Questions about your roof

For most homes, the work itself takes from one day to a few days once the permit and materials are in place. Tile roofs and larger or more complex roofs take longer, and weather can add a day or two.

If the damage is in one area and the rest of the roof is in good condition, a repair is usually enough. Leaks in several places, widespread wear or a roof near the end of its life point to a replacement.

As a rough guide, asphalt shingles last around 15 to 25 years in the Florida sun, metal roofs 40 years or more, and concrete or clay tiles even longer, although the underlayment beneath tiles often needs renewing after about 20 to 25 years.

Most roof replacements in Florida need a building permit from your city or county, and a final inspection when the work is done. Small repairs often do not.

Usually not for the work itself, as long as the roof and yard can be reached. It helps to be available at the start and the end.

Old roofing goes into a dumpster or trailer, and the yard is cleaned when the work is done, including a sweep for nails.

That depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. Storm damage is often covered, normal wear and age usually are not. Your insurer is the one to ask, and photos of the damage help.