SonShine Roofing Logo

Homeowner Alert: The New Counterfeit Roofing Nail Scam to Avoid

December 27, 20121 min read
ResourcesYour Safety
Copied!
Homeowner Alert: The New Counterfeit Roofing Nail Scam to Avoid

Homeowner Alert: The Truth About Cheap Roofing Nails and Long-Term Roof Performance

Recently, the building departments in several Florida counties have issued notices to roofing contractors regarding the use of approved roofing nails. While some Sarasota-area roofers and nail manufacturers may cut corners to save money or increase sales, these shortcuts often come at the expense of your roof’s durability. Improper nails can lead to damage by leaving protruding wires after installation, which compromise the shingle’s performance and integrity.

This is not news to us—SonShine Roofing has warned about these practices for years. Many roofers prioritize the cheapest materials, including nails, which may seem like a cost-saving measure at first. But what homeowners may not realize is that using substandard nails can void your roof’s warranty.

The Fine Print in Your Roof Warranty

Roofing manufacturers often promote 30- or even 50-year warranties on their shingles. But here’s the catch: those warranties come with strict requirements regarding installation and materials. If your roofer uses inferior nails and the roof fails, you could be left footing the bill for a new roof—long before the warranty period is up.

Take the first step

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

Get started

Roofing warranties do not cover problems caused by improper installation. That includes nail failure. Even if your paperwork looks promising, if the roof was not installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, your warranty is null and void.

Why We Recommend Stainless Steel Nails

At Sonshine Roofing, we insist on using stainless steel nails to secure your shingles. They resist corrosion, stay in place, and meet or exceed Florida building codes. It’s part of our commitment to quality and long-term value.

We often say: “The only people who can afford a cheap roof are the ones who can afford to replace it again in a few years.”

A Simple Way to Identify Trustworthy Roofers

Want to know more about choosing the right roofing materials and installation methods? Contact us today or explore our blog on how cutting corners can void your warranty.

You May Also Like

The Return on Investment of a Tile Roof in Southwest Florida

The ROI of a Tile Roof Featured Image
Sep 15, 2025

A roof is an investment, not a line item. In Southwest Florida—Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties—concrete tile earns its keep through longevity, storm performance, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. The upfront cost can be higher than asphalt, but…

EducationFeaturedResources
Read full article

How to Prepare Your Florida Roof for Maximum Insurance Payout After Storm Damage

why you should document your roof before a storm hits
Sep 15, 2025

What Sarasota-area homeowners need to know about storm damage, documentation, and the role of public adjusters Here’s the Scenario A storm rolls through Sarasota. Your roof takes a beating — maybe a few shingles torn off, a small leak in the attic, or even a…

How-To ArticlesHurricane PreparationResourcesStorms
Read full article

2025 Guide: How to Prepare Your Roof and Fence for Hurricane Season in Florida

roof and fence article featured image
Sep 15, 2025

SonShine Roofing – How to Prepare Your Roof for Hurricane Season Hurricane season in Florida isn’t a “maybe” — it’s a yearly reality. Preparing your roof ahead of time can be the difference between minor repairs and a full-blown insurance nightmare. Think of…

How-To ArticlesHurricane PreparationResources
Read full article

What Should I Do if My Roof is Damaged After a Storm?

Aug 15, 2024

What Should I Do if My Roof is Damaged After a Storm? Living in Sarasota, Florida, offers plenty of sunshine, but it also means being ready for the occasional severe storm. These storms can cause significant damage to your roof, putting your home and…

EducationResourcesRoof RepairRoof ReplacementStorms
Read full article

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.  

Do you employ subcontractors?

No, we do not employ subcontractors. All of the crews we employ are W-2 employees and on our payroll.

Are you licensed and insured in the State of Florida?

Yes, we are licensed by the State of Florida, which you can verify here. We also carry comprehensive liability insurance.

Return to Top