Florida Siding Guide: What’s the Best Option for Your Home in 2025?

Let’s be real: hiring a roofer in Florida can feel a little overwhelming. Between hurricane season, constant humidity, salty air, and unpredictable storms—your roof does a lot of heavy lifting. And when it’s time for repairs or a full replacement, you need someone who won’t just show up—but will actually do the job right. Unfortunately, not every roofer out there has your best interest in mind. Florida sees its fair share of fast-talking “contractors” who chase storms, cut corners, and leave homeowners high and dry. At Allstate Exteriors, we’re proud to be a licensed, local, and family-owned company—and we believe every homeowner should feel confident in who they hire. So here’s your friendly, no-fluff guide to vetting a Florida roofer without getting burned. 1. Start With the Basics: License, Insurance, and Location If a contractor isn’t licensed and insured in the state of Florida, stop right there. Roofing in the Sunshine State isn’t like roofing in Ohio—there are building codes, wind zone requirements, and coastal challenges that only true local pros understand. Ask for: A valid Florida roofing license Proof of general liability & workers’ comp insurance A physical business location (not just a truck and a phone number) Tip: You can double-check a roofer’s license status at myfloridalicense.com. It only takes a minute—and could save you months of regret. 2. Local Experience Matters (Not Just “Years in Business”) Sure, someone might say they’ve been roofing for 20+ years—but how long have they been doing it in Florida’s climate? Big difference. A true Florida roofer knows: How salt air can corrode fasteners and flashing Why proper attic ventilation is non-negotiable in this heat Which materials hold up best during storm season 📸 Look for actual job photos, not just stock images. Ask about nearby projects. And don’t be afraid to request references from real Florida homeowners. 3. Understand Their Warranties (and Get It in Writing) If a contractor says “we guarantee our work,” ask them to show you the paperwork. ✅ Do they back both the materials and labor? ✅ Is it a 1-year quick fix or a long-term protection plan? ✅ What happens if something goes wrong down the road? Better yet, choose a roofer with manufacturer certifications (like Owens Corning Platinum Preferred status) that offer extended, transferable warranties. That’s peace of mind you can put on paper. 4. Check the Reviews—but Read Between the Lines Google and Facebook are great places to start, but don’t just look at the star rating. Read what people actually say. Do they mention: Good communication? Punctual crews who clean up after themselves? The company standing behind its work, even months later? Look for consistency in feedback—and how the company responds to any concerns. A roofer that listens, learns, and follows through? That’s the one. 5. Notice How They Talk to You This one’s huge. A solid contractor won’t rush you, confuse you with jargon, or pressure you into signing something "today only." They’ll take time to walk you through materials, pricing, and process—without the games. 🚫 Red flags: Vague answers or pushback when you ask questions High-pressure sales tactics “We’ll get started once you pay in full…” ✅ Green flags: Clear timelines Transparent estimates Friendly, patient conversations 6. Be Smart About Payments A small deposit is totally normal—especially when special materials are being ordered. But a contractor asking for full payment upfront? That’s a no-go. Best practices: Use a check or credit card (not cash) Don’t pay in full until the job is complete and you’re satisfied Make sure your payment schedule is outlined in writing If they avoid written contracts or try to “keep it simple” by skipping paperwork—run the other way. 7. Choose a Roofer Who Treats Your Home Like Their Own At the end of the day, your roof is protecting everything you love. Don’t trust just anyone to care for it. At Allstate Exteriors, we: Are fully licensed & insured in Florida Use local crews, never mystery subcontractors Show up on time, clean up after ourselves, and communicate every step of the way Treat your home with the same care we’d treat our own We believe in doing the right thing—even when no one’s looking. Ready for a second opinion or just getting started? We offer free, no-pressure estimates—with flexible scheduling and real people who care. Whether you're in Cape Coral, Orlando, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help. Call us today or schedule online

Picture this: you notice a small water stain on your ceiling. Maybe it’s barely noticeable, just a faint outline. You make a mental note to deal with it later… but by the time “later” rolls around, that small leak could have invited an unwanted guest into your home—mold. It’s a homeowner’s nightmare, and it can sneak up quicker than you'd expect. So, let’s get to the big question: how long does it take for mold to form after a roof leak? The answer: as little as 24 to 48 hours. Mold Doesn’t Waste Time Once moisture finds its way inside—whether it’s from a slow roof drip or a major storm-related leak—it gets to work. And mold spores? They're already in the air just waiting for the right conditions to grow. That’s why even a short delay in addressing a leak can lead to big problems. Warm, damp, and dark areas (like your attic or behind your drywall) become the perfect breeding ground. So while you’re going about your day, mold might already be spreading—quietly, but quickly. What Makes Mold Grow So Fast? A few key ingredients fuel mold growth, and unfortunately, a roof leak provides most of them: Moisture: This is mold’s #1 requirement. A leaky roof introduces just enough water to start the process. Warmth: Especially during the warmer months, mold grows faster in cozy, humid conditions. Poor ventilation: Closed-off spaces like attics or between walls don’t dry out easily. Porous materials: Wood, drywall, and insulation soak up water like a sponge, making them ideal places for mold to dig in. How to Know if Mold is Already Forming You might not see it right away, but mold often leaves some pretty obvious clues behind. Keep an eye (and nose) out for: A musty, sour, or damp smell Brown or yellow stains on ceilings or walls Peeling paint or bubbling drywall Fuzzy patches or discoloration (black, green, gray, or white) Worsening allergies, coughing, or sneezing indoors Even if you’re not 100% sure mold is present, trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s worth getting checked out. What to Do If You Suspect Mold The key with mold is speed. The sooner you act, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix. Stop the leak at its source. Bring in a trusted roofing professional to inspect the damage and make repairs. Dry out the affected area. Use fans or dehumidifiers to reduce moisture and improve airflow. Schedule a mold inspection. If you see or smell signs of mold, a professional can determine the extent and offer safe removal solutions. Prevent it from happening again. Regular roof inspections and gutter maintenance can go a long way in keeping moisture out of your home. How Allstate Exteriors Can Help At Allstate Exteriors, we’ve seen firsthand how fast mold can turn from a minor issue to a major problem. We take roof leaks seriously—because your health, your home, and your peace of mind matter. Serving both Ohio and Florida , our experienced team is here to: Quickly identify the source of the leak Recommend the best repair solution Offer guidance on next steps if mold is suspected Help prevent future leaks through expert maintenance and roofing systems We also offer free estimates and flexible scheduling, including morning, afternoon, evening, and Saturday appointments—so you don’t have to rearrange your life to protect your home. Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late The scariest thing about mold? You often can’t see it until the damage is already done. If you notice any signs of a roof leak—no matter how small—don’t wait. Mold doesn’t give second chances, but we do. Let’s make sure your home stays dry, safe, and healthy. Reach out today for a free roof inspection.

I f you’re a homeowner in Columbus, Ohio , you know how important a reliable roof is — especially with our wild weather swings. One day it’s sunny and 75, the next we’re dealing with hail, wind, and thunderstorms. And unfortunately, we’ve seen far too many homes across Central Ohio with roofing jobs that just weren’t done right. At Allstate Exteriors, we’ve repaired and replaced countless roofs that were rushed, poorly installed, or simply not up to code. So how do you know if your roof is one of them? Good news — you don’t need a ladder or a background in construction. All it takes is about 60 seconds from your driveway. Here’s how to spot a bad roofing job, Columbus-style. 1. Crooked or Uneven Shingles From the ground, take a good look at your roof. Are the shingles lined up cleanly? Do they look flat and uniform? If they’re bumpy, crooked, or spaced unevenly, it’s a sign that the installer didn’t use proper chalk lines — or simply rushed the job. 👉 Tip: A poorly aligned roof is one of the most common issues we see during roof inspections in Columbus. 2. No Drip Edge Along the Roofline This is a detail many homeowners don’t know to look for — but it matters. A drip edge is a thin metal strip that runs along the edge of your roof and helps direct water into your gutters (instead of down the side of your home). 🚫 No drip edge? That’s a shortcut no reputable Columbus, OH roofing contractor should take. 3. Exposed Nail Heads Shiny nail heads peeking out of your shingles? That’s not just ugly — it’s dangerous. Nails should always be secured under the shingle above, protected from the elements. 💦 In Ohio’s rainy climate, exposed nails can lead to fast-moving leaks and water damage. This is a red flag during any roof inspection. 4. Sagging Spots or Dips in the Roof Roofs should look solid and level. If you see spots that appear to sag, dip, or bow, it could mean there’s damage beneath the surface — like rotting decking or poor structural support. ⚠️ In Central Ohio, this can also be a sign of storm damage that wasn’t properly repaired. If you see it, get it checked right away. 5. Missing or Sloppy Flashing Flashing is the metal that seals vulnerable areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights. It should be clean, tightly sealed, and in good condition. ❌ If it looks messy, rusted, or is missing altogether, water can (and will) sneak in. That’s a big problem — especially during Ohio’s stormy seasons . 6. Your Gut Tells You Something’s Off Sometimes, you just know something doesn’t look right. If your roof looks wavy, mismatched, or just plain off — trust your instincts. A quality Columbus roof replacement should look clean, secure, and professionally installed. If it doesn’t, it might not be. 🛡️ What a High-Quality Roofing Job Should Look Like in Columbus Here’s what you should expect when you work with a trusted Columbus roofing company like Allstate Exteriors: Shingles that are straight, clean, and evenly spaced No exposed nails, missing parts, or sloppy details Proper underlayment, flashing, and ventilation A full roofing system — not just shingles Backed by solid warranties and local experience Don’t wait until your roof starts leaking or falling apart. At Allstate Exteriors, we offer free roof inspections in Columbus, Ohio — with no pressure, no sales pitch, just honest feedback. We’re local, family-owned, and proud to help our Central Ohio neighbors protect their homes with top-notch workmanship and customer care. 📍 Proudly Serving Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, Grove City, and surrounding areas 📅 Schedule your free roof inspection today! 🔧 Residential Roofing | Roof Repair | Roof Replacement | Storm Damage Experts

The Roof That Does It All: Why We Trust Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration® Shingles with SureNail® Technology Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home—but it's also one of the most overlooked. It works hard every single day to shield your family from rain, wind, heat, and hail. That’s why when it comes time to replace your roof, it’s not just about choosing something that “gets the job done.” It’s about choosing a roofing system that looks beautiful, performs under pressure, and is backed by a name you can trust. At Allstate Exteriors, we believe your roof should give you more than protection—it should give you peace of mind. That’s why we proudly install Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration® shingles, powered by their signature SureNail® Technology. It’s one of the most advanced—and dependable—shingles on the market today. Why TruDefinition® Duration® Shingles Are a Step Above We’ve worked with a lot of roofing materials over the years, and let us tell you—not all shingles are created equal. Duration® shingles stand out for three simple reasons: style, strength, and staying power. 🌟 Bold Style That Turns Heads Owens Corning’s TruDefinition® shingles are designed with color in mind. These aren’t your basic, flat-looking shingles—they have rich dimension, vibrant contrast, and deep shadow lines that give your roof a more high-end, textured appearance. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in curb appeal. Whether you love a classic black or want to go bold with colors like Driftwood or Desert Tan, there’s a perfect match for every home style. 💪 SureNail® Technology: Small Detail, Big Impact SureNail® Technology might not be something you can see from the ground—but it makes all the difference once the shingles are on your roof. So, what is it? It’s a reinforced fabric strip embedded in the nailing area of each shingle. That simple-looking strip is engineered to: Help roofers nail with precision Provide a stronger, longer-lasting hold Boost wind resistance to 130 MPH Create triple-layer protection right where your roof needs it most This added layer of strength is especially important here in Ohio and Florida, where weather can be unpredictable and severe. Why We Recommend It at Allstate Exteriors Here’s the truth: we wouldn’t install something on your home that we wouldn’t trust on our own. And we trust Owens Corning. As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, we’ve gone through rigorous training, quality checks, and ongoing education to earn that title—and it’s one we take seriously. It allows us to offer: Extended warranty options backed by Owens Corning Exclusive access to their most advanced products Confidence that your roof is built to last We’ve seen these shingles stand up to hailstorms, high winds, and years of wear. And time and time again, they come out looking great and performing even better. A Roofing Experience That Feels Different Replacing your roof doesn’t have to feel stressful. At Allstate Exteriors, we focus on clear communication, honest recommendations, and professional craftsmanship. Our team walks with you every step of the way—from the first consultation to the final cleanup. And with Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration® shingles, you’re not just getting a beautiful roof—you’re getting a system that’s designed to protect your biggest investment for years to come. Let’s Build Something Strong Together If you're ready for a roof that checks every box—style, performance, and long-term value—we’re here to help. We’d love to show you color samples, answer your questions, and get you started with a free estimate. 📍 Proudly serving homeowners in Ohio and Florida 🛠️ Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor 📞 Call us today

When it comes to choosing a contractor for your home, there’s something reassuring about working with a company that’s not just experienced — but rooted in family values. At Allstate Exteriors, we’re proud to be a family-owned and operated business that has served homeowners for more than 20 years. But what does that really mean for you? It means your home isn’t just another job to us. It’s personal. 🏠 Built on the Values That Still Guide Us Today Allstate Exteriors was built on a foundation of strong values that continue to guide everything we do today: Care about others. Always do the right thing, even when no one’s looking. Be a team player. Strive to be your personal best. These aren’t just words on a wall — they’re the principles we bring to every project, every home, and every interaction. Being family-owned means we hold ourselves to a higher standard, because our name and reputation are on the line — and we wouldn’t have it any other way. 💬 A Personalized, Hands-On Experience Unlike national chains or high-volume contractors, we don’t treat you like a number. From the first phone call to the final walk-through, we deliver a truly personal experience — rooted in genuine care and honest communication. We take the time to understand your goals, explain your options, and guide you through the process. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage or planning an upgrade, you’ll feel supported every step of the way. 🧰 Quality Work That Reflects Our Commitment After 20+ years in business, one thing remains true: we never cut corners. Every roof we install, every siding panel we place, and every gutter we replace is done with precision and pride. Because when you’re family-owned, your name is your brand — and your word matters. We use premium materials, hire skilled professionals, and stand behind our work with strong warranties and transparent communication. We believe that striving to be your personal best means never settling for “just good enough.” 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Team That Feels Like Family Our culture is built on teamwork — from our office staff to our crews in the field. Many of our team members have been with us for years, and that longevity shows in the way we work together and serve our customers. We show up on time. We clean up after ourselves. We treat your property with care. And if something isn’t right, we fix it — because doing the right thing, even when no one’s looking, is the only way we do business. 🌎 Proudly Serving Ohio and Florida Communities From the snow and storms of Ohio to the heat and humidity of Florida, we understand the different challenges homeowners face depending on their climate. Our team is trained and equipped to recommend the right materials and solutions for your specific region — so your home stays protected year-round. Whether you're in a quiet rural town or a busy coastal neighborhood, we’re committed to delivering top-notch service with hometown care. 💡 Why Being Family-Owned Still Matters In an industry where personal touch is often lost, being family-owned helps us stay focused on what matters most: people. We’re not just installing roofs or siding — we’re building trust, protecting homes, and showing up for our communities. When you work with Allstate Exteriors, you’re choosing a company that: Brings over two decades of industry experience Operates with heart, honesty, and teamwork Lives by values, not sales quotas There for you long after the job is done Ready to Experience the Allstate Exteriors Difference? Whether you need a roof replacement, new siding, updated gutters, or storm damage repair — we’d be honored to serve you. Let us show you what it’s like to work with a contractor who treats your home like their own. 👉 Contact us today for a free inspection or consultation — we’re here when you need us, like family should be.