Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor: 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring in South Florida

Protect Your Investment: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor in South Florida’s Challenging Climate

When it comes to roofing in South Florida, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Between hurricane-force winds, torrential rains, and year-round UV exposure, your roof faces some of the most challenging conditions in the country. Hiring a roofing contractor in Florida is not just about fixing a leak — it’s about protecting your home from some of the harshest weather in the country. Florida’s weather is unique. That’s why selecting the right contractor isn’t just important—it’s absolutely critical for your home’s protection and your family’s safety.

The roofing industry in South Florida is filled with both exceptional professionals and opportunistic contractors looking to take advantage of homeowners, especially after storms. Florida is no stranger to severe weather, and out-of-town contractors, known as storm chasers, often rush in to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners. While they may offer quick fixes, these companies typically vanish as fast as they appear, leaving homeowners to deal with faulty installations. To help you navigate this crucial decision, here are 10 essential questions you must ask before hiring any roofing contractor in South Florida.

1. Are You Properly Licensed and Insured in Florida?

This is non-negotiable. In Florida, any contractor wanting to perform roofing services of any sort must have a license. Florida has specific licensing requirements for roofers, so make sure the roofing contractor you are considering meets all the requirements Florida has in place. Additionally, Roofing companies should also have both workman’s compensation and liability insurance. These protect the workers and the homeowner if something goes wrong at the job site.

Always ask to see physical proof of both licensing and insurance certificates. Insist on seeing proof of insurance and worker’s compensation certificates. The last thing you want is to be dragged into court because of an accident that occurs on your property or because the South Florida roofing contractor you hired was not properly insured. The company you choose should have insurance to cover your property while your roof is being installed and worker’s compensation for the roofers doing the install.

2. How Long Have You Been Operating in South Florida?

You want a roofer who understands how humidity, salt air, wind zones, and hurricanes affect roofs here — not someone new to the state. A roofing company that is established within the local community and has stayed in business for an extended period means that the company is obviously doing something right. Local experience matters immensely in Florida’s unique climate conditions.

Companies like Aastro Roofing, which has been serving South Florida since 2010, understand the specific challenges that come with the region’s weather patterns. I chose to work in this industry because we are third generation roofers who have accumulated over 60 years of experience and expertise. Jason and James Blair founded Aastro Roofing in 2010. This kind of local expertise and family heritage in the industry provides the deep understanding needed for Florida roofing projects.

3. Can You Provide Local References and Recent Work Examples?

Reputable contractors should have local reviews and recent clients nearby — ideally in your city or county. Ask for homes you can drive by to check their work. But here’s an important tip: Contractors usually won’t offer references for projects that went wrong. So, ask for references from jobs where issues did arise and how they were handled. A good contractor will have a solid process for addressing and resolving problems.

Don’t just accept a list of references—actually contact them. Ask about the quality of work, timeliness, communication, and how any issues were resolved. A professional Roof Installer Broward county, FL will be proud to share their track record and client testimonials.

4. What Roofing Materials Do You Recommend for South Florida?

One of the most important things about getting a new roof or having roof repair work done in South Florida is the type of product being used. Is the roofing contractor you are considering hiring associated with a national, well-respected roofing product brand? Ask why they recommend certain shingles, tile, or metal for your specific location.

In South Florida’s climate, not all materials are created equal. There are many shingle lines and price ranges to choose from, and some shingles have specific performance aspects that may be required in your area (like solar reflectance or impact resistance). Your contractor should be knowledgeable about wind-resistant materials and impact-resistant products suitable for hurricane-prone areas.

5. What Warranties Do You Offer on Both Materials and Workmanship?

Does your contractor explain the difference between his/her workmanship warranty coverage versus the product manufacturer’s warranty coverage for defective products? Also, make sure to find out what kind of warranty is involved with the products you choose, and from the roofing contractor for their work. This is very important.

A reputable contractor will offer comprehensive warranties and should be able to clearly explain what’s covered under each type of warranty. Also ask: Are warranties transferable? That’s a bonus if you sell your home.

6. How Will You Handle Weather Protection During the Project?

This is crucial in South Florida’s unpredictable weather. Roofing projects in Florida are vulnerable to sudden weather changes. Ask: How will they protect your exposed roof if it rains? A professional contractor should have a detailed plan for protecting your home during the installation process, including tarping procedures and weather contingency plans.

7. Will You Handle All Necessary Permits and Inspections?

In Florida, roofing jobs typically require a permit from your local county or city. A good contractor should handle this for you and schedule the required inspections. This isn’t just a convenience—it’s a legal requirement, and working with unlicensed contractors or skipping permits can create serious liability issues for homeowners.

8. Who Will Supervise the Work on My Property?

Ask if the contractor personally oversees the project or if a foreman will be present. Make sure there’s someone you can speak with directly during the project. Roofing projects require careful supervision. Unfortunately, some companies will send out crews without a designated supervisor, leaving communication gaps. This can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and mistakes.

9. What Safety Protocols Do You Follow?

Roofing is a dangerous job, and you don’t want to risk anyone getting hurt on your property. Ensuring that your contractor has safety protocols in place is crucial, not just for their workers but for your peace of mind as well. Ask about their safety standards, training programs, and OSHA compliance.

Companies that prioritize safety, like Aastro Roofing, demonstrate their commitment through their core values. integrity, accountability, professionalism, and ensuring we’re the most knowledgeable roofers in the industry. We live out our core values every day and make sure that our technicians do, too.

10. Are You a Member of Professional Roofing Associations?

Being a member of industry associations, such as NRCA, demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and continuing education in best roofing practices. You should ask any roofing contractor in South Florida what national, state, or local roofing associations and organizations they are members of.

Professional associations require ongoing education and adherence to industry standards, which translates to better service for you as a homeowner.

Red Flags to Avoid

While asking the right questions is important, it’s equally crucial to recognize warning signs. If a contractor shows up at your door right after a storm, be cautious. Florida is no stranger to severe weather, and out-of-town contractors, known as storm chasers, often rush in to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners.

Other red flags include:

The Aastro Roofing Advantage

When searching for a reliable roofing contractor in South Florida, companies like Aastro Roofing exemplify what you should look for. Centrally located in Deerfield Beach, Aastro Roofing Company is managed and operated by family members with a vested interest in our company’s success and the satisfaction of our customers. Our family-oriented approach ensures personalized service and attention to detail, making us a trusted choice for roofing needs in South Florida.

Our mission at Aastro Roofing Company is to provide the highest quality roofing solutions with exceptional customer service, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of every client. We are committed to using top-grade materials and the latest industry techniques to deliver durable, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing roofs. As a family-operated business, we prioritize building lasting relationships with our customers and treating each project with the care and attention it deserves.

Making Your Final Decision

In the end, the homeowner’s ability to have a positive hassle-free roofing experience is predicated on their willingness to do the necessary homework and ask plenty of questions. Professional roofing contractors who act in the best interest of their customers will not be put off by you wanting to verify this criteria. The professional roofer is proud to tell you the efforts that they’ve made to be the contractor of choice for so many customers and the steps they take to ensure a successful project for everyone involved.

Remember, Your roof is an important investment. Whether you’re getting small repairs or a completely new roof, the contractor you choose will determine the quality of your roof and will determine how well your roof will protect your home in extreme weather. Take the time to ask these questions, verify credentials, and choose a contractor who demonstrates professionalism, local expertise, and a commitment to quality.

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against South Florida’s challenging weather conditions. By asking these 10 essential questions and working with established local professionals, you’ll ensure that your roofing investment provides the protection and peace of mind your family deserves for years to come.