and the most expensive option here.

What causes roof leaks?

Leaks usually start at weak points—not just during hurricanes. In Florida, extreme heat and UV make materials expand/contract, turning brittle and cracking over time; even asphalt tar can soften and lose its seal.

Aging roof: Heat/UV cycles degrade shingles and seals, opening paths for water.

Flashing failures: Cracked, rusted, or separated metal around chimneys, vents, valleys, and walls.
Missing/damaged shingles: Wind and storms pull or crack shingles, exposing underlayment and decking.
Clogged gutters: Standing water backs up under edges and soaks materials—especially in rainy season.
Skylight leaks: Worn rubber seals or loose skylight flashing let water in at the frame.

Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. If you browse our Roofing Project Gallery, you will see high-resolution drone videos of our featured projects with links to the materials we used.

How can I extend my roof’s lifespan?

Treat it like preventive medicine.

Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t back up under edges and soak the decking—check especially after storms.
Manage trees: trim back overhangs; big branches are a real hazard in wind events.
Insulate the attic to reduce heat transfer that can stress rafters and age materials faster.
Ventilate the attic (intake at soffits, exhaust at ridge) to dump heat and moisture before they warp wood or cook shingles from below.
Do regular roof cleanups/visual checks for debris, missing/curling shingles, or granule loss.
Schedule professional inspections to catch small issues before they snowball. Sarasota heat + summer storms reward proactive care.

What’s the best roof type for Florida homes?

There isn’t a single winner—it’s about matching material to Sarasota’s heat, humidity, storms, wind, and (for coastal folks) salt spray. Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly and common; concrete and clay tiles bring serious longevity and wind resistance; metal reflects heat and shrugs off salt; slate is gorgeous and ultra-durable but heavy and costly. The “best” choice balances your budget, aesthetics, structural needs, and how exposed your home is to wind and sea air.