What Residential Roofers in Palmetto Want You to Know Before Replacing Your Roof

Residential roofers in Palmetto have seen it all—smart homeowners who prep and clueless ones who regret skipping steps. Before you replace your roof, they’d want you to know these key points to save time, money, and headaches. Here’s their insider take, based on current realities as of 2025, with costs and details for a 2,000 sq ft home—U.S. standard.

1. Timing Matters More Than You Think

• What They Say: “Book early—spring and summer clog us up. Fall or winter might save you 10% if it’s dry.”
• Why: Demand spikes post-storm—$14,000 asphalt jobs stretch from 2 days to 2 weeks waiting. Labor shortages in 2025 mean good crews book out.
• Action: Plan 1-3 months ahead—avoid rush fees ($1,000-$3,000).

2. Your Old Roof’s Hiding Surprises

• What They Say: “We’ll find rot or weak decking—budget 20-30% extra.”
• Why: 20-year asphalt hides $500-$1,500 rot (100 sq ft at $5-$15/sq ft) or rafter fixes ($1,000-$5,000). $14,000 quote hits $18,000 fast.
• Action: Ask for a “worst-case” estimate—$1,000-$5,000 buffer beats panic.

3. Materials Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

• What They Say: “Pick for your climate—cheap asphalt flops in hail, tiles crack in snow.”
• Why: Asphalt ($12,000-$18,000) fades in sun—25 years max. Metal ($20,000-$35,000) shrugs off storms—60 years. Tiles ($20,000-$45,000) love heat, hate ice.
• Action: Tell them your weather—2025 storms push metal in windy zones.

4. Don’t Skimp on Underlayment

• What They Say: “Good underlayment’s your leak shield—$1,000-$2,000 isn’t optional.”
• Why: Cheap tar paper fails—$1,000 leak fix in year one. Synthetic or ice/water barriers add 5-10 years to asphalt’s 25.
• Action: Confirm it’s in the quote—not “we’ll see.”

5. Permits and Codes Aren’t Our Call

• What They Say: “We pull permits ($200-$500)—skip it, and you’re fined or redoing it.”
• Why: Codes tightened post-2020 storms—$1,000+ penalties or $5,000 redo if unpermitted. Licensed pros handle it.
• Action: Verify they’re licensed—state database check.

6. You’ll Hear and Feel It

• What They Say: “It’s loud—nail guns, tear-off, 8-10 hours/day. Plan around it.”
• Why: 2-5 days of chaos—2 for asphalt, 5 for tiles. Pets bolt, kids whine, dust flies.
• Action: Clear out or crate pets—warn neighbors.

7. Weather’s Our Boss

• What They Say: “Rain or wind stops us—wet decks rot, falls kill.”
• Why: Tarps ($200-$500) buy time—2-day job hits 4. NOAA says 20% stormier since 2015—delays are real.
• Action: Book dry weeks—flex 1-2 days.

8. We Don’t Control Supply Chains

• What They Say: “Metal or tiles might lag 1-2 weeks—plan for it.”
• Why: 2025 shortages stretch lead times—$20,000 metal roof waits while asphalt’s ready now ($14,000).
• Action: Confirm delivery—lock dates in contract.

9. Cleanup’s On Us—If You Ask

• What They Say: “Nails and debris go with $2,000-$4,000 tear-off—make sure it’s in writing.”
• Why: Stray nails pop tires ($100), hurt feet ($500 ER)—magnets miss some.
• Action: Quote says “full cleanup”—walk it after.

10. Warranty’s Only as Good as Us

• What They Say: “5-10 year labor warranty means we’re legit—check our rep.”
• Why: $1,000 leak in year one’s free with pros—fly-by-nights vanish. $14,000 flop costs $12,000 redo.
• Action: X search their name—5+ years, solid reviews.

Costs Recap (2,000 sq ft)

• Asphalt: $12,000-$18,000—2-3 days.
• Metal: $20,000-$35,000—3-5 days.
• Extras: $1,000-$5,000—rot, delays.
• Labor: $5-$7/sq ft—2025 norm.

Their Bottom Line

• Prep: $14,000 right saves $20,000+ fixing a hack job—25 years vs. 5.
• Ask: “What’s your rot plan?” “Materials in stock?” “Warranty details?”
• 2025 Stakes: Wilder weather, tighter labor—listen to them, win big.

Palmetto Residential roofers want you ready—nail this, and your roof’s gold.