Perkins Roofing FAQ library
South Florida roofing questions, answered.
49 short answers from a Florida-licensed roofing contractor (CCC1331944) serving Miami-Dade to St. Lucie since 1980.
For deeper explanations, browse the complete article library. Questions about consulting engagements, fees and programs for roofing companies are answered on the roofing consulting page.
Residential roofing and materials
What is the best roof type for a South Florida home?
The best roof system depends on the home’s architecture, location, coastal exposure, budget, and long-term ownership goals. Tile and metal roofing are the most commonly specified systems for luxury and high-value properties in South Florida. Shingle and flat roofing systems are practical options for many residential applications. Perkins Roofing provides honest guidance on the right system for each specific property.
What roofing system is best for Miami?
It depends on the property. For commercial and other low-slope roofs, Perkins Roofing evaluates modified bitumen, fluid-applied restoration systems and metal roofing, and TPO may be considered for selected projects; Perkins Roofing does not offer EPDM roofing. For premium residential properties, tile roofing – concrete or clay – is a common choice, and metal roofing is used on both commercial and luxury residential buildings. The right system depends on property type, budget, architectural requirements and long-term ownership goals.
Why is roofing in South Florida different from other regions?
South Florida roofs face year-round UV exposure, heavy rainfall, high humidity, salt air, and annual hurricane risk. These conditions accelerate wear and create failure modes that require specialized knowledge of materials, installation methods, drainage design, and Florida Building Code compliance. For luxury and high-value properties, roofing contractors must also meet the appearance, access, and quality standards these properties demand.
What roofing systems does Perkins Roofing install?
Perkins Roofing installs tile, metal, shingle, flat, and fluid-applied roofing systems, along with custom sheet metal components, gutters, and roof ventilation systems.
What types of residential roofing does Perkins Roofing provide?
Perkins Roofing provides residential roof inspections, roof repairs, roof maintenance, roof replacement, re-roofing, tile roofing, metal roofing, shingle roofing, flat roofing, gutters, roof vents, and custom sheet metal components for South Florida homes.
How long does a roof last in Miami?
It depends on the material. A national study of housing components puts asphalt shingle and modified bitumen roofs at about 20 years and clay or concrete tile at over 50 years (the tile figure is for the tile itself, not the underlayment beneath it). Those are 2007 national averages, and Miami’s sun, heat, salt air and hurricanes can shorten them. The study gives no figure for metal, TPO or PVC roofs, so we don’t quote one. Regular maintenance helps a roof reach its expected service life.
Source: NAHB/Bank of America Study of Life Expectancy of Housing Components (2007)
What roofing systems are approved for Miami-Dade’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone?
Roofing products installed in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), need approval for HVHZ use: a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or a Florida Product Approval listed for the HVHZ. Perkins Roofing installs only approved systems in HVHZ areas, and the permit names each approved product so you can look it up.
Sources: Miami-Dade product approval (NOA) search · Florida Product Approval search
Does Perkins Roofing work on luxury and high-value homes?
Yes. Perkins Roofing has extensive experience with luxury homes, waterfront estates, high-value residential properties, and architecturally significant buildings across South Florida. We understand the craftsmanship, material quality, scheduling, and discretion these properties require.
Inspections and insurance
When should I get a roof inspection in South Florida?
Before and after hurricane season every year; after any significant storm event; when your insurer requests documentation; before buying or selling a property; when your roof is showing visible wear, leaks, or drainage problems; and when your roof is getting older and hasn’t had a recent professional assessment.
How often should a residential roof be inspected in South Florida?
South Florida homeowners benefit from professional roof inspections at least twice a year – before and after hurricane season. Additional inspections are recommended after any significant storm event, when leaks or drainage problems are noticed, or when an insurance carrier has requested documentation of roof condition.
How often should a roof be inspected in Miami?
Twice per year – before and after storm season. Additional inspections are recommended after any significant weather event.
Does Perkins Roofing provide roof inspections?
Yes. Perkins Roofing provides roof inspections for insurance purposes, property purchases, maintenance planning, hurricane preparation and general roof condition assessments. For insurance, we provide roof condition documentation and roof certification reports. A 4-point inspection also covers electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling, and the wind mitigation form (OIR-B1-1802) must be signed by an inspector type listed in Florida law, so ask your insurer which inspectors it accepts.
Source: Section 627.711, Florida Statutes (who may sign the wind mitigation form)
What types of roof inspections does Perkins Roofing provide?
Perkins Roofing provides roof insurance inspections and reports, pre-purchase roof inspections, hurricane season inspections, post-storm inspections, general roof condition assessments, residential and commercial roof inspections.
What information is included in a Perkins Roofing inspection report?
The report may document the roofing material, approximate roof age, visible condition, signs of damage or deterioration, active or suspected leaks, drainage concerns, and recommended repairs or replacement. The exact information included will depend on the purpose of the inspection and the insurer’s requirements.
Is a roof-condition inspection the same as a wind mitigation inspection?
No. A roof-condition inspection assesses the roofing system and visible defects. A wind mitigation inspection is an insurance-related inspection completed on Florida’s OIR-B1-1802 form, which section 627.711, Florida Statutes, says must be signed by one of the inspector types it lists. Ask your insurer which inspectors it accepts before booking.
Sources: Florida CFO: mitigation inspections and forms (OIR-B1-1802) · Section 627.711, Florida Statutes (who may sign the wind mitigation form)
Can Perkins Roofing help if my insurance company requires a 4-point or wind mitigation inspection?
Perkins Roofing can inspect and photograph the roof and provide roof condition documentation or a roof certification, which answers the roof part of the request. A 4-point inspection also reviews electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling, which a roof-only report does not cover. The wind mitigation form (OIR-B1-1802) must be signed by one of the inspector types listed in section 627.711, Florida Statutes. Ask your insurer exactly what it requires and which inspectors it accepts before booking.
Sources: Citizens Property Insurance: inspections · Section 627.711, Florida Statutes (who may sign the wind mitigation form)
Can a roof inspection help me avoid a non-renewal notice from my insurer?
A proactive inspection can identify the roof conditions insurers often ask about, so repairs can be planned early. If you have already received a non-renewal notice, Perkins Roofing can inspect the roof, explain repair or replacement options and provide roof condition documentation you can share with your insurer. Renewal and coverage decisions belong to your insurer.
Does Perkins Roofing provide roof inspections for insurance purposes?
Yes. Perkins Roofing provides roof insurance inspections for South Florida property owners – including reports documenting visible roof condition, material type, estimated remaining service life, and identified deficiencies. These reports are used to support insurance applications, renewals, and coverage communications.
Do you provide insurance inspection reports in Miami?
Yes. We provide roof condition documentation and roof certification reports for insurance purposes, with photographs of what we find. A roof report answers the roof part of a 4-point request, not its electrical, plumbing or heating/cooling sections, and it is not a wind mitigation form. If your insurer has flagged your roof or requested documentation, ask which form and inspector it accepts, then contact our team.
Sources: Citizens Property Insurance: inspections · Florida CFO: mitigation inspections and forms (OIR-B1-1802)
Do I need a roof inspection before filing an insurance claim?
Not always. Your policy sets out what you must do after a loss, so ask your insurer or agent, or a licensed public adjuster, what documentation a claim needs. A roof inspection documents the roof’s condition with photos and a written report, which is yours to share with your insurer if you choose.
Can you document roof damage for an insurance claim in Jupiter?
Yes. Perkins Roofing can inspect storm damage, document it with photos and give you a written, itemized repair estimate, which your insurer may ask for. We do not interpret policies or handle claims: questions about what your policy covers belong with your insurer or a licensed public adjuster.
Source: Section 489.147, Florida Statutes (contractors may not interpret policies or adjust claims)
Repair and storm damage
Does Perkins Roofing provide residential roof repairs?
Yes. Perkins Roofing provides residential roof repair services for leaks, broken or displaced tiles, shingle damage, flashing failures, flat roof problems, storm damage, drainage concerns, and a full range of roofing repair needs across South Florida.
Can you repair storm damage to a roof in Jupiter?
Yes. Perkins Roofing repairs storm-related roof damage in Jupiter, including leaks, damaged tiles, wind damage, missing shingles, flashing issues, and other problems caused by severe weather.
How do I know if my Jupiter roof needs repair or replacement?
A roof may need replacement if it has widespread damage, recurring leaks, aging materials, structural issues, or damage that is no longer cost-effective to repair. A professional inspection can determine whether a repair, maintenance plan, or full replacement is the better option.
Commercial and condo roofing
Does Perkins Roofing provide commercial roofing services?
Yes. Perkins Roofing provides commercial roofing services for office buildings, retail centers, industrial facilities, hotels, multifamily properties, condo communities, and HOA portfolios across South Florida, including full Miami-Dade HVHZ-compliant installations.
Do you offer commercial roofing in Miami?
Yes. We provide commercial roofing for offices, retail, industrial, multifamily, and hospitality properties across Miami and Miami-Dade County, with full HVHZ compliance.
Does Perkins Roofing serve commercial properties and HOA/condo associations?
Yes. Perkins has extensive experience with commercial buildings, condo associations, and HOA communities across Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Martin, St. Lucie, and Monroe counties – including major projects at Fisher Island and Palm Beach Gardens.
What commercial roofing systems does Perkins Roofing offer in Miami and Jupiter?
Perkins Roofing evaluates modified bitumen, fluid-applied restoration systems, metal roofing and other approved systems according to the property. TPO may be considered for selected projects. Perkins Roofing does not offer EPDM roofing.
How do I know whether a commercial roof needs repair or replacement?
A localized problem may be suitable for repair, while an appropriate existing roof may qualify for restoration. Replacement should be considered when leaks or trapped moisture are widespread, repairs have become repetitive, the deck is affected or the system is nearing the end of its practical service life.
Does every commercial roof problem require replacement?
No. Localized defects may be addressed with targeted repairs, while a suitable existing roof may qualify for a compatible restoration system. Replacement should be evaluated when damage or trapped moisture is widespread, repairs are repetitive, the deck is affected or the roof is near the end of its practical service life.
How often should a commercial roof be inspected?
At least twice per year – before and after hurricane season. Additional inspections are recommended after any significant storm event or if tenants report water intrusion.
Does Perkins Roofing inspect commercial roofs?
Yes. Perkins Roofing provides roof inspections for commercial properties, flat and low-slope commercial roofs, multifamily buildings, condo and HOA-managed properties, and commercial property management portfolios across South Florida.
How does Jupiter’s coastal environment affect commercial roofs?
Salt air can accelerate corrosion at fasteners, edge metal and exposed components. Strong sunlight, humidity, heavy rainfall and wind also place continuing stress on coatings, sealants, flashings and drainage systems.
What should a Miami commercial roofing proposal include?
The proposal should clearly describe the existing conditions, recommended scope, proposed roof assembly, applicable product approval, permitting responsibility, exclusions, warranties and how access, safety, drainage and occupied areas will be managed.
What does commercial roofing cost in South Florida?
Costs vary by roof size, system type, access conditions and project complexity. For large low-slope buildings, Perkins Roofing compares systems such as modified bitumen, fluid-applied restoration and, for selected projects, TPO; metal and specialty systems usually carry higher material costs. We provide detailed quotes based on an actual site inspection.
How long does a commercial roof last in Florida?
It depends on the system. A national study of housing components puts modified bitumen roofs at about 20 years; it gives no figure for metal, TPO or PVC, so we don’t quote one. That is a 2007 national average, and Florida’s heat, UV intensity, salt air and hurricane exposure can shorten it, as can installation quality and maintenance history. A manufacturer’s warranty term is not a lifespan. Regular inspections and a structured maintenance program help a commercial roof reach its expected service life.
Source: NAHB/Bank of America Study of Life Expectancy of Housing Components (2007)
Licensing, warranties and service areas
Is Perkins Roofing licensed and insured in Florida?
Yes. Perkins Roofing Corp. holds Florida Certified Roofing Contractor license CCC1331944. All employees are covered by Worker’s Compensation insurance and the company is fully insured.
How long has Perkins Roofing been in business?
Perkins Roofing Corp. was founded in 1980 by Dean Perkins in South Florida, making it a 45+ year institution in the region. Tim Kanak has been President since January 1, 2023.
Who owns Perkins Roofing?
Perkins Roofing Corp. is led by Tim Kanak, President since January 1, 2023, with Marco Castillo as Vice President/Partner.
What makes Perkins Roofing different from other South Florida roofing companies?
Several factors set Perkins apart: serving South Florida since 1980, Polyglass® Quantum recognition (Polyglass named Perkins one of seven contractors awarded Quantum status in 2019), a family of companies (roofing, construction, consulting, education, franchising), and in-house project management.
Source: Polyglass, August 20, 2019: Quantum status awarded to seven contractors, Perkins Roofing among them
What makes Perkins Roofing different from other Roofing Companies in Jupiter?
Perkins Roofing has served South Florida since 1980 and provides licensed roofing services for residential, commercial, and high-value properties. The team understands Florida roofing requirements, storm exposure, local building conditions, and long-term roof performance.
What warranties does Perkins Roofing offer?
Perkins provides: a 7, 10, or 12-year workmanship warranty, Polyglass® 20, 25, or 30-year system warranties (depending on the package selected), shingle/tile/metal manufacturer warranties, a 5-year gutter installation warranty, and 1-year repair warranties.
Does Perkins Roofing handle permitting for roof replacements?
Yes. Perkins Roofing manages the permitting process for residential roof replacements, ensuring all installations are completed to Florida Building Code requirements and pass final inspections.
What roofing services does Perkins Roofing provide in South Florida?
Perkins Roofing provides residential roofing, commercial roofing, roof inspections, roof insurance inspections, roof repairs, new roofs and re-roofs, roof maintenance, tile roofing, metal roofing, shingle roofing, flat roofing, fluid-applied roofing, custom sheet metal, gutter services, roof ventilation, and roofing consulting. We serve luxury homes, high-value residential properties, commercial buildings, and specialty properties across South Florida.
What roofing services do you provide in Jupiter?
Perkins Roofing provides residential and commercial roofing services in Jupiter, including roof repair, roof replacement, roof inspections, re-roofing, roof leak detection, roof maintenance, tile roofing, metal roofing, shingle roofing, flat roofing, and gutter-related roofing work.
Do you provide roofing for both residential and commercial properties in Jupiter?
Yes. Perkins Roofing works with homeowners, luxury residential property owners, commercial property owners, property managers, condo associations, builders, and general contractors in Jupiter and nearby Palm Beach County communities.
What areas does Perkins Roofing serve?
Perkins serves the greater Southeast Florida area from two locations – Jupiter (Palm Beach County) and Miami (Miami-Dade County). Service areas include: Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Martin, St. Lucie, and Monroe counties, including the Florida Keys.
Do you serve areas outside Miami and Jupiter?
Yes. We provide commercial roofing services across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Monroe counties.
Does Perkins Roofing offer franchises?
Yes. Perkins Franchising allows qualified entrepreneurs to build their own roofing business under the Perkins brand and proven operating system. Franchise inquiries can be directed to perkinsroofing.net/franchise.
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