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
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Underlayment | GAF FeltBuster synthetic (hurricane-rated, 260°F temperature resistance) |
| Shingles | GAF Timberline HDZ Charcoal (130 mph wind rating) |
| Ventilation | 4 new ridge vents for proper attic airflow |
| Flashing | 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)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 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)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 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)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 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
Warranty Coverage
| Warranty Type | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Workmanship Warranty | 15 years from Rain Right Roofing |
| Material Warranty | GAF Lifetime Limited (transferable to new owner) |
Cost Breakdown
Total Investment: $19,500
| Category | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $7,200 | GAF Timberline HDZ shingles ($3,800), FeltBuster underlayment ($1,100), Ice/water shield ($600), Starter + ridge cap ($750), Flashing, vents, boots ($550), Nails, adhesive, misc ($400) |
| Labor | $9,500 | 3-person crew × 3 days, includes tear-off, decking replacement, installation, cleanup |
| Decking Repair | $1,200 | 8 sheets 7/16” OSB ($400) + labor ($800) |
| Tear-Off & Disposal | $1,000 | 30-yard dumpster rental ($550) + 2-layer tear-off labor ($450) |
| Permit | $450 | Hillsborough County building permit + inspections |
| Insurance/Overhead | $150 | $1M liability + workers comp 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
Before: 20-year-old weathered shingles showing visible wind damage on ridge, curling at edges, and granule loss throughout. Multiple areas of concern in valleys where leaks had developed.
After: New GAF Timberline HDZ Charcoal shingles installed with clean, professional lines. New ridge vents visible along peak, all flashing replaced, and pristine finished appearance that complements the home’s architecture.
Materials Used
| Material | Specification |
|---|---|
| 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: