Why The Villages Has Its Own Roofing Playbook
The Villages is a unique community and one that is considered “America’s Friendliest Hometown.” Other unique features of The Villages are the fact that it is a master-planned 55+ community that spans three counties and has one of the largest golf footprints in the country. With so many easily accessible golf courses, The Villages offers a true golf cart culture where there are miles of trails and tunnels linking residents to homes, shopping, town squares, etc.
How does all of this affect roofing? Great question.
Tri-county addresses can pose problems from a permitting perspective. Additionally, golf cart and tight lot layouts can complicate roofing jobs especially during the tear-down stage. Because of these unique nuances specific to The Villages, it is paramount to partner with an experienced roofing contractor who has done work in The Villages.
Expectations for a New Roof in The Villages
Getting a new roof in The Villages is not a big deal when you know the process and understand the flow. In the initial stage of the project, you will be provided with a detailed proposal that breaks down the materials, underlayment package, drip edge, re-nailing, time frame, etc. This sets the tone for the whole project and acts as your guide throughout the process. Make sure that the detailed proposal has information on the warranty.
Shortly after agreeing on a proposal, a qualified roofing company such as M&M will handle all the permitting. For an example of rules, fees, and inspection steps, see the Ocala roofing permits overview. Typically the process includes identifying the correct county and preparing the required documents to get the permitting process started. That process is often one of the most frustrating for a homeowner so we suggest relying on the roofing company to handle that process since they have experience.
Once the required permits are pulled, you are now ready to start the actual work. The actual tear-down, repairs, new underlayment, and installation of the new roof only takes 2-3 days for most jobs. Therefore, the overall installation should not impact you all that much.
As it relates to The Villages, make sure you have sorted out gate access for the roofers and also make sure you prepare your property by moving vehicles out of the driveway, and protect any pavers and landscaping. Expect some dust, but rest assured any highly rated roofing team should be mindful of the dust and your personal belongings.
After the installation, the roofer will come through and make sure the job site is clean and in the same condition it was when they started or better. A county inspection will be done, but based on our experience those are painless. You will also likely receive a close-out packet or something similar that includes the permit sign-off, receipt, product information, warranty specifications, and more.
Top Material Choices for Style and Climate
Choosing the right roofing materials can be a big decision. Not only do costs differ substantially, but the appearance and longevity also differ. Below we outline the most common materials and what to expect from each.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material that offer the following benefits:
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- Affordability: low upfront costs ranging from mid-grade to premium offerings.
- Timely Installation: most homes’ installation takes 1-2 days.
- Style and Color Choice: Dozens of available colors to match your home’s and neighborhood’s aesthetics.
- Strong Warranty: Shingle manufacturers offer generous warranties which is crucial for Central Florida homes.
With asphalt shingles you can expect a service life of about 15-25+ years depending largely on the product line, sun exposure, and overall climate.
Concrete/Clay Tile
Concrete or clay tile roofing is popular in The Villages largely due to its aesthetic fit with other houses in The Villages. Some of the primary benefits of concrete or clay tile roofing include:
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- Premium Curb Appeal: Classic barrel profiles pair well with stucco exterior homes.
- Long Service Life: Concrete tiles can last for decades and the color does not fade nearly as fast as some other options.
- Storm and Fire Performance: Excellent wind resistance and Class A fire performance.
- Neighborhood Consistency: Certain areas in The Villages favor the use of concrete or clay.
With concrete or clay tile roofing you can expect a life of 20+ years and in some cases many more. Additionally, repairs are relatively easy which can extend the longevity of your roof.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is far less common in The Villages but we are aware of some properties featuring a metal roof. Some of the primary benefits of a metal roof include:
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- Longevity and Strength: Metal roofs can outlast traditional asphalt roofs and offer maximum strength against storm damage.
- Energy Smart: Many metal roofs have reflective finishes thereby making them more energy efficient than some other types.
- Low Maintenance: Metal panels shed debris more easily and seams using concealed fasteners minimize upkeep.
With metal roofing you can expect a life of 30+ years with minimal upkeep and lower energy bills. Various color options and installation methods (standing seam or 5V/exposed fastener) are available.
Not sure which system fits your home? Check the Marion Oaks roofing materials overview.
Cost Considerations for a New Roof in The Villages
Roof prices in The Villages are driven heavily by the size of your house and the materials you decide on. Geometry can also play a role, but we find this to be a less common price driver in The Villages. Additional considerations when thinking about total cost are:
- Roof repair or re-nailing needed.
- Damaged or rotted wood or other materials that need to be replaced.
- Flashing around chimneys, drip edges, or valleys that needs to be replaced.
- Low-slope areas that need tie ins and potentially different materials.
- Gutter replacement or repair.
Despite these costs being somewhat untraditional in some cases any experienced roofing company will identify these issues when providing their initial quote so there shouldn’t be any surprise when it comes to the final price of the new roof.
Materials make up the largest difference in pricing. For an idea of material-based price ranges consider the following:
- Architectural shingles: ~$5.25–$8.75/sq ft. For a 2,000 square foot house you would be looking at between $10,500 and $17,500.
- Standing seam metal: ~$10.50–$16.50/sq ft. For a 2,000 square foot house you would be looking at between $21,000 and $33,000.
- Concrete/clay tile: ~$12.00–$20.00+/sq ft. For a 2,000 square foot house you would be looking at between $24,000 and $40,000.
Underlayments and Water Barriers
Underlayments and water barriers are another cost consideration that should be well known prior to any work starting. Like shingles, there are different tiers of quality for underlayment and water barriers. Given the moisture Florida gets it is recommended to go with at least a mid-level option, but some customers elect to go with a top-quality underlayment for maximum defense against water. A qualified roofing services company that specializes in roof installation can walk you through the options and recommend the best for your specific situation.
Permits and Inspections
Permits can also drive up the cost of your roof by a few hundred dollars. This is usually not substantial in the grand scheme of things but is something to be aware of. Additionally, when it comes time for the inspection you don’t usually need to be home, but you can be involved of course if you would like to. As daunting as permits and inspections seem, most customers find that the overall process is seamless given the involvement of the roofing contractor.
Process and Timeline: What to Expect
The process and timeline for a new roof in The Villages is usually predictable. The general process at a high level includes:
- Assessment – on-site inspection with photos, measurements, and notes to inform the quote.
- Paperwork – written scope of materials (shingles, underlayment, etc.). This is also the chance for the homeowner to choose colors, quality, etc., which will inform the quote.
- Permit – filed with the correct county (Sumter, Lake, or Marion).
- Install – Once the permit is issued the install usually starts 1-3 days after.
- Inspection – County will have done a final inspection and by this time the roofing company will do a final sweep, debris haul off, gutter check, etc.
Overall the timeline of this process can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks depending on factors such as the weather, complexity of the job, permitting delays, etc. Make sure to check with the roofing company on their proposed timeline before any work gets started to make sure that aligns with your expectations and schedule. For context, consider the Belleview new roof process just south with this step by step guide.
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
Not all roofing contractors or roof repair services are equal. Some may offer a best price, but not support the product after it is installed. Others might offer a competitive price, listen to your needs, and support the roof from start to finish. Because roofing contractors are not equal it is important to identify a contractor not only who has experience, but also offers the best value. That may not only mean price, as many roofing contractors such as M&M offer a seamless process from start to finish.
Make sure you confirm the contractor has an active Florida roofing license with “CCC” and the contractor’s name. Also confirm proof of insurance. Compare multiple companies to see who has the best price, but also offer the best support and truly listens to your needs. Consider asking the following questions:
- How many roofs have you completed recently and can you provide addresses for those?
- Who is the main contact for this work and will they be on-site during the work?
- What is your plan to protect my pavers, driveway, landscaping, etc.?
- Can you describe the warranty you offer?
Some red flags include no license or proof of insurance, cash demands, and no local references or completed work.
Next Steps
Now that you are armed with some specific knowledge you are likely ready to take the next steps which often involve identifying roofing companies. It is always advised to consider more than one company to compare quotes to get a sense on which one you might like to work with. Fortunately, most roofing companies offer free estimates so there is really nothing to lose at the initial stage.