Roofing in Cape Coral
A Cape Coral roof is built to resist hurricane wind and very heavy rain. After a major storm, roofs are the most urgent repairs, and also the most common place for disputes and scams.
Wind and rain
NOAA's engineering weather data for Fort Myers lists a 50-year basic wind speed of 140 mph and a 100-year rainfall rate of 4.5 inches per hour. Hurricane Ian made landfall on Cayo Costa on September 28, 2022 with estimated maximum winds of about 150 mph. Ask the roofer how they'll attach the roof deck to the framing, what nailing pattern they'll use for the decking and the roof covering, and how the roof-to-wall connections are handled. A secondary water barrier, such as a sealed roof deck, keeps rain out if the covering is damaged. Ask what underlayment they'll use and how edges, ridges and hips will be secured, since wind damage starts there.
Materials
Tile, metal and architectural shingles are all common. Tile is heavy and durable but can break and become debris in a storm, and it depends on the underlayment beneath it. Metal roofs handle wind well when properly fastened. Ask about the wind rating of the product and the installation method it requires.
Humidity
NOAA counts about 3,353 hours a year at Fort Myers with the wet-bulb temperature above 73°F. Humid attics can grow mold and rot decking if ventilation is poor. Ask how the roofer will ventilate the attic.
Florida's licenses
Florida contractors either hold a state certificate of competency, with a license number beginning with C, valid anywhere in Florida, or a registration, beginning with R, valid only in the local jurisdictions where they met competency requirements. After major storms, out-of-area roofers arrive. Ask for the license number, look it up on the Florida DBPR license search, and check that it's a roofing license valid for Cape Coral.
After a storm
Be cautious with anyone who knocks on your door, asks for a large deposit, pressures you to sign that day, or asks you to sign over your insurance benefits. Talk to your insurer, get your own estimate and choose a roofer with a local address and references.
What a bid should include
Ask every roofer for the same details: tear-off, decking replacement pricing, re-nailing of the deck, underlayment or secondary water barrier, flashing, ventilation, drip edge, roof covering and line, permit, inspections and cleanup. Ask about both the manufacturer's warranty and the roofer's workmanship warranty, and get them in writing. Ask whether your insurer offers discounts for wind-mitigation features, and whether the roofer can provide documentation for an inspection.