New Construction Roofing: What Builders and Homeowners Should Know

Building a new home involves dozens of major decisions, and roofing is among the most important. Your roof protects everything beneath it and represents a significant portion of construction cost. Whether you're a builder coordinating projects or a homeowner managing a custom build, understanding the new construction roofing process helps ensure successful outcomes.

The New Construction Roofing Timeline

Roofing happens at a critical point in construction. Understanding the sequence helps with planning:

Phase 1: Pre-Construction Planning

Before Breaking Ground:

• Roofing material selected and specified in plans
• Structural engineering confirms support for chosen material
• Building permits include roofing specifications
• Roofing contractor identified and scheduled

Why Early Planning Matters:

Roofing decisions affect structural requirements. Tile roofing weighs 8-12 pounds per square foot; asphalt shingles weigh 2-4 pounds. The difference requires different truss designs. Making roofing decisions late can mean expensive engineering changes or settling for different materials.

Phase 2: Framing and Decking

Framing Installation:

• Trusses or rafters installed per engineering specifications
• Roof shape, pitch, and ventilation determined
• Structural connections (hurricane straps) installed

Roof Decking:

• Plywood or OSB sheathing installed over framing
• Proper nailing patterns per code
• Gaps for expansion as specified

At this stage, the roof is "dried in" temporarily to protect the interior during construction.

Phase 3: Roofing Installation

Underlayment:

• Waterproof membrane installed over decking
• Critical secondary water barrier
• Florida requires enhanced underlayment in many areas

Flashing:

• Valley flashing installed
• Wall step flashing integrated
• Pipe and vent flashing prepared

Roofing Material:

• Primary roofing material installed
• Proper fastening per manufacturer and code
• Ridge ventilation and caps completed

Phase 4: Finishing Details

• Gutters and downspouts installed
• Final flashing details completed
• Attic ventilation verified
• Final inspection scheduled

Florida Building Code Requirements

Florida's building code includes specific roofing requirements that exceed many other states:

Wind Resistance Standards

Florida Building Code requires roofs to withstand specific wind speeds based on location:

• Wind speed design criteria: 110-180 mph depending on location
• Lake County typical: 115-130 mph design wind speed
• Enhanced attachment: Required at edges, corners, and ridge

Roof-to-Wall Connections

Hurricane straps or clips connecting roof to walls are mandatory:

• Every truss or rafter must be connected
• Specific connector types based on wind zone
• Inspection required before covering

Secondary Water Barrier

In high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ), and recommended elsewhere:

• Enhanced underlayment beneath roofing
• Self-adhering membrane in some applications
• Designed to protect if roofing is damaged in storms

Permit and Inspection Requirements

New construction roofing requires:

• Permits specifying materials and installation methods
• Inspection of framing and connections
• Inspection of completed roofing
• Final certificate of occupancy

Material Considerations for New Construction

New construction offers opportunities not available in re-roofing:

Structural Freedom

When building new, you can design the structure for any roofing material:

• Tile roofing: Trusses engineered for heavy weight
• Metal roofing: Standard framing accommodates light weight
• Complex designs: Multiple roof types on same structure

Integrated Planning

New construction allows:

• Optimal ventilation design built into attic space
• Proper flashing integration at walls and chimneys
• Solar panel preparation if future installation planned
• Skylight placement optimized for natural light

Cost Efficiency

Installing roofing on new construction is typically more cost-effective than replacement:

• No tear-off costs
• Easy access without landscaping concerns
• Efficient scheduling with other trades
• No interior protection needed

Working with Your Builder

Whether using a production builder or custom builder, communication about roofing is essential:

Questions to Ask

About Materials:

• What roofing is included in base price?
• What upgrade options are available?
• What are the costs for each upgrade?
• What warranties come with each option?

About Installation:

• Who is the roofing subcontractor?
• Are they licensed and insured?
• What is their experience with this material?
• Can I request a specific contractor?

About Quality:

• What quality control measures are in place?
• How is installation verified against specifications?
• What happens if problems are found?
• How are warranty claims handled?

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if:

• Builder is reluctant to discuss roofing details
• Roofing contractor is unknown or unlicensed
• Installation seems rushed or sloppy
• Code inspections are being avoided
• Questions about warranties get evasive answers

The Role of the Roofing Contractor

Quality roofing contractors bring expertise beyond basic installation:

Material Knowledge

Experienced contractors understand:

• Appropriate materials for Florida climate
• Manufacturer specifications and requirements
• Warranty requirements and registration
• Best practices for longevity

Code Expertise

Qualified contractors ensure:

• All Florida Building Code requirements met
• Proper fastening patterns and methods
• Correct flashing details
• Inspection-ready installation

Coordination Skills

In new construction, roofing coordinates with:

• Framing crew (truss installation)
• HVAC contractor (vent penetrations)
• Electrician (exhaust fans, future solar)
• Siding/stucco contractor (wall flashing)

At Pro Specialty Services, we work closely with builders throughout Lake County, ensuring roofing is installed correctly and coordinated with other trades.

Common New Construction Roofing Issues

Even in new construction, problems can occur. Watch for:

Installation Defects

Improper Nailing:

• Nails in wrong location
• Over or under-driven fasteners
• Missing nails in required pattern

Flashing Problems:

• Step flashing not properly integrated
• Valley flashing inadequate for water volume
• Pipe boots installed incorrectly

Ventilation Issues:

• Soffit vents blocked by insulation
• Inadequate exhaust ventilation
• Unbalanced intake/exhaust

Material Damage

Construction sites expose roofing to hazards:

• Dropped tools creating punctures or dents
• Foot traffic damaging shingles or tiles
• Debris accumulation in valleys
• Weather damage before completion

Coordination Failures

When trades don't coordinate properly:

• HVAC penetrations cut incorrectly
• Flashing details at walls not integrated
• Electrical penetrations not sealed
• Gutter installation damages edge details

Inspecting Your New Roof

Before closing on your new home, ensure the roof is right:

Pre-Closing Inspection

Request or conduct inspection of:

• Overall appearance and alignment
• Flashing visible from ground and in attic
• Gutter installation and attachment
• Attic for proper ventilation and any visible issues

Documentation to Request

Obtain and keep:

• Roofing permit and final inspection sign-off
• Manufacturer warranty registration
• Contractor workmanship warranty
• Material specifications and colors (for future matching)
• Maintenance recommendations

Third-Party Inspection

Consider having an independent roof inspection before closing. This provides:

• Objective assessment from someone not involved in construction
• Documentation of condition at closing
• Identification of any issues needing correction
• Peace of mind about your investment

Warranties and Your New Roof

New construction roofing typically includes multiple warranties:

Builder Warranty

Most builders provide 1-2 year warranty covering:

• Workmanship defects
• Leaks from installation errors
• Materials not meeting specifications

Manufacturer Warranty

Roofing material manufacturers provide:

• Material defect coverage: 25-50 years for shingles, lifetime for metal/tile
• Pro-rated vs. non-prorated terms: Read carefully
• Registration requirements: Often must register within certain timeframe
• Maintenance requirements: May require documented maintenance

Contractor Warranty

Roofing contractors may provide separate workmanship warranty:

• Typically 2-10 years
• Covers installation defects
• Separate from manufacturer material warranty

Warranty Best Practices

To protect your warranties:

• Register manufacturer warranty promptly
• Keep all documentation organized
• Follow maintenance recommendations
• Address issues promptly through proper channels
• Document any repairs or maintenance

Ventilation in New Construction

New construction provides the perfect opportunity to design proper attic ventilation:

Balanced System Design

The ideal system includes:

• Continuous soffit intake: Perforated soffit or vents at all eaves
• Ridge exhaust: Continuous ridge vent for uniform exhaust
• Proper ratio: 1 sq ft ventilation per 150 sq ft attic floor

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Soffit vents blocked by insulation baffles not installed
• Inadequate ridge vent length
• Mixing ventilation types that compete (gable + ridge vents)
• Sealed attic spaces without proper conditioning

Energy Efficiency Integration

Modern homes may use alternative approaches:

• Sealed attic: Spray foam at roof deck, conditioned space
• Radiant barrier: Reflective material reducing heat transfer
• Enhanced insulation: Higher R-values for energy efficiency

Preparing for the Future

When building, consider future needs:

Solar Panel Preparation

If you might add solar later:

• Choose materials compatible with solar mounting
• Ensure structural capacity for added weight
• Consider roof orientation and shading
• Install electrical conduit to attic during construction

Maintenance Access

Design for future maintenance:

• Safe roof access points
• Walkable areas for inspections
• Easy gutter access

Documentation

Create a maintenance file including:

• All warranties and registrations
• Material specifications and sources
• Contractor contact information
• Maintenance schedule and records

The Bottom Line

New construction roofing represents both a significant investment and opportunity. Done right, your roof will protect your home for decades with minimal issues. Done poorly, you'll face premature repairs, warranty disputes, and ongoing frustration.

Whether you're a builder managing multiple projects or a homeowner overseeing your dream home construction, partnering with an experienced roofing contractor ensures proper material selection, code-compliant installation, and long-term performance.

Building in Lake County? Pro Specialty Services provides new construction roofing for builders and homeowners throughout the area. We work with all major roofing materials, understand Florida's demanding requirements, and stand behind our installations. Contact us to discuss your project.