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Roofing in Florida

| Posted in General Discussion on June 11, 1999 08:52am

*
There are a lot of different laws in Florida. You may have to have a State Roofing License to do any work there. You had better call the local building inspector before making any plans.

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  1. ave_d | Jun 11, 1999 09:02am | #4

    *
    Stephen,

    Just a tip from Texas, check the local codes before you begin the job.

    Florida may have gone the same way as Texas in that in some costal areas, you can't get anything privately insured -- it's insured through a state windstorm pool. Thus any new construction, repairs, and reworks have to be inspected through the state.

    Just as a reference, you can look at the Texas Windstorm Resistant Code at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/company/wind/wstoc.html. Specifically sections 306 and 307.

    I learned the hard way -- put a roof on, and the owner couldn't renew his ins without state paperwork. Called for an inspection, and the state wouldn't inspect a finished job. Had to hire an engineer to certify the roof and eat his bill.

    Good luck.

    Dave

    1. ave_d | Jun 11, 1999 09:21am | #5

      *Stephen,To answer your original question and not preach codes, here's some extras I'd use on my house if it was in a hurricane prone area:Double layer 30# felt with all edges set in masticDrip edge set in mastic nailed 6" O.C.Starter courses set in masticPremium shingles nailed to code (remember that if you're in a hurricane prone area, you're probably in a high sunshine area)I install more modified bitumen roll products than shingles, hence my affinity for mastics and adhesives. Do we have a good shingler out there that can add anything?Dave

  2. Guest_ | Jun 11, 1999 11:10am | #6

    *
    In addition to the high wind and mildew factors others have discussed, another difference from DC is the sunlight. More cloud-free days and a higher angle sun (goes through less atmosphere) degrades the organic components of shingles faster. That's what those granules are for, to block the UV, not just to give a choice of colors.

    Also due to the high air temps and solar heating, compostion shingles are prone to damage during install. Sounds like this is for a friend. Work early in the day and then go take a swim, nap, or catch a movie in the heat of the day. -David

    1. Guest_ | Jun 11, 1999 04:12pm | #7

      *Thanks guys . Yes Dave Thomas this is for a relative . So I am hoping that the fact that he can say he is doing the job himself which he basically is(albeit I will be doing it for him just not as a contractor) will alleviate any licensing problems as I am sure none of my insurances or liscences are worth anything down there . I told him to check on the fungus esistant shingles . Scott I was more concerned about the reveal of the shingle verses 6 nails per but that is an interesting point . Would you also shrink the reveal down to say 4 inches instead of 5 inches ??? BTW this is a slat sheated home not plywood . I told him to make sure he obtained a permit and I hope they will inform him of any other certifications ect. that may be needed . Any other tips are greatly appreciated .

      1. Guest_ | Jun 11, 1999 04:15pm | #8

        *One other question someone may be able to answer. I plan on flying down and packing my nail gun and hand tools in a suitcase and checking the bag like a regular suitcase at the airport. Will this cause me problems ??? Has anyone done anything like this ???

        1. Guest_ | Jun 11, 1999 11:12pm | #9

          *Use nails, 6 per shingle and not too high.

          1. Guest_ | Jun 11, 1999 11:15pm | #10

            *Shouldn't be a problem except for knives. A utility knife should be OK just nothing with a blade over a few inches.

          2. Guest_ | Jun 12, 1999 03:05am | #11

            *have to agree with the six nail idea also use a laminate shingle and you should not have to worry about the reveal---possibly a "30" year variety. i did ahouse house for a HUD official once his spects showed the felt over the drip edge on the eaves and under the drip edge on the rakes--- just an idea( i don't know how good of one though)

          3. Guest_ | Jun 12, 1999 03:13am | #12

            *I am looking at an AD for Hatteras Shingles from Certainteed.Warranted for 10 years to take 110 mph winds.Anybody tried these?Good Luck,Stephen

          4. Guest_ | Jun 12, 1999 03:51am | #13

            *Your tools, in CHECKED baggage, won't be a problem including the nail gun, unless it is a Paslode. No compressed gasses, flamable solvents, chalks, or paints. Buy those down there. Begs the question: If your were transporting a Paslode (without its fuel cell) should it be declared to the gate agent like a handgun or long rifle. (i.e. tell them you have it, that it is unloaded, and in a locked case. They give a form to throw in the baggage to prove you told them.) You that scene in Lethal Weapon. . . Keeping all the weird and metallic stuff in checked baggage speeds your travel throught the X-ray station. Had a girlfriend who got her bags searched because the guard didn't recognize what the small coil of metal spring was - the rim of her diaphragm.

          5. Guest_ | Jun 12, 1999 06:09am | #14

            *Stephen4" reveal equals 20% more shingles, nails, and time. Did the two layers you have to remove age due to weather/sun or have they blown off?Scott

          6. Guest_ | Jun 12, 1999 05:07pm | #15

            *Scott the shingles are being removed due to age and the roof has begun to leak . I admit using the 4" reveal is probably better used on roofs with a low pitch in northern climates . I want to thank everyone for their 2 cents and it has helped me make sure I have covered most options . I guess all I can do now is pray for good weather and hope they found some expeirenced laborers . I am afraid they will hire some greenhorns who walk off after a 1/2 hour with a tear off shovel in their hands . Thanks again . Stephen

          7. Guest_ | Jun 14, 1999 07:21pm | #17

            *Stephen,More info can be had at the Certainteed Web site (www.certainteed.com), but the Hatteras requires special installation measures to provide the ten year hurricane warranty. It's otherwise warranted for forty years. It's a heavy, oversized, four tab shingle, so five nails at minimum must be used. Dade County requires six, with two of them at the shingle's center. There's an eight inch reveal with the shingle. Each shingle's flap is secured with eight spots of roofing cement at installation. There's also algae resistance built in. This shingle seems well designed for coastal and high wind areas.

  3. Guest_ | Jun 14, 1999 07:21pm | #16

    *
    I am going to Florida next week to tear 2 layers off a house next week and then reinstall. The house has regular shingles on it . Are there any things I should be aware of that would be done differently than in the DC area ??? Such as tar paper thickness , nail length and shingle reveal ??? Any insight on this would be appreciated . Apparently they have a hard time finding reputable contractors in their area so I am going down to ease their concerns by doing the job .

    1. Guest_ | Jun 11, 1999 01:44am | #1

      *Probably want a shingle that resists mildew, like those with 3M's Algae Block granules. is a site that lists manufacturers that use the granules, though companies like CertainTeed have their own names, like FungusBuster. Though I've never installed shingles in Florida, I've lived there, in Georgia, and in Hawaii, and all of the roofs I've had looked like any others elsewhere (except for the mildew). Since Hurricane Andrew, there may be some special rules, but you can find them out once there, I'd imagine.

      1. Guest_ | Jun 11, 1999 08:25am | #2

        *StephenIt's hot and extra humid right now. Lots and lots of GatoraideIt's the start of the "Afternoon Thunder Shower Season. Expect I per day, 15-30 minutes then sunshine & 100% humidity. Occasionally (like right now) it willl rain/mist/RAIN/mist/rain for a day or two. Most if not all of the state is a "high wind area"Check with locals but you should go 6 nails per shingle whether required or not.Wild fires have been bad the last couple of years. Check with locals on any changes or county specific requirements on Fire retardancy requirements. Barry's right on the money with algae resistant.Scott

        1. JohnKirk | Jun 11, 1999 08:52am | #3

          *There are a lot of different laws in Florida. You may have to have a State Roofing License to do any work there. You had better call the local building inspector before making any plans.

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