Project Overview
Homeowner in Palma Ceia (South Tampa) needed full roof replacement after 20-year-old shingles failed during Hurricane Idalia aftermath (2025). The existing roof had wind uplift damage and multiple valley leaks.
Scope of Work
Tear-Off & Preparation
- Removed 2 layers of old asphalt shingles (previous installer had overlaid)
- Found 8 sheets of damaged plywood in southwest corner (water infiltration from valley leak)
- Replaced damaged decking with 7/16” OSB per Florida building code
Installation
- Underlayment: GAF FeltBuster synthetic underlayment (hurricane-rated, 260°F temperature resistance)
- Shingles: GAF Timberline HDZ Charcoal (130 mph wind rating)
- Ventilation: Installed 4 new ridge vents for proper attic airflow
- Flashing: All new aluminum valley flashing with ice/water shield underlayment
- Starter Course: Sealed starter shingles along all edges (wind uplift protection)
- Pipe Boots: Replaced 6 rubber pipe boots (old ones were cracked)
Challenges
HOA Requirements
South Tampa neighborhoods like Palma Ceia have strict homeowner association requirements:
- Shingle Color Approval: Required HOA architectural committee approval for Charcoal color (submitted photos, approved within 3 days)
- Noise Restrictions: Work hours limited to 8am-5pm (no early starts like some neighborhoods)
- Zero Debris Policy: Daily cleanup with magnetic roller for nails, all debris removed to dumpster same-day
- Parking: Narrow streets required careful crew parking to not block neighbors
Structural Discoveries
- Original roof (1995) had inadequate ventilation (only 2 small gable vents)
- Attic temperatures were reaching 140°F+ in summer, accelerating shingle aging
- We added 4 continuous ridge vents + verified soffit vents were not blocked
- Result: Better attic ventilation = longer shingle life
Timeline
Day 1 (Monday):
- 8:00 AM: Crew arrived, set up safety equipment, tarps, dumpster
- 8:30 AM: Began tear-off (loudest part of project)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch break (crew parked off-site per HOA request)
- 1:00 PM: Continued tear-off, exposed decking
- 3:30 PM: Identified 8 damaged plywood sheets, called homeowner for approval
- 4:00 PM: Replaced damaged decking
- 5:00 PM: Cleaned work area, tarped roof (weather protection)
Day 2 (Tuesday):
- 8:00 AM: Installed synthetic underlayment across entire roof
- 9:30 AM: Installed ice/water shield in valleys, along eaves
- 10:30 AM: Began shingle installation (much quieter than tear-off)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch break
- 1:00 PM: Continued shingles (80% complete)
- 5:00 PM: Cleaned up, shingles 85% installed
Day 3 (Wednesday):
- 8:00 AM: Finished remaining shingles
- 10:00 AM: Installed ridge vents and ridge cap shingles
- 11:30 AM: Installed new pipe boots, detail work
- 1:00 PM: Final cleanup - magnetic roller for nails in yard/driveway
- 2:00 PM: Homeowner walkthrough, explained warranty, showed completed work
- 2:30 PM: Scheduled Hillsborough County final inspection
- Dumpster removed next day
Results
Passed Inspection
- Hillsborough County inspection passed on first attempt (no call-backs)
- Inspector noted excellent valley flashing installation
- Permit closed successfully
Homeowner Satisfaction
Mrs. Rodriguez (homeowner):
“Best roofing experience ever. The crew was professional, clean, and respectful of our property. Our South Tampa neighborhood has strict HOA requirements and Rain Right navigated everything perfectly. The roof looks beautiful and we feel confident it will protect us through future hurricanes.”
Warranty
- 15-year workmanship warranty from Rain Right Roofing
- GAF Lifetime Limited Material Warranty (transferable to new owner if home is sold)
Cost Breakdown
Total Investment: $19,500
Itemized:
-
Materials: $7,200
- GAF Timberline HDZ shingles: $3,800
- FeltBuster synthetic underlayment: $1,100
- Ice/water shield (valleys, eaves): $600
- Starter shingles + ridge cap: $750
- Flashing, vents, pipe boots: $550
- Nails, adhesive, misc: $400
-
Labor: $9,500
- 3-person crew × 3 days @ $1,050/day/person
- Includes tear-off, decking replacement, installation, cleanup
-
Decking Repair: $1,200
- 8 sheets 7/16” OSB @ $50/sheet = $400
- Labor for removal & installation = $800
-
Tear-Off & Disposal: $1,000
- Dumpster rental (30-yard): $550
- Labor for 2-layer tear-off: $450
-
Permit: $450
- Hillsborough County building permit + inspections
-
Insurance/Overhead: $150
- $2M general liability insurance allocation
- Workers compensation allocation
Why Palma Ceia costs more: South Tampa neighborhoods (Palma Ceia, Hyde Park, Beach Park) typically run 10-15% higher than average Tampa pricing due to HOA requirements, difficult access, and higher cleanup standards.
Photos
(In a real implementation, this section would have before/after images)
Before: 20-year-old weathered shingles, visible wind damage on ridge After: New GAF Charcoal shingles, clean lines, professional installation
Materials Used
- Shingles: GAF Timberline HDZ Charcoal (Color: #0679956)
- Underlayment: GAF FeltBuster synthetic (rolled, not felt paper)
- Ice/Water Shield: GAF WeatherWatch (valleys + eaves)
- Ridge Vent: GAF Cobra Ridge Vent (4 sections, 20 linear feet)
- Starter: GAF Pro-Start starter strip shingles
- Ridge Cap: GAF Timberline HDZ ridge cap shingles
- Flashing: Aluminum valley flashing (0.019” thick)
- Pipe Boots: OATEY rubber pipe boots (6 total)
Lessons Learned
What Went Well
- HOA approval process smooth (submitted photos in advance)
- Crew worked efficiently despite parking constraints
- Weather cooperated (no rain during project)
- Homeowner communication excellent throughout
Challenges Overcome
- Discovered more damaged decking than anticipated (8 sheets vs estimated 4-5)
- Tight timeline (homeowner needed completion before traveling)
- Narrow street parking required coordination with neighbors
Similar Projects in South Tampa
If you’re in Palma Ceia, Hyde Park, Bayshore Beautiful, or Beach Park, we’ve completed 50+ roof replacements in these South Tampa neighborhoods and understand the unique requirements.
Common South Tampa considerations:
- HOA architectural approval process
- Strict noise/work hour restrictions
- Limited parking/narrow streets
- Higher cleanup standards
- Preference for premium materials (tile, upgraded shingles)
Contact us for a free estimate on your South Tampa roof replacement.
Service Area
We serve all of Tampa and surrounding areas: