Roof Replacement
How Do You Know if Your Roof Needs Replacing?
The thought of replacing your roof may feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Our Roofing Specialists and production team will walk you through the process, answer your questions, and be available to you even after your new roof is completed.
Workmanship warranties are available on all of our roof replacements. SonShine offers coverage ranging from 6 to 25 years, depending on the materials you choose when building your new roof.
What You Should Know Before Replacing a Roof
Know Your Contractor
SonShine Roofing is licensed by the State of Florida as a roofing contractor and is fully insured. While state law requires roofers to carry a valid license and insurance, neither guarantees quality workmanship, real experience, or a long-lasting roof.
We bring over 50 years of combined expertise and hands-on experience to your real-world roofing needs. Our roofing crews are true employees of SonShine Roofing—not subcontractors—and we invest in their ongoing roofing education to keep pace with evolving industry standards.
Know What Materials You Need
There are many roofing material options available to choose from, and we’re here to help you determine what’s best for your home. As with any roof replacement or home improvement project, material selection plays a key role in the lifespan and performance of your roof.
Elements like the type of nails used, quality of the underlayment, and balanced, efficient attic ventilation all contribute to a successful roof system. At SonShine Roofing, we take the time to walk you through every material option and answer your questions thoroughly.
It’s not just about the materials themselves — proper installation is equally important. Our experienced team ensures that every component is installed to the highest standard for long-term durability and protection.
Know What Warranties Come with Your New Roof
Roofing contractors typically offer a workmanship warranty that covers the installation of your roof. Many roofing materials also come with manufacturer warranties that protect against product defects. As a homeowner, it’s essential to understand the types of warranties you’re entitled to, their coverage lengths, whether they are transferable, and what conditions may apply.
For more detailed information, see our Understanding Warranties section.
Know the Importance of Roof Maintenance
Exchanging your old roof for a new one isn’t usually a complicated process, but it does involve many moving parts. In our service area, as with most places in the country, every roof replacement requires a building permit from the local municipality and a recorded Notice of Commencement before work can begin. These documents should be posted by the roofing company before the project starts.
It’s important to remember that replacing your roof temporarily turns your home into an active construction zone. Expect noise, construction dust and debris, an onsite dumpster, and nails on the ground. Throughout the roof work, in addition to our roofing crew, you may see third-party suppliers delivering materials, local building officials conducting inspections, and dumpsters being swapped out as needed.
While this is just an overview, SonShine Roofing ensures every customer is informed about the roof replacement process in more detail — and we provide updates from start to finish to keep you in the loop.
F.A.Q.
Choosing a roofing contractor is as important as the type of roof selected and the materials used. Head over to the 5 Things Every Roofing Contractor Should Tell You page to learn more.
Get an experienced consultation and estimate by calling us today to schedule a time to meet with one of our Roofing Specialists.
How long should a roof last?
Multiple factors influence how long a roof should last. Key considerations include the type of shingle used, your climate, and whether the roof is maintained regularly. These elements all contribute to a roof’s structural integrity over time.
The average roof constructed with asphalt shingles should last a minimum of 20 to 25 years. Since most homes in the U.S. have asphalt shingle roofs, this estimate applies broadly. Metal roofs are known for their durability and can often last 40 years or more, while tile roofs may reach lifespans of up to 50 years. Investing in a slate roof can mean your roof outlasts the homeowner—provided it’s properly installed and well-maintained. Learn more about roofing material performance at the U.S. Department of Energy.
For more tips on protecting your roof and extending its lifespan, visit our page on How to Make Your Roof Last.
Would a repair be sufficient?
Homeowners often wonder whether they can get by with a roof repair or if a full roof replacement is necessary. At SonShine Roofing, we want you to make a decision based on what’s truly best for your home and budget. A few key factors to consider include the scope of the damage, the original materials used, and the geographical location of your home.
To help homeowners after storms, FEMA provides guidance on evaluating roof systems for repair or replacement — especially in hurricane-prone regions like Southwest Florida.
Learn more about our roof repair services. We also offer professional roof inspections to help you evaluate the overall condition of your roof and make an informed decision.
How will I know a roof needs to be replaced?
The average lifespan of an asphalt roof—the most common type of roof in America—is 20 to 25 years, but it can last significantly longer with proper roof maintenance. On the other hand, lifespan may be shortened if the roof was installed over old materials or lacks adequate ventilation. One visible sign of aging is the presence of excessive granules in the gutters. These granules often indicate that the shingles are nearing the end of their life cycle.
Dark or inconsistent spots on the roof may also signal granule loss. When walking on your roof—whether to hang holiday lights or clean off debris—watch for areas that feel spongy or springy. This often means that moisture has penetrated the decking beneath your shingles, a condition that typically calls for a roof replacement.
To help homeowners assess roof condition, HUD offers guidelines for identifying visible signs of roof failure that can warrant replacement or repair.
In cases like these, calling a reputable roofing company for a professional inspection can help determine whether a repair or full replacement is needed.
Keep in mind that a roof is only as strong as its components. For example, shingles are of little value without proper nails to hold them in place. Yet, each manufacturer only guarantees the products they produce. A shingle manufacturer may void a warranty if roof failure is due to poor nailing. Even a 50-year or lifetime shingle warranty won’t help if the nails rust out within a few years.
Material warranties often come with very specific requirements—and ignoring those details can void coverage entirely. Be sure your contractor understands the fine print of every material being installed and is aware of limitations and exceptions that may affect your roof’s long-term protection.
What questions should I ask my roofing contractor?
Certain questions should always be asked before hiring a roofing contractor. For example, many homeowners ask about “the warranty” on a roof when they should actually inquire about two separate types: one that covers the materials and another that covers workmanship. It’s important to read and understand the terms and conditions of both warranties before moving forward with any roofing project.
There are many additional questions worth asking to ensure you’re working with a reputable contractor. You can explore these in more detail on our 5 Things to Ask Your Sarasota Roofing Contractor page.
The best way to protect your roofing investment is by having it professionally inspected at least once a year. Regular roof inspections and timely maintenance can minimize overall costs and extend your roof’s lifespan. Spotting small issues early can be the difference between a minor repair and a full roof replacement.
For national guidance on preventive roof care, visit this National Park Service roofing maintenance guide.
Should I pay for a roofing estimate?
Many homeowners seek companies offering free estimates for roofing repairs or replacements. While free estimates may seem appealing, the cost is often recovered elsewhere—typically rolled into the price of the work you end up receiving. In some cases, you could be covering not only your own estimate, but the cost of quotes provided to customers who chose not to move forward. Unfortunately, many companies don’t disclose this practice up front.
Keep this in mind when choosing a roofing company. Know that “free” isn’t always free—and you might end up paying more than your fair share.
Learn more about why we charge a service fee for a roofing estimate and what you’re really getting when a company offers a free one.
Having your roof evaluated by a professional at least once a year is the best way to protect your investment. Regular inspections and maintenance help prevent costly surprises. Catching a problem early can be the difference between a simple repair and a full roof replacement.
According to the National Park Service, consistent roof maintenance is essential for long-term performance and protection.
What should I expect during roof replacement?
Find out more about Why We Charge A Service Fee for a Roofing Estimate and what you’re really getting with free estimates.
Having your roof looked at by a professional roofing contractor at least once a year is the best way to protect your roofing investment. Annual inspections and maintenance when needed will minimize your overall roofing cost. Detecting a problem before it becomes larger can make the difference between an inexpensive repair or a complete roof replacement. Let us help you maintain your roof to maximize its useful service life.
(941) – 866 – 4320
