Roofing FAQ
Answers for homeowners, investors, condo boards, and property managers across Palm Beach and Broward County
Straight answers
What clients ask before they book
Matthews Roofing is an owner-operated, licensed roofing contractor based in Boca Raton. Below are the questions we hear most often about roof repairs, replacements, storm damage, insurance, permits, and South Florida roofing conditions. If your question is not here, call us and talk to a real person.
Do you provide emergency roof repair?
Yes. We provide emergency roof repair and storm response throughout Palm Beach County and Broward County, including emergency tarping to help stop active water intrusion. If a storm moves through and your roof starts leaking, call Matthews Roofing right away so we can help you secure the property and limit further damage.
How much does a roof replacement cost in Boca Raton?
Most residential roof replacements in Boca Raton and southern Palm Beach County run between $14,000 and $45,000, depending on the material, roof size, complexity, decking condition, and code-related upgrades. We do not quote roof replacement pricing over the phone because the roof has to be inspected first.
How much does roof repair cost?
Most residential roof repairs fall between $900 and $6,500. The final number depends on what is actually causing the leak, not just where the stain appears inside the house. Small flashing or penetration repairs usually cost less than underlayment work, valley rebuilding, or decking repairs.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most single-family roof replacements take 2 to 5 working days once the crew starts. The full project timeline is longer because permitting and material lead times can add days or weeks before installation begins. We will give you a realistic timeline before the job starts, not after.
Should I repair my roof or replace it?
Repair makes sense when the damage is localized and the roof still has service life left. Replacement usually makes more sense when the underlayment has failed, the damage is widespread, or the roof is near the end of its life. After we inspect the roof, we will explain which option fits and why.
Do I need to replace my roof?
No, not necessarily. A lot of homeowners get told they need a full replacement when what they actually need is a roof recertification and some targeted repairs. Age alone does not condemn a roof. Condition does.
What a roof certification is: a written statement from a licensed roofing contractor, issued after an inspection, assessing your roof’s current condition and estimating its remaining service life, typically 2 to 5 years. It is not a warranty. It is a professional opinion that insurers, lenders, and buyers can use as evidence the roof is sound.
What it does for you:
Satisfies carrier underwriting on an older roof so you can bind or renew coverage
Answers a non-renewal notice that cites roof age when an inspection shows at least five years of remaining useful life on a roof 15 years or older
Clears a real estate closing when a buyer, lender, or title company flags the roof
Buys you years of planning time instead of an emergency five-figure decision
How much does a roof recertification cost?
The average roof recertification project costs approximately $2,900. This typically includes the necessary roof repairs required to bring the roof into certifiable condition, along with the inspection and final recertification documentation. Costs can vary depending on the roof’s condition and the extent of repairs needed.
Material matters more than most homeowners realize. Roofs do not age the same way, and insurance carriers treat them very differently.
| Material | Age where carriers typically push for replacement | Recertification outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle | Around 15 years | Hardest. Many Florida carriers require replacement at 15 to 20 years regardless of how the roof looks. Shingles degrade uniformly across the whole roof, so there is rarely a simple section-only fix. |
| Concrete and clay tile | Around 25 years | Much easier. The tile itself lasts decades. Recertification often comes down to underlayment condition, flashing, and cracked or slipped tiles, all of which are often repairable. |
| Metal | Around 30 years | Easiest. Assessment focuses on panels, fasteners, seams, and coating. Corrosion and fastener back-out are often spot-repairable rather than fatal. |
| Flat or low-slope | Around 15 to 20 years | Mixed. It depends on membrane condition, seam integrity, ponding, and drainage. Coatings or restoration systems can sometimes extend service life in a meaningful way. |
These are typical guidelines in the Florida insurance market, not law. Every carrier sets its own thresholds.
The practical takeaway is simple: if you have a tile or metal roof, there is a real chance you are a recertification candidate at an age that would have condemned a shingle roof. If you have shingle and you are past 15 years, be realistic, but get it inspected before you assume replacement is the only option.
Call (561) 716-1488 and we will tell you which one you are.
How long do roofs last in South Florida?
South Florida roofs usually wear out faster than national averages because of UV exposure, humidity, salt air, and wind-driven rain. Shingle roofs often last 15 to 20 years here, tile roofs can last much longer, and flat or low-slope systems vary by material and drainage conditions. On tile roofs, the underlayment often fails before the tile does.
My roof is leaking right now. What should I do?
Protect the interior first and do not get on a wet roof. Move or cover belongings, contain the water, photograph the damage, and cut power to the area if water is near fixtures or outlets. Then call a licensed roofing contractor so the leak can be addressed before the damage spreads.
Will my homeowners insurance cover a new roof in Florida?
It depends on the cause of the damage, not simply the roof’s age or condition. Florida policies often cover sudden storm-related damage, but they usually do not cover wear, deterioration, or deferred maintenance. We can document what we find so you have clear information to review with your insurer.
What is Florida’s 25% roof rule?
Florida’s 25% rule affects whether part of a roof can be repaired or whether a larger portion of the system has to be brought up to current code. The exact impact depends on the roof’s permit history, the age of the work, and your local building department. We review those details as part of larger repair and replacement recommendations.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof?
Yes. Roof replacement requires a permit, and many larger repairs do as well. A licensed roofing contractor should pull the permit in their own name, handle inspections, and close it out properly. Skipping permits can create problems later with insurance, refinancing, and future repairs.
Do you work with condo associations, HOAs, and property managers?
Yes. We work with community association managers, condo boards, HOA boards, and property managers on roof assessments, repairs, replacements, maintenance planning, and larger building-related roofing needs. That includes the clear documentation and communication these projects usually require.
What areas does Matthews Roofing serve?
We are based in Boca Raton and serve Palm Beach County and Broward County, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Parkland, Fort Lauderdale, and nearby communities. If you are not sure whether we serve your area, call us and we will tell you directly.
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