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How to Find the Right Roofer for You in Sarasota

August 4, 20202 min read
How-To ArticlesRoof RepairRoof Replacement
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There are over 160,600 roofing companies in the country. If you’re searching for a roofer in Sarasota, Florida, you need to know how to choose the right one. Otherwise, you could end up with a contractor who lacks the experience or ethics you deserve.Here are eight must-ask questions to help you find the best Sarasota roofer and avoid costly mistakes.

1. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters. Just like you wouldn’t want surgery from someone fresh out of med school, you don’t want to trust your roof to a brand-new contractor. A seasoned roof repair company brings years of expertise and lessons learned from hands-on work.

Longevity in business often means they’ve built a solid reputation. Beware of extremely low quotes—they’re often signs of desperation, not a bargain.

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2. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Florida requires roofing contractors to be licensed. Ask for proof of licensing and insurance. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks insurance, you could be held liable.

3. Can I See Pictures of Previous Projects?

Don’t take their word—ask for it in pictures. Reputable roofers should be proud to show off past jobs. They should also be able to provide references or reviews.

Check Better Business Bureau ratings and Google reviews. If reviews are scarce or negative, consider it a red flag.
Sonshine Roofing Inc. BBB Business Review

4. Can I Get an Estimate?

Request estimates from at least three companies. The average sale for roofers increased 14.2% between 2014 and 2018, so be wary of prices that seem too low.

5. Can I Get Everything in Writing?

Don’t rely on verbal promises. Get your estimate, scope of work, and warranty terms in writing. This protects you if disputes arise later.

6. Who Will Work on My Project?

Will employees or subcontractors do the work? Some manufacturers void warranties if third-party crews are used. Make sure the team is qualified, experienced, and covered under the company’s insurance.

7. What Happens If I’m Not Satisfied?

Look for companies with satisfaction guarantees. If something goes wrong, will they make it right? Ask about their warranty policy on labor and follow-up service.

8. Will You Tear Off the Old Roof?

Some roofers install new shingles over old ones. While this may save money short-term, it hides problems and adds weight to the structure. A quality roof replacement begins with removing the old roof.

Start With Confidence

Choosing the right Sarasota roofing contractor starts with asking the right questions. At SonShine Roofing, we proudly answer these questions—and more—to ensure our customers make informed decisions.

Ready to talk to a roofer you can trust? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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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.

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