Fort Myers Roofing Checklist
Fifteen things worth checking before you hire a roofer or start a re-roof in Fort Myers, each with a plain note on why it matters. Read it here, and grab a printable copy to take into your quotes.
Your Fort Myers re-roofing and roof repair checklist
Roofing is a big spend and a regulated trade, so a little homework protects you. Work down this list as you compare roofers and scope the job.
- 1
Verify the contractor's license at MyFloridaLicense.com
Why it matters: Florida roofing is a regulated trade. An unlicensed roofer can void manufacturer warranties and leave you with little recourse if the work fails.
- 2
Confirm general liability and workers' compensation insurance
Why it matters: Without it, an injury on your roof or accidental damage to the house can land on you rather than the contractor.
- 3
Get the full scope and price in writing before anyone starts
Why it matters: A written estimate heads off disputes and stops extra charges appearing partway through the job.
- 4
Ask who pulls the permit and confirm it is included
Why it matters: Roofing in Fort Myers usually needs a permit from the City of Fort Myers Building Division or Lee County. Unpermitted work can stall a future sale or an insurance claim.
- 5
Have the roof inspected before deciding repair versus replacement
Why it matters: Damage hidden under the covering can flip the honest answer, so a call made from the ground alone often costs you more later.
- 6
Ask about the underlayment (the water-resistant layer under the covering) and decking (the wood panels beneath), not just the surface
Why it matters: On tile roofs the underlayment usually fails before the tile, so skipping it means the roof leaks again soon after a surface-only fix.
- 7
Confirm the roofing material and its wind rating
Why it matters: Lee County roofing has to meet the Florida Building Code high-wind requirements, so the system needs to be rated for it.
- 8
Ask about attic ventilation and the soffit vents (the vented underside of the roof overhang)
Why it matters: Weak ventilation bakes a shingle roof from below and shortens its life, so it is worth sorting during a re-roof rather than after.
- 9
Discuss a wind mitigation inspection (documents wind-resistant roof features and may qualify you for an insurance discount)
Why it matters: It records features such as the roof-to-wall connections and covering that your insurer may credit toward a premium discount.
- 10
Clarify the cleanup, debris and nail-removal plan
Why it matters: Tear-off scatters roofing nails and debris, and a stray nail in a driveway or yard is a real hazard to tires, pets and bare feet.
- 11
Get the workmanship and manufacturer warranties in writing
Why it matters: A verbal warranty is almost impossible to enforce later, so both should be documented before work starts.
- 12
Understand the payment schedule and avoid a large upfront payment
Why it matters: A big deposit demanded before any materials arrive is a common warning sign with fly-by-night operators.
- 13
Plan for weather delays
Why it matters: Southwest Florida storms regularly interrupt roofing. A realistic schedule prevents frustration and stops a crew rushing unsafe work between downpours.
- 14
Protect landscaping, vehicles and attic items before work begins
Why it matters: Tear-off drops debris and sends vibration through the house, so moving fragile items and cars clear beforehand avoids accidental damage.
- 15
For storm or insurance work, document the damage before repairs begin
Why it matters: The contractor records the damage and the insurer decides coverage, so dated photos and a written assessment protect your claim.
Method: how this checklist is put together
This checklist is drawn from Florida roofing regulations, standard homeowner-protection practice and our Roofing Knowledge Base, and it focuses on the steps that most often protect Fort Myers homeowners during a repair or re-roof. The items run roughly in the order you meet them, from vetting a roofer through to final sign-off.
What it does: it gives you plain-English questions to ask and things to confirm before and during a roofing job, so nothing important slips through.
What it does not do: it is general guidance, not a legal, engineering or insurance opinion, and it does not inspect your roof or price the work. Its one assumption is that you are a homeowner planning a standard residential repair or replacement; a commercial or specialty roof may call for extra steps.
You can verify any roofing contractor's Florida license at MyFloridaLicense.com and confirm permit rules with Lee County Community Development.
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