A re-roof is the full replacement of an existing roof: the old covering comes off, the deck gets inspected and repaired, and a brand-new roof system goes on. Kaiser Roofing has been re-roofing homes in Melbourne and across Brevard County since 1997 — it's the core of what we do, and we do it the same careful way on every house.
People often use "re-roof" and "roof replacement" interchangeably, and that's fine. What matters is what actually happens on your roof. This page walks through what a proper Florida re-roof looks like so you know what to expect and what to ask any contractor you're considering.
Re-roof vs. roof-over
Some contractors offer a "roof-over," laying new shingles directly on top of the old layer. It's quicker and cheaper up front, but it hides the condition of the deck, adds weight, traps heat, and can make it harder to meet Florida's nailing and underlayment requirements. Kaiser Roofing doesn't do roof-overs. Every re-roof we do starts with a full tear-off.
Tearing off also lets us see what's going on at the edges. On many Brevard homes we find soft plywood around plumbing vents, valleys and eaves where small leaks went unnoticed for years. Fixing that wood now is far cheaper than chasing leaks later.
Florida Building Code and your re-roof
Florida's building code sets specific requirements for re-roofing, including underlayment, fastening patterns, and — on many homes — upgrades like re-nailing the roof deck and adding secondary water barriers. A permitted re-roof done to code is also what insurance inspectors and future buyers want to see.
We pull the permit, follow the code requirements for your home, and schedule the inspections. You'll get the paperwork when the job is finished, which is useful for insurance and for resale.
Choosing a material for your re-roof
A re-roof is the right time to reconsider your roofing material. Many homeowners stay with architectural shingles because they look right on the house and fit the budget. Others move to metal for its long service life and wind performance, especially on beachside homes. We'll talk through the pros, cons and costs honestly and let you decide.
Signs you need re-roofing
- Your current roof is 15–20+ years old
- Repairs keep coming back in new spots
- Widespread granule loss, curling or brittle shingles
- Multiple ceiling stains or attic water marks
- Rusted or loose fasteners on a metal roof
- Insurance renewal requiring roof replacement or inspection
Materials & options
Shingle re-roof
Tear-off and new architectural shingles with new underlayment, flashing and vents.
Metal re-roof
Switch from shingles to standing seam or exposed-fastener metal for a longer-lasting system.
Partial re-roof
For homes with a separate porch, addition or flat section that has failed before the main roof.
The Kaiser process
- 1
Free inspection & estimate
Roof and attic inspection with photos so you can see what we see.
- 2
Clear written proposal
Scope, materials, permit, wood-replacement pricing and schedule in writing.
- 3
Tear-off & installation
Full tear-off, deck repair, code-compliant underlayment and new roofing.
- 4
Final walkthrough & cleanup
Nail sweep, haul-away, walkthrough, and final inspection.
Why choose Kaiser Roofing
Kaiser Roofing is a family-run company owned by Christian Kaiser, and we've been working on Brevard County roofs since 1997. That's 30 years of seeing what holds up here and what doesn't. We give straight answers, put the scope in writing, keep the job site clean, and stand behind our work. If a repair will do, we'll say so. If you need a new roof, we'll explain why and show you.
- 30 years of local roofing experience in Brevard County
- Family-run and locally owned in Melbourne, FL
- Free inspections and clear written estimates
- Clean job sites and a final walkthrough on every job
Cities we serve for re-roofing
We provide re-roofing in Melbourne and throughout Brevard County, plus northern Indian River County. Popular areas include:
MelbourneWest MelbournePalm BaySatellite BeachIndian Harbour BeachCocoa BeachCocoaRockledgeMerritt IslandVieraPort St. JohnTitusvilleMelbourne BeachIndialanticSebastian
Re-Roofing FAQs
Is a re-roof the same as a roof replacement?
Yes. Both mean removing the old roof and installing a complete new system. We always tear off to the deck.
Can I stay home during a re-roof?
Yes, most homeowners stay home. It's noisy during tear-off, and we recommend moving cars out of the driveway and taking down wall hangings on exterior walls.
How do I know if I need a re-roof or just a repair?
If the roof is relatively young and the damage is isolated, a repair usually makes sense. If the roof is older and problems are widespread, a re-roof is the better investment. We'll tell you honestly which one you need.
Will a re-roof help with my insurance?
Many Florida carriers look closely at roof age and condition. A permitted, code-compliant re-roof gives you documentation to share with your agent. Coverage decisions are up to your insurance company.
