Roofing FAQs

Q: What types of roofing services do we provide?

A: We work with tile (Spanish S, flat, shake), shingle (3-tab, architectural, designer), metal roofing systems, and flat roofing systems for residential, commercial, and multifamily properties.

Q: How do I know if my roof needs replacement versus repair?

A: Signs include leaks, missing shingles, sagging, widespread wear, or storm damage. Our professionals can provide a thorough inspection and recommendations.

Q: What is the difference between roof repair and roof replacement?

A: A roof repair addresses specific, localized issues such as missing shingles, broken tiles, small leaks, or damaged flashing. Repairs are typically appropriate when the rest of the roof is in good condition and the problem is limited in scope.

A roof replacement involves removing and replacing the entire roofing system. This is usually recommended when a roof has widespread wear, recurring leaks, storm damage affecting large areas, or has reached the end of its expected lifespan.

Choosing between repair and replacement depends on several factors, including the age of the roof, extent of the damage, material type, and whether the issue is isolated or systemic. A professional inspection helps determine the most cost-effective and long-term solution.

Q: How long does a typical roof replacement take?

A: Timing depends on roof size, materials, and weather conditions.

Q: Do we provide roof maintenance programs?

A: Yes. We schedule customized roof maintenance programs that identify and address small issues before they become costly repairs, helping extend the life of your roofing system.

Q: Do we have emergency roofing services?

A: Yes. We provide rapid-response emergency leak repair, post-storm protection, and temporary solutions such as tarping or sealing to prevent further damage until permanent repairs can be completed.

Q: What qualifies as a roofing emergency?

A: Emergency situations include active water intrusion, missing or damaged roofing materials, structural compromise, and post-hurricane or storm-related damage that exposes the home or building to the elements.

Q: What should I do before the Garabar team arrives?

A: Protect the area below (move furniture, place buckets), document the damage, and avoid standing directly under damaged areas. Do not attempt major repairs yourself.

Q: What can emergency services accomplish?

A: Temporary protection like tarping or sealing, quick assessment to prevent further damage, and preparation for permanent repairs once conditions allow.

Q: What happens during an emergency service call?

A: Our emergency services focus on stopping water intrusion, minimizing interior damage, and providing a repair estimate for permanent solutions once conditions allow safe work to continue.

Q: How do I maintain my roof?

A: Keep gutters clear, inspect shingles or tiles for damage, and schedule routine inspections, especially after storms.

Q: How can I prevent emergency roof issues?

A: Timely repairs, inspections, proper attic ventilation, and clearing debris from roofs and gutters reduce the likelihood of leaks and damage.

Q: How will you make sure no one gets hurt on the job site?

A: Garabar has a comprehensive safety policy that protects homeowners from the risks of a job site-related injury or accident. We set up safety barriers and shields, when necessary, and there’s always a roofing foreman on the job, making sure proper protocol is being followed. Our safety protocol follows industry-standard OSHA policies. All employees are drug tested, and supervisors are trained in First Aid and CPR.

Q: Am I protected if something happens to your workers on the job site?

A: We’re strong proponents of full coverage insurance for our working employees. Our general liability policy (which exceeds state mandates) is included in our proposal folder, and we are completely covered by Workman’s Compensation insurance as required by Florida state law. We also keep insurance industry-recommended auto insurance levels for all company vehicles.

Q: Will my property be safe?

A: Garabar makes every effort to ensure that your property is safe during roofing work. We use dump trucks, not dumpsters, thus protecting your driveway. We also lay the plywood on all sensitive areas to make sure we don’t break your driveway or other ground structures. We go to great lengths to make sure that flammables and hot tar are kept away from non-roof areas. We also make daily sweeps of the property to make sure that no dangerous roofing debris is left on the ground.

Q: How will I make sure I’m getting the best materials and workmanship?

A: Garabar is dedicated to providing only the best material and workmanship to all of our customers. All of our laborers are vetted thoroughly and have years of experience behind them. And while there are many materials to choose from, we can recommend what we believe to be the best system for your house or property. We have no monetary referral relationships with our material manufacturers so we will shop pricing on your behalf to make sure you’re getting the right roofing system for the best price.

Q: Do you offer warranties?

A: Yes! We offer roof warranties of up to 20 years, and we are certified installers for various roofing material manufacturers’ products. We typically can provide not only our own industry-leading warranty but that of the manufacturer as well. These warranties can last up to 40 years and cover not only materials but workmanship as well. These additional warranty options give you added security and peace of mind with your investment.

Q: What kind of roofing system is best for my house?

A: There is a wide range of roofing systems available to the homeowner including, clay and concrete tile (barreled or flat), metal panels, stone-coated steel, architectural, dimensional, and designer shingles. We invite you to our showroom to take a look at the options available to you. You’ll find that each of these systems can vary widely in style and price. While the best roofing system for you depends largely on your taste, please note that certain municipalities and homeowner’s associations will have very specific requirements for new roofs for aesthetic or safety reasons.

Q: How loud will it be during the roofing job? Will there be a smell?

A: Unfortunately, the roofing process is a loud one, but we try to make sure that the loudest parts, tear-off, and re-nailing, are done as expediently as possible. Depending on the type of roofing system you choose, we may need to use hot tar, which has a strong odor. This process usually lasts only one day, so the odor should only last a short while. We’re glad to report that we rarely receive complaints about this topic.

Q: Will my neighbors be inconvenienced?

A: We understand that your neighbors will feel the effects of the construction at your house, and we stay aware of their needs too. Before the job begins, we will try to make contact with them either in person, by letter, or both to make sure we address any of their concerns. They will have all of our information should they need to contact us.

Q: How do I know you are licensed by the state of Florida?

A: We include a photocopy of our roofing and general contractor licenses in our proposal folders. You can also check our license at the Florida DBPR website. Unlicensed contracting is a very serious problem that has ramifications beyond poor performance. Please make sure that the contractor you choose (whether it’s us or not) is, in fact, licensed. It’s also important to know that the qualifier/license holder, AJ Garibian is also the President and director of Garabar Roofing, Impact Windows, & Doors.

Q: How will I know the status of my job?

A: We pay special attention to keeping our customers in the loop regarding their projects. Before the job starts, an estimated completion schedule will be provided. We also take pictures of the progress from beginning to end so should you need a visual status report, please let us know. You’ll also be able to speak to the foreman on your project or call us at our office and speak to the owner of the company who is apprised of the status of your project on a daily basis. Should you not be in while we’re working on your project, we will leave you a notice describing in detail what we did on your house that day.

Q: Will I have to meet with inspectors?

A: As part of our commitment to you, we meet with inspectors, so you don’t have to. Over the years, we have developed relationships with the building departments and inspectors of almost every municipality.

Q: The city sent me a violation, can you correct it?

A: Garabar has an in-house violations specialist with years of experience working on violation notices. Many homeowners are prompted to repair their roofs because of a violation notice that is usually accompanied by fines. If this is the case, please call us immediately as we may be able to help you with your problem by correcting the issue in question and possibly help you reduce and/or eliminate the fine.

Q: Why did I receive a notice to owner? Is this a lien?

A: A notice to owner is usually mailed to the homeowner by a material supplier or distributor. It is NOT a lien. A notice to owner simply states that the material is being purchased on your behalf and that the material supplier has lien rights to your house should they not be paid. This is in accordance with the lien law section of the Florida statutes. We don’t want you to worry about liens from our suppliers so upon receiving final payment we will be happy to provide you with releases from all suppliers involved in your project.