GOLIATH ROOFING
The most common residential roofing material in the U.S. Made from a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and surfaced with ceramic granules. Available in 3-tab (basic) and architectural (dimensional) styles. Lifespan in South Florida: 15-25 years depending on quality.
Shingle roofing services→The system of intake vents (at the soffits) and exhaust vents (at or near the ridge) that allows air to flow through the attic space. Proper ventilation prevents heat buildup, reduces cooling costs, and extends roof life by preventing moisture damage to the decking.
Ventilation services→An insurance payout method that deducts depreciation from the replacement cost. If your 15-year-old roof costs $20,000 to replace but has depreciated 50%, ACV pays $10,000 minus your deductible. Compare to RCV (Replacement Cost Value), which pays the full replacement cost.
Insurance claims help→A curved, half-cylinder clay or concrete tile common in Spanish and Mediterranean architecture throughout South Florida. Extremely durable (50-100 years) but heavy, requiring reinforced roof decking. One of the most hurricane-resistant roof types when properly installed.
Tile roofing services→A flat roofing system made from multiple alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt or coal tar) and reinforcing fabric (felt or fiberglass). The oldest flat roof system with a 100+ year track record. Usually surfaced with gravel for UV protection.
Flat roofing services→Raised bubbles on the surface of a shingle or flat roof membrane caused by trapped moisture or volatile gases expanding in heat. Minor blistering is cosmetic; large or open blisters expose the roof to water damage and should be repaired.
The top layer of a modified bitumen or built-up roofing system. It is the visible, weather-facing surface that protects the layers beneath from UV, rain, and mechanical damage. Available with granule or smooth surfaces.
A triangular piece of material (wood, foam, or perlite) placed at the junction where a flat roof meets a vertical wall or parapet. It creates a gradual 45-degree transition so the membrane can bend smoothly instead of making a sharp 90-degree turn, which would crack over time.
Moisture that forms when warm, humid air meets a cooler surface. In roofing, condensation inside the attic can rot decking, reduce insulation effectiveness, and promote mold growth. Proper ventilation and vapor barriers prevent it.
A roofing system designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. White TPO, white metal, and reflective coatings qualify. Cool roofs reduce cooling costs by 15-25% and can qualify for utility rebates in Florida.
Roof coating services→A small peaked structure built on the backside of a chimney or other roof penetration to divert water around it. Without a cricket, water pools behind the penetration, leading to leaks. Required by Florida Building Code for chimneys wider than 30 inches.
The structural surface (usually plywood or OSB) nailed to the roof trusses or rafters that the roofing material is installed on top of. Decking must be solid, dry, and properly fastened. Rotted or damaged decking is replaced during re-roofing.
A structural element that projects from the slope of a roof, usually containing a window. Dormers add usable space and light to attic rooms but create complex flashing requirements at multiple intersections with the main roof.
The vertical pipe that carries rainwater from the gutter down to ground level and away from the foundation. Properly sized and positioned downspouts are critical in South Florida where 3-5 inches of rain can fall in a single hour during summer storms.
Gutter services→An L-shaped metal flashing installed along the edges of a roof to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter. Required by Florida Building Code on all new roof installations. Prevents water from wicking under the roofing material.
The stage of construction where the roof decking is covered with underlayment (felt or synthetic) to make the building watertight before the final roofing material is installed. In South Florida, a proper dry-in is critical because afternoon storms can hit during any multi-day project.
The lower edge of a roof that overhangs the wall of the building. Eaves protect the walls from rain and provide shade. The eave area is where soffit vents are installed for attic ventilation intake.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, a synthetic rubber membrane used for flat roofing. Available in black or white. Extremely durable with excellent weathering characteristics. Seams are adhesive or tape-bonded rather than heat-welded like TPO.
Flat roofing services→A flexible roof coating that stretches and recovers with the roof as it expands and contracts in temperature changes. Elastomeric coatings can bridge hairline cracks and are commonly used to extend the life of aging commercial roofs.
Roof coating services→The portion of a shingle, tile, or slate that is visible and exposed to weather after installation. For standard architectural shingles, exposure is typically 5-5/8 inches. Improper exposure reduces the number of layers protecting the roof.
The vertical board that runs along the edge of the roof, behind the gutter. Fascia supports the bottom row of roof tiles/shingles and the gutter system. Usually made of wood (painted) or aluminum. Rotted fascia is a common issue in humid South Florida.
An asphalt-saturated paper used as underlayment beneath roofing materials. Traditional felt comes in #15 (lighter) and #30 (heavier) weights. In Florida, synthetic underlayment has largely replaced felt due to superior tear resistance and moisture performance.
Thin pieces of metal (aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper) installed at joints, penetrations, and transitions to prevent water from entering the roof system. Common locations: chimneys, walls, valleys, vent pipes, and skylights. Faulty flashing is the number one cause of roof leaks.
A roof with a slope of less than 2:12 (less than 2 inches of rise per 12 inches of horizontal run). Despite the name, flat roofs must have slight slope for drainage. Common systems include TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing.
Flat roofing services→The statewide building code governing all construction in Florida. The FBC includes specific roofing requirements for wind resistance, fastener patterns, underlayment, and materials. The HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) section imposes even stricter standards for Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof slopes. Gable roofs are the most common roof shape. In South Florida, gable end walls must be braced to resist wind pressure during hurricanes.
North America's largest roofing manufacturer. GAF makes shingles, flat roofing membranes, ventilation products, and accessories. Their Timberline HDZ is the best-selling shingle in the country. GAF contractor certifications include Master Elite (top 2% of roofers).
Crushed rock or ceramic particles embedded in the surface of asphalt shingles. Granules protect the asphalt from UV degradation, provide fire resistance, and give the shingle its color. Granule loss in gutters is a sign your shingles are aging.
A channel installed along the eave of a roof to collect and direct rainwater to downspouts. Available in aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, and vinyl. Properly sized gutters are essential in Florida where heavy rain events exceed 3 inches per hour.
Gutter services→A roof where all four sides slope downward from the ridge to the eaves. Hip roofs are more wind-resistant than gable roofs because they have no flat ends for wind to catch. Preferred in hurricane-prone areas of South Florida.
A building code designation covering Miami-Dade and Broward counties that requires the strictest roofing standards in the U.S. All roofing products used in the HVHZ must have a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from Miami-Dade County proving they meet enhanced wind, water, and impact resistance standards.
HVHZ roofing explained→The distance that the upper shingle or tile overlaps the one two courses below. Headlap creates multiple layers of coverage at every point on the roof. Standard headlap for 3-tab shingles is 2 inches. Insufficient headlap allows wind-driven rain to penetrate.
A ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining. Extremely rare in South Florida but relevant for understanding national roofing terminology. Florida's equivalent issue is ponding water on flat roofs.
Roofing materials rated to withstand impact from hail and wind-borne debris. Rated on a scale of Class 1 (lowest) to Class 4 (highest). Class 4 impact-resistant shingles can earn insurance discounts of 15-30% in Florida.
Impact-resistant roofing→Material installed in the roof assembly to resist heat transfer. In South Florida, roof insulation keeps conditioned air inside and hot attic air out. Measured in R-value (resistance to heat flow). Florida code requires minimum R-30 in most residential attics.
A horizontal structural member that supports the ceiling below and, in some cases, the roof above. Not the same as a rafter or truss. Ceiling joists run parallel to the rafters and tie the walls together to resist outward thrust from the roof load.
A special piece of flashing installed where a roof slope meets a sidewall and the wall continues below the roof edge. It kicks water away from the wall and into the gutter instead of allowing it to run down the siding. Missing kick-out flashing causes severe water damage to walls.
A premium fluoropolymer paint finish used on standing seam metal roofing panels. Kynar 500 (by Arkema) resists fading, chalking, and corrosion for 30-40 years. It is the industry standard for architectural metal roofing and comes in 40+ colors.
Metal roofing services→A roofing adhesive used to bond overlapping layers of roll roofing, modified bitumen, or built-up roofing membranes. Applied between layers to create a watertight seal at the seams.
A self-adhering waterproof membrane installed in vulnerable areas of the roof (valleys, eaves, around penetrations) as an extra layer of protection beneath the primary roofing material. Required by Florida Building Code at all roof-to-wall intersections.
Leak repair services→A roof with a pitch between 1:12 and 4:12. Low-slope roofs require different materials and installation methods than steep-slope roofs. Most flat roofing systems (TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen) are designed for low-slope applications.
A vented opening in a gable wall or roof structure that allows air to pass through while keeping rain and debris out. Louvers can be static (always open) or powered (with fans) for attic ventilation.
A roof style with two slopes on each of four sides. The lower slope is nearly vertical and the upper slope is nearly flat. Common on commercial buildings and some residential designs. The steep lower portion is often visible from the street and requires aesthetic-quality roofing materials.
A flat roofing system using asphalt modified with rubber (SBS) or plastic (APP) polymers for improved flexibility and durability. Applied in multiple layers by torch, hot mopping, cold adhesive, or self-adhesion. A reliable system for residential flat roof sections and commercial buildings.
Flat roofing services→A continuous, flexible waterproof sheet used as the primary weather barrier on flat and low-slope roofs. Common membrane materials include TPO, PVC, EPDM, and modified bitumen. The membrane is the critical layer that keeps water out of the building.
A document issued by Miami-Dade County certifying that a roofing product meets the enhanced performance standards required in the HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone). Every roofing product used in Miami-Dade and Broward counties must have a valid NOA. No NOA = no permit approval.
A roofing nail that backs out of the decking over time due to thermal expansion, improper installation, or wood movement. Nail pops push shingles up and create potential leak points. Easily repaired by a roofer by driving a new nail nearby and sealing the area.
The total unobstructed area of a vent that allows air to pass through. Screens and louvers reduce a vent's net free area. Proper attic ventilation in Florida requires 1 square foot of net free area for every 150 square feet of attic floor space.
A roof valley where the roofing material is trimmed back from the centerline, exposing a metal flashing channel beneath. Open valleys channel water faster than closed (woven) valleys, making them preferred in high-rainfall areas like South Florida.
The portion of the roof that extends beyond the exterior wall of the building. Overhangs protect walls and windows from direct rain and provide shade. In Florida, overhangs are carefully designed to balance shade benefits with wind uplift risks.
An engineered wood panel made from compressed layers of wood strands bonded with adhesive. Used as roof decking as an alternative to plywood. OSB is less expensive than plywood but more vulnerable to moisture damage if exposed. In South Florida's humidity, plywood is generally preferred.
A low wall extending above the roofline at the edge of a flat roof. Parapets are common on commercial buildings and provide a barrier for safety, fire separation, and aesthetic screening of rooftop equipment. Proper parapet flashing (coping) is essential to prevent leaks.
Any object that passes through the roof surface, including vent pipes, HVAC curbs, exhaust fans, skylights, and conduits. Every penetration is a potential leak point and requires proper flashing. Reducing unnecessary penetrations improves roof integrity.
The steepness of a roof expressed as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. A 6:12 pitch rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance. Higher pitch means steeper roof. Pitch affects material selection, installation method, and wind resistance.
Structural wood panels made from thin layers (plies) of wood veneer glued together with alternating grain directions. Used as roof decking. Plywood offers better moisture resistance than OSB and is the preferred decking material in South Florida's humid climate.
Water that remains standing on a flat roof for more than 48 hours after the last rainfall. Ponding accelerates membrane deterioration, adds structural weight (1 inch of water = 5.2 lbs/sq ft), and breeds mosquitoes. Caused by inadequate slope, blocked drains, or structural deflection.
A horizontal structural member that spans between rafters or trusses to support roof sheathing or metal panels. Purlins are common in metal roof construction and are typically made of wood or light-gauge steel.
An insurance payout method that pays the full cost to replace a damaged roof with equivalent new materials, without deducting for depreciation. RCV policies are significantly better for homeowners than ACV (Actual Cash Value) policies.
Insurance claims help→The horizontal line at the top of a roof where two opposing slopes meet. The ridge is the highest point of the roof. Ridge caps (special shingles or tiles) are installed along this line to waterproof the joint.
A continuous ventilation opening installed along the ridge of a roof, covered by ridge cap shingles. Ridge vents allow hot air to exhaust from the attic at the highest point, creating natural convection when paired with soffit intake vents.
Ventilation services→The sloped edge of a roof that runs from the eave to the ridge at a gable end. The rake edge requires drip edge flashing and properly trimmed roofing materials to prevent wind-driven rain from entering at the edge.
A measure of a material's resistance to heat flow. Higher R-value = better insulation. Florida Building Code requires minimum R-30 attic insulation for most residential construction. Proper R-value in the roof assembly is critical for energy efficiency in South Florida.
The process of removing the existing roofing material and installing a new roofing system. In Florida, you cannot install new roofing over more than one layer of existing material. Most re-roofs require a complete tear-off down to the decking.
Roof replacement services→The asphalt used to impregnate (saturate) the fiberglass or organic felt mat that forms the base of asphalt shingles. The saturant makes the mat water-resistant and provides the adhesion base for the surface coating.
An opening in a parapet wall or roof edge that allows water to drain off a flat roof. Scuppers work with downspouts or simply discharge water beyond the building face. Properly sized scuppers are essential for commercial flat roof drainage in Florida.
A waterproof membrane with a factory-applied adhesive backing that bonds directly to the roof deck without the need for additional adhesives or heat. Used as leak barrier underlayment in valleys, at eaves, and around penetrations. Peel-and-stick application.
Another term for roof decking. The structural panels (plywood or OSB) that cover the rafters or trusses and provide the nailing surface for roofing materials. The sheathing must be inspected for rot and damage during every re-roof.
The angle of a roof surface expressed as inches of rise per 12 inches of horizontal run. A 4:12 slope rises 4 inches per foot. Slope determines which roofing materials can be used and affects water drainage performance.
The underside of the roof overhang. Soffits are typically vented to allow fresh air into the attic for ventilation. Materials include aluminum, vinyl, or wood. In Florida, soffit damage from wind uplift during hurricanes is extremely common.
A unit of measurement in roofing equal to 100 square feet. A 2,000 square foot roof is 20 squares. Roofing materials and labor are often priced per square. One square of 3-tab shingles typically requires 3 bundles.
A metal roofing system with vertical panels joined by raised, interlocking seams. The seams stand 1-2 inches above the flat panel surface, keeping fasteners hidden and out of the weather. The premium metal roof option with 50-70 year lifespan.
Metal roofing services→A specially designed shingle or strip of material installed along the eave edge before the first course of shingles. The starter strip provides adhesive backing and water protection at the most vulnerable edge of the roof.
The surface that a roofing system is installed upon. For new construction, the substrate is the roof decking. For re-roofing or coating, the substrate may be the existing roofing material if it is sound enough to serve as a base.
A request to your insurance company for additional funds when the original claim payout does not cover the full cost of repairs. Supplements are common in Florida roofing where hidden damage is discovered during tear-off or when code upgrades are required.
Supplement claims services→A roofing system design that provides a second layer of waterproofing beneath the primary roofing material. Florida Building Code requires SWR in the HVHZ. Typically achieved through self-adhering underlayment or foam-adhesive applied shingles/tiles.
A single-ply white membrane used for flat and low-slope roofing. Heat-welded seams create a monolithic waterproof surface. TPO reflects 90%+ of solar radiation, making it the most energy-efficient flat roofing option. The industry standard for commercial flat roofs.
Flat roofing services→The process of removing all existing roofing materials down to the decking before installing a new roof. Florida code limits roofs to one layer, so most re-roofs require a complete tear-off. Tear-off allows full inspection and replacement of damaged decking.
A roofing material made from concrete or clay, formed into flat, S-shaped, or barrel profiles. Extremely durable (40-100 years) and popular throughout South Florida for its aesthetic appeal and hurricane resistance. Heavy, requiring reinforced structure.
Tile roofing services→A prefabricated triangular structural frame that supports the roof. Trusses span from exterior wall to exterior wall and are engineered for specific loads and spans. They replace traditional stick-framed rafters in most modern construction.
A wind-driven rotary ventilation device installed on the roof. As wind spins the turbine, it creates suction that pulls hot air out of the attic. Effective when wind is blowing, but provides no ventilation on calm days. Ridge vents are generally preferred.
A waterproof or water-resistant barrier material installed on the roof deck beneath the primary roofing material. Acts as a secondary weather defense. In Florida, synthetic underlayment has replaced traditional felt for its superior tear strength, UV resistance, and moisture performance.
The internal angle formed where two sloping roof planes intersect. Valleys channel large volumes of water and are one of the most leak-prone areas of any roof. Must be properly flashed with metal or membrane underlayment.
A material that resists the passage of water vapor. Vapor barriers are installed on the warm side of insulation to prevent moisture from condensing inside the roof assembly. In Florida's hot-humid climate, vapor barrier placement must be carefully considered to avoid trapping moisture.
The system of air intake and exhaust that moves air through the attic space. Balanced ventilation (equal intake at soffits and exhaust at ridge) reduces attic temperatures by 30-40°F, extends shingle life, and lowers cooling costs. Required by Florida Building Code.
Ventilation services→A manufacturer or contractor guarantee on roofing materials and/or workmanship. Manufacturer warranties cover material defects (25-50 years typical). Workmanship warranties cover installation errors (5-25 years typical). NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranties are the gold standard for commercial roofs.
Our warranty options→The deterioration of roofing materials caused by exposure to weather elements over time. In Florida, the primary weathering factors are UV radiation, heat, rain, and wind. All roofing materials weather — the question is how quickly and how gracefully.
Structural features of a roof that reduce its vulnerability to wind damage. In Florida, a wind mitigation inspection documents these features (roof shape, fastener type, secondary water resistance, etc.) and can earn insurance premium discounts of 15-45%.
Wind mitigation inspections→The upward force created when wind flows over a roof surface, similar to how an airplane wing generates lift. Wind uplift is the primary way hurricanes destroy roofs. Proper fastener patterns, adhesive, and structural connections resist uplift forces.
A valley treatment where shingles from both sides of the valley are interlaced (woven) across the centerline. Woven valleys have a clean appearance with no exposed metal, but they drain slightly slower than open valleys. Not recommended for high-rainfall areas.
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