5 Essential Tips For Hiring The Best Roofing Company In Your Area

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.

May 30, 2018•2 min read•

How-To ArticlesRoof Replacement

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Hiring the Best Roofing Company in Sarasota: What You Need to Know

Having trouble with your roof? Is it leaking or making weird noises? Then it’s time to call for help!

Roof replacement can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 or more depending on your home’s location, roof type, materials, and other factors. With proper care, you can eliminate the need for replacement and extend your roof’s lifespan. A qualified roofing contractor can help you determine whether repair or replacement is necessary and guide you on the most cost-effective option.

Simple issues, such as cracks or missing shingles, can often be fixed within hours. Left unattended, however, they may lead to serious problems. The sooner you call someone to check your roof, the better.

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A local roofing company will detect hidden issues before they escalate. They can also recommend the best solutions based on your needs and budget.

But with so many contractors out there, choosing the best roofing company isn’t always easy. These tips will help.

Assess Your Options

Start by searching online for roofing contractors in your area. Platforms like Yelp, Angi, Google Business Profiles, and the Better Business Bureau are valuable resources. Local Facebook groups can also offer insight into reputable companies.

Ask family, friends, or neighbors for referrals. If someone in your circle recently hired a roofer, they can share their experience.

Request Estimates

Contact at least three different companies and ask for detailed estimates. Be sure to compare them side-by-side. Do they include the same materials and scope of work? Are there potential extra charges? If so, are they clearly explained?

Some contractors offer low base prices but charge extra later. Transparency is key to avoiding unexpected costs.

Get Informed

Once you narrow down your list, research each company. Read reviews, look for BBB accreditation, and see how they respond to customer feedback.

Websites like Angi and the BBB offer customer reviews and ratings. Local forums and directories often have discussion boards with real experiences from homeowners like you.

Check Their Credentials

Make sure your roofer is licensed, insured, and carries workers’ compensation. Membership in professional organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is a good sign of credibility.

Ask to see their certifications, license numbers, and proof of insurance. Reputable roofers will gladly provide this information.

Ask About Warranties

Don’t just accept a generic manufacturer warranty. Ask what kind of workmanship warranty the company offers. For example, at SonShine Roofing, we offer warranties that go beyond the basics—because we stand by our work.

Find the Best Roofing Company for Your Needs

Hiring the best roofing company is about more than price. It’s about trust, transparency, and long-term value. Look for a contractor with deep local roots, fair pricing, and stellar customer service.

Need help making your decision? Contact SonShine Roofing today. We’ve been serving Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties for over 30 years and would love to help with your roof repair, inspection, or replacement.

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.