A roof replacement is the biggest exterior project most South Florida homeowners will ever pay for, and it is also the one that matters most when a storm comes through. Big Al's Roofing has specialized in full replacements since 2015. Owner Alvaro Hernandez still walks the jobs himself.
Signs it's time to replace, not repair
- Age. In our sun and salt air, asphalt shingle roofs often reach end of life around 15 to 20 years. Tile lasts longer, but the underlayment beneath it usually wears out first.
- Leaks in more than one place, or leaks that come back after a repair.
- Soft or spongy decking when you walk the roof. That means water has been getting into the plywood.
- Cracked, slipped or missing tiles across several sections, or shingles that are curling, blistering or losing granules.
- Your insurer is asking questions. Carriers commonly ask for a roof inspection or a replacement once a roof reaches a certain age.
What's included in a Big Al's replacement
- Free on-site estimate. We measure the roof, check the decking from the attic where we can, and give you a written, line-item quote.
- Permitting. We pull the re-roof permit with your city or county and handle the paperwork, including product approvals.
- Tear-off to the deck. Old roofing comes off completely so we can see and replace damaged plywood. You're told about any rotten wood before it's covered.
- Re-nailing the deck to current fastening requirements, then installing code-approved underlayment.
- New roof system with Miami-Dade approved products, new flashing, drip edge, vents and pipe boots.
- Inspections and cleanup. We schedule the required inspections, run magnets for nails, and haul away every piece of debris.
Built for the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone
Miami-Dade and Broward counties are the only parts of Florida designated a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) in the Florida Building Code. That means stricter rules on how roofs are fastened and which products can be used. Roofing materials installed here generally need a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA), a product approval that shows the material passed the county's wind and impact testing. We only install products with current approvals, and we install them to the approval's exact specifications.
Choosing a roof type
Most of the homes we replace end up with one of four systems. Each page below goes into detail:
- Concrete and clay tile, the classic South Florida look with a long service life.
- Architectural shingles, the most budget-friendly option.
- Standing seam metal, strong in high winds and reflects heat.
- Flat and low-slope systems for additions, patios and modern homes.
How long does a replacement take?
Once the permit is issued, the tear-off and installation on a typical single-family home takes a few days to about two weeks depending on size, roof type and weather. Tile takes longer than shingle or metal. Permit time varies by city, and we'll give you a realistic timeline up front.
Products we install
See brochures and color charts on our products page.
Roof Replacement FAQ
How much does a roof replacement cost in Miami?
It depends on the size of the roof, the pitch, the roofing material and how much decking needs replacing. Shingle is usually the least expensive, followed by metal and tile. We give free, written, line-item estimates so you can compare apples to apples.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof?
Yes. A re-roof in Miami-Dade, Broward and St. Lucie counties requires a permit and inspections. We pull the permit and schedule the inspections for you.
Do I need to be home during the replacement?
No. Most homeowners stay home or go about their day. We'll ask you to move vehicles out of the driveway and take fragile items off walls that share the attic.
Where we offer roof replacement
Miami · Miami-Dade County · Aventura · Coral Gables · Pinecrest · Palmetto Bay · Cutler Bay · Hollywood · Pembroke Pines · Miramar · Weston · Davie · Southwest Ranches · Pompano Beach · Port St. Lucie · and every city in Miami-Dade and Broward