You’ve decided the old roof has to go, or your insurer or a home inspector has told you it’s time. Now you’re holding three estimates that look nothing alike, and you can’t tell what you’re actually paying for. Roof installation in Orlando is a big check to write, and most of the work ends up buried under shingles where you’ll never see it again.
That’s exactly why it helps to know what goes into it. You don’t need to become a roofer. You just need enough to tell a careful bid from a fast one, so you can make the call without second-guessing it later.
APC Roofing has been installing roofs in Central Florida since 2017. We’re GAF Certified, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured, and your inspection and estimate are free. Call 407-270-1129 to get started.
What a roof installation in Orlando should include
Here’s a new roof from the wood up. Each step is a fair question to ask about any estimate on your table.
Tear-off down to the deck
Some codes allow a new layer of shingles over an old one. On most Central Florida homes, a full tear-off is the better call, because it’s the only way to see the roof deck. An overlay hides rot and rusted flashing, and the new shingles mold to every bump in the old roof underneath.
Deck repairs
With the old roof off, soft or rotted plywood shows up, often near the eaves, around chimneys and under old leaks. Those sections get cut out and replaced. Nails don’t grip rotten wood, and loose nails are how shingles come off in a windstorm. A good estimate tells you how deck repairs are handled if the crew finds them.
Underlayment and a secondary water barrier
Synthetic underlayment goes over the deck, lapped so water always runs downhill over the seams. Ask whether the estimate includes a secondary water barrier, such as taped deck seams or a self-adhering membrane. If a hurricane strips shingles off, that layer is what keeps rain out of your attic until the roof can be repaired.
Drip edge and flashing
Metal drip edge runs along the eaves and rakes and steers water away from your fascia boards. Flashing goes wherever the roof meets a wall or chimney, plus every valley and pipe. Old flashing is usually bent, rusted or nailed through, and it should be replaced rather than reused.
The roof covering, fastened for wind
This is the part you’ll see. Shingles need a starter strip with sealant along the edges and nails in the manufacturer’s nailing zone. Tile and metal each have their own attachment rules. In a hurricane area like Orlando, the edges and corners matter most, because that’s where the wind pulls first.
Choosing a roof for your Orlando home
Most homes around Orlando end up with one of three roofs, and each has a reason to pick it.
Architectural shingles are the most common choice. They’re thicker than old 3-tab shingles, come with wind ratings, and many residential projects are finished in a single day. See our shingle roof installation page for more.
Concrete and clay tile suit a lot of Florida homes and hold up well to sun. The tile lasts a long time, but the underlayment beneath it is what wears out, so that layer deserves extra attention. Tile is heavy, so the roof framing has to be built for it.
Metal, usually standing seam, sheds heavy rain fast and handles wind well when it’s fastened correctly. Our metal roof installation page covers it in detail.
Permits and the final inspection
Most roof installations need a permit, and the roofing contractor usually pulls it because their license is on it. After the work is done, a city or county inspector checks it. Keep that paperwork. Insurers often ask about your roof’s age, and a buyer will want it when you sell.
If a roofer suggests skipping the permit to save time, think twice about hiring them.
What installation day looks like
Most of the noise happens on the roof, but you’ll feel it inside. A few things make the day easier:
- Move cars out of the driveway, since deliveries and the dumpster need that space.
- Take pictures and mirrors off the walls on the top floor. Hammering shakes the house.
- Cover anything stored in the attic. Dust and grit from the old roof drift down.
- Keep kids and pets inside or away from the edges of the house while old roofing comes down.
Tile, metal and larger roofs take longer than a single day, and your estimate should give you a realistic timeline. When the job’s done, the crew cleans up before leaving.
How to compare roof installation estimates
Put your bids side by side and check that each one lists:
- Every layer, from deck repairs to the brand and line of the roof covering
- How flashing and drip edge are handled (new, not reused)
- Who pulls the permit
- A Florida license number you can look up at myfloridalicense.com
- Proof of insurance
- Warranty terms in writing
If insurance is paying for part of the roof, you file the claim and pay your own deductible. Be wary of anyone who offers to waive or cover your deductible.
How it works with APC Roofing
- Book your free inspection. Call 407-270-1129 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. We measure every slope, check the attic, and give you a written estimate that lists each layer. Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
- Your roof gets done and the site gets cleaned up. You’ll know the timeline before work starts.
Putting off a roof that’s already failing rarely saves money. Water that gets past worn shingles soaks the deck first, and every month of that adds plywood to the replacement.
Roof installation questions from Orlando homeowners
How long does a roof installation take?
Many residential projects are finished in a single day. Tile, metal and larger or more complex roofs take longer.
Do I need to be home during the installation?
Not usually. Someone should be reachable, and the crew will need access to the driveway and the outside of the house.
Can a new roof go over my old one?
Sometimes, depending on local code and how many layers are already there. On most Orlando homes a full tear-off is the better choice, because it lets the deck be checked and repaired.
Should I repair or replace?
Replacement usually makes sense when damage is widespread, the roof is near the end of its life, or the same leak keeps coming back. Our Orlando roof replacement page walks through that decision.
Book your roof installation estimate in Orlando
Call 407-270-1129 or start your estimate online. You’ll get a written estimate that shows exactly what goes on your roof, so you can compare it fairly.
Then you get the good part: a new roof you trust, a dry attic through storm season, and no surprises on the final bill. Your satisfaction is our reputation.
