Before any work begins, a building permit must be obtained from your local building department. In Florida, roofing work, especially tile roof installation or replacement, requires proper documentation to comply with state building codes. This process typically involves:

• Submitting detailed plans that show the scope of the project, including roofing materials, structural specifications, and installation methods.
• Providing the necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with the Florida Building Code (FBC), which covers wind resistance, load-bearing capacity, and other safety standards.

Tile roofs are heavy, so an engineering review is often necessary to ensure the existing structure can support the additional weight. The engineer will:

• Ensure that the roof is designed to withstand Florida’s high winds, particularly in coastal areas where hurricanes are common. Engineering calculations may be required to confirm the roof’s wind uplift resistance meets Florida’s stringent standards.

The roofing contractor can start the installation after the engineering calculations are approved and permits issued. Throughout the process, several inspections will be conducted by local building inspectors to ensure compliance with the submitted plans and the FBC:

• Pre-installation inspection: This ensures that sheathing reinforcements are completed correctly before roof installation begins.
• Mid-project inspection: Inspect the process of underlayment(s) installation before the tiles are placed.
• Final inspection: Inspectors will confirm that the project complies with all safety standards and approved plans after installation.By following these permit and engineering steps, your tile roof will not only be durable but also compliant with Florida’s strict building regulations, ensuring it can withstand the state’s unique environmental challenges.

Florida’s susceptibility to hurricanes and high winds requires additional wind mitigation measures to protect your roof and home. As part of the roof installation process, wind mitigation features are often incorporated to reduce the risk of damage and potentially lower insurance premiums. These measures include:

• Enhanced fastening systems: Using stronger, corrosion-resistant fasteners and adhesives to secure tiles more effectively against high winds.
• Roof-to-wall connections: Reinforcing the connection between the roof and walls to prevent the roof from lifting off during high winds.
• Underlayment: Installing a durable, wind-resistant underlayment that provides an additional barrier against water intrusion in case tiles are displaced.
• Secondary water barrier: Applying a peel-and-stick membrane as an additional layer of protection to prevent leaks in case the roof covering is damaged by strong winds.