Miami sits in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, which means your roof must meet enhanced wind load requirements under the Florida Building Code. When we conduct a reroof vs repair assessment, we evaluate whether your existing roof meets current fastener pattern requirements, which changed significantly after Hurricane Andrew. Many roofs installed before 2002 do not meet modern nailing patterns and may not qualify for full insurance wind mitigation credits regardless of surface condition. This factor often tips the cost comparison toward replacement because bringing an older roof up to current wind load standards requires complete re-fastening of the deck, which costs nearly as much as full replacement. The salt air in coastal neighborhoods like Key Biscayne and Miami Beach also accelerates metal component corrosion, which means flashing and fasteners may need replacement even when shingles remain serviceable.
Miami-Dade County requires Product Control approval for all roofing materials, which limits your options compared to other regions. When we provide a roof repair or replace decision guide, we factor in which repair materials meet NOA requirements and how product availability affects repair costs. Our assessors understand Miami-Dade County's permitting requirements and can tell you when repairs trigger requirements for full system upgrades under current code. We also work regularly with insurance adjusters throughout Miami and understand how different carriers evaluate repair versus replacement claims after storm damage. This local knowledge helps you navigate the insurance process and understand how your assessment report will be received by adjusters and underwriters.