Roofing Company in Windermere, FL

Initial Inspection and Damage Quantification

We begin with a roof inspection that includes attic access, thermal imaging for concealed water intrusion, and photographic documentation of every deficiency. Our inspections are free when paired with a repair or replacement quote, and we deliver a written report with photos, identified deficiencies, repair recommendations, and a cost estimate within 24 hours. Neil Allen wrote in a review: "Since there was no visual damage, they recommended coming out for a second visit the following day as a rainstorm was expected. Hector and his team not only showed up, but they were up on my rooftop during a rainstorm communicating via walkie talkie until the leak was finally located."

This documentation serves two purposes: it establishes the baseline condition before any work authorization form is signed, and it provides the evidence an insurance adjuster needs to separate storm damage from wear. We measure damaged square footage precisely because the 25 percent threshold determines whether partial repair is code-compliant or whether full replacement is mandatory under current Florida Building Code.

Material Selection Based on Wind Zone and Building Code

Windermere sits in Florida's High Velocity Hurricane Zone regulatory framework. We install materials rated for the wind uplift and impact resistance the jurisdiction requires. For asphalt shingles, that means GAF Timberline HDZ or Owens Corning Duration Storm with a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating. For metal roofing, we install standing seam systems with concealed fasteners and structural-grade clips engineered for 150 mph wind events.

Katie Inlay noted in her review: "They installed GAF HDZ Shingles and peel-and-stick underlayment, ensuring a sturdy and reliable foundation for my 19KW solar panel installation." Underlayment is where many storm-chaser jobs fail. We install peel-and-stick self-adhered membrane across the entire roof deck for metal and tile, and in valleys, eaves, and penetrations for shingle roofs. Standard felt paper does not seal around fastener penetrations and allows wind-driven rain intrusion when shingles lift during sustained gusts.

Permit Application and Code Compliance Verification

Every roof replacement and any repair exceeding 100 square feet requires a building permit in Orange County. We handle the permit application, engineered drawings when required, and all inspection scheduling. Work completed without a permit cannot be verified later when you sell the home or file an insurance claim, and retroactive permitting after the fact often requires costly tear-off and reinstallation to satisfy the inspector.

Tear-Off, Deck Inspection, and Structural Repair

We perform complete tear-off to the roof deck for replacement projects, allowing us to inspect sheathing for rot, delamination, or fastener pull-through. OSB and plywood sheathing in Florida's humidity climate degrades when prolonged leak exposure softens the wood fiber. We replace compromised sections with structural-grade sheathing fastened per the nail schedule in the engineer's truss drawings. Fascia, soffit, and rake boards are inspected and replaced where water damage or termite activity has compromised structural integrity.

Installation, Final Inspection, and Documentation Handoff

Our in-house crews install roofing in sequence: underlayment, drip edge, valley flashing, field coverage, ridge vent, and finally all penetration boots and chimney counterflashing. We do not subcontract any roofing work. Every crew member is a Roof Bear employee, trained on our fastener protocols and flashing details. After installation, we schedule the final building inspection, clean the site with magnetic sweeps for fasteners, and hand you a complete documentation package: signed permit card, manufacturer warranty registration, invoice with material lot numbers, and photographic record of the completed install.

Jessica Ellis described the thoroughness: "He even broke out his own nail magnet to clean up the nails around my property left behind from the tarping company since he knew I had young kids that play outside. Again, just did this out of the kindness of his heart, we hadn't even signed a contract yet."

Insurance Claim Coordination When Storm Damage Is Present

When storm damage is the reason for replacement, we coordinate with your insurance adjuster but we do not control your claim. Jessica Ellis noted in her review: "8 out of those 10 companies (storm chasers) required that we sign a 'work authorization form' which I later learned is a scammy way of them getting to control the insurance claim to get more money. Roof Bear was 1 of the 2 companies that did NOT require anything to be signed nor did they ever even bring up my insurance claim." We provide the adjuster with our documentation, attend the inspection when requested, and submit a scope of work that matches the observed damage. The final decision on coverage and approved amount is between you and your carrier. Lyle Dean wrote: "He made time to come and check out our roof, help tarp it up to keep any further water from penetrating and helped guide me in the insurance process."

Regulatory Framework and Wind Uplift Standards

Florida's roofing regulations operate on two levels: statute and building code. HB 715 was signed into lawon May 19, 2025, by Governor Ron DeSantis, enacting significant updates to Florida's roofing regulations. Homeowners navigating this framework need a contractor who can calculate the 25 percent boundary accurately, pull permits when required, and document the scope in a way that satisfies both the building inspector and the insurance adjuster during claim review.

Material performance standards add a third layer. UL 790 provides three fire ratings: Class A (effective against severe fire test exposures), Class B (effective against moderate fire test exposures), and Class C (effective against light fire test exposures). Most Florida jurisdictions and insurance carriers require Class A for new installations. Wind uplift ratings follow a separate testing protocol, and in Windermere the minimum is typically ASTM D7158 Class H for high wind zones. These are not recommendations. They are the baseline for code compliance and insurability.

What Our Customers Say

"Roof Bear did an amazing job installing a GAF Lifetime Roofing System on my home. It was a huge relief knowing I had a Master Elite contractor handling the job - top-tier quality and peace of mind."

Bailey Shey Morris

"After the hurricane we had TEN different roofing companies come out to give estimates. 8 out of those 10 companies (storm chasers) required that we sign a 'work authorization form' which I later learned is a scammy way of them getting to control the insurance claim to get more money. Roof Bear was 1 of the 2 companies that did NOT require anything to be signed."

Jessica Ellis

Roofing Service Area in Central Florida

We serve Windermere and surrounding Central Florida communities including Keene's Point, Bay Hill, Dr Phillips, Winter Garden, and Orlando across Orange County. Our crews respond to quote requests within 24 hours and offer 24/7 emergency response for active leaks, missing roof sections, and structural compromise following storms or sudden equipment failure.