Looking at the issues:
1. **Hero image didn’t load** — the `
` byline tag is malformed; the separate hero figure below it has a URL that may be broken. I’ll fix the structure and keep only the working image reference.
2. **Related cards look the same** — all 4 cards use only 2 unique thumbnail images (two cards share `roof-replacement-cost` thumbnail). I’ll assign distinct, already-referenced thumbnails to each card and improve the card markup so titles display as proper styled headings, not raw spans.
“`html
Key Takeaways
- Bigfoot holds four active DBPR licenses including a Certified Roofing Contractor and Certified General Contractor designation.
- Miami-Dade and Broward fall under the HVHZ — the strictest building code jurisdiction in the US.
- Roofing costs in South Florida typically run $750–$1,300+ per square depending on material.
- GAF Silver Plus certification means System Plus warranty coverage is available on qualifying shingle jobs.
- One contractor holds all four licenses — no subcontracting the structural scope out to a separate GC.
The Problem
Why Choosing the Wrong Roofing Contractor in Miami-Dade Is a Costly Mistake
South Florida roofing is not the same as roofing in Georgia or Texas. The stakes are higher.
Miami-Dade sits inside the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) — the strictest residential building code environment in the United States. A roof installed here must pass Florida Building Code compliance, earn the right product approvals, and survive 150+ mph wind events. If your contractor cuts corners on clips, underlayment, or fastener patterns, your roof may fail inspection — or worse, fail during a storm.
When homeowners search for bigfoot roofing and construction or compare local contractors, they are trying to answer one honest question: who can I actually trust with my home? This page answers that question directly.
If a roofing job also uncovers rotted decking, deteriorated fascia, or structural concerns — a contractor without a general contracting license must stop and call someone else. Bigfoot holds a Certified General Contractor (CGC1531370), which means structural scope, hurricane strap installation, and code-driven structural repairs can be handled in-house without bringing in a separate contractor.
South Florida Context
Roofing in Miami-Dade: What the HVHZ Actually Means for Your Home
The High-Velocity Hurricane Zone covers all of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Every roofing product installed here must carry a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or a Florida Statewide Product Approval. Materials that are perfectly legal in Palm Beach County may not be approved for use in Miami-Dade.
Beyond product approvals, the climate accelerates wear. Heat, UV exposure, salt air from the Atlantic and Biscayne Bay, and annual hurricane season combine to shorten roof lifespans significantly compared to other parts of the country. Asphalt shingles in South Florida typically last 12–15 years — far less than the 25–30 year lifespan marketed on the packaging in cooler climates.
Citizens Insurance has issued non-renewals on roofs in the 20–25-year age range in recent policy cycles — always verify current underwriting thresholds directly with your insurer. A failing roof is not just a structural problem — it can become an insurance problem that affects your ability to sell or refinance your home. Explore your roofing replacement options before a policy non-renewal forces the decision under pressure.
What You Need to Know
Roofing Materials Available in South Florida: What Bigfoot Installs
The right roofing material depends on your home’s structure, HOA rules, budget, and insurance goals. Here is a plain-English breakdown of the options Bigfoot installs and the price ranges you can expect.
| Material | Typical Cost / Square (installed) | Lifespan in S. Florida | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAF Architectural Shingle | $750–$850 | 12–15 years | Lowest entry cost; Wind Proven warranty |
| Englert Standing Seam Metal | $1,050–$1,300 | 40–50+ years | No horizontal seams; thermal float clips; HVHZ-ready |
| Westlake / Saxony Concrete Tile | $1,000–$1,350 | 30–50 years | Traditional Florida aesthetic; poly set foam option |
| Unified Steel Stone-Coated | $1,175–$1,400 | Lifetime warranty | No named storm / saltwater exclusion clauses |
| TPO Flat Roofing | $800–$1,400 | 15–25 years | Energy-reflective; low-slope applications |
All prices are per square (100 sq ft installed). Final cost depends on roof complexity, deck condition, permit fees, and access. Always get a line-itemized written estimate.
Florida Senate Bill 293 prohibits HOAs from blocking homeowners from installing metal roofing or impact-resistant windows and doors. If your HOA has told you metal is not allowed, that restriction is not legally enforceable under current Florida law.
How to Compare Roofing Contractors
What to Look for When Evaluating Roofing and Construction Companies in Miami-Dade
When comparing contractors — whether you found them under searches like a 1 roofing and construction, a top roofing and construction, or bigfoot roofing and construction — the evaluation criteria should be the same for every name on your list.
| Evaluation Criterion | Why It Matters | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Active DBPR license | Legal requirement to pull permits in Florida | Search the contractor’s name at myfloridalicense.com |
| Miami-Dade NOA or FL Product Approval on materials | Required for HVHZ installation | Ask for the NOA number; look it up at miamidade.gov/building |
| Written, line-itemized estimate | Prevents scope disputes after work begins | Refuse any verbal-only quote |
| Permit pulled in your name | Inspection protects you; no permit = no CO | Confirm permit is for your address at county records |
| General contracting scope in-house | Structural repairs don’t require a second contractor | Verify CGC license number at myfloridalicense.com |
Bigfoot’s Florida licensed: CGC1531370 · CRC1331693 · CCC1333168 · SCC131153098. You can verify every number on the DBPR website before signing anything.
If you are comparing Bigfoot against other local names and want to understand the window and door scope as well, see our guide on impact door installation in South Florida.
Why It Matters Who Holds the License
A Licensed Contractor — Not a Lead Aggregator
Darryl Henry Rosenbaum holds all four licenses personally. He is the contractor of record on every job Bigfoot performs.
✓ Certified Residential Contractor CRC1331693
✓ Certified Roofing Contractor CCC1333168
✓ Certified Specialty Contractor — Glass & Glazing SCC131153098
✓ Miami-Dade & Broward HVHZ
✓ GAF Silver Plus Certified
“In the HVHZ, the license number on the permit is the most important piece of paper on your job. Make sure it belongs to someone with skin in the game.”
Founder & President, Bigfoot Windows & Roofing
What Bigfoot Actually Installs
Roofing Products and Why We Choose Them
GAF Shingles (Silver Plus Certified): Bigfoot holds GAF Silver Plus certification. On qualifying full-replacement jobs, the System Plus warranty is available — a 50-year non-prorated coverage that includes shingles, labor, tear-off, and accessories. GAF’s Wind Proven warranty carries no maximum mph cap and is not voided by a named storm hitting your county. That is a meaningful difference from competitors whose wind warranties are capped at 130 mph or voided by named storms.
The 2024 Florida Building Code permits direct-to-deck peel-and-stick underlayment. A full-deck peel-and-stick installation may qualify your home for an insurance discount as a secondary water barrier under some carrier programs — confirm eligibility with your insurer before choosing underlayment. Standard 30-lb felt does not carry the same potential benefit.
Englert Standing Seam Metal: Englert panels are fabricated custom per job from steel typically described as 24-gauge per manufacturer specifications. Panels run one continuous piece from bottom to top — no horizontal seams that can become failure points in a hurricane. The clip system allows thermal float, which prevents the oil canning and buckling common in nail-strip installations. Every clip must be Englert-stamped; non-stamped clips can result in failed inspections — inspectors in the HVHZ are required to verify clip compliance, and non-stamped clips have been cited as a deficiency in local inspection records.
Westlake Tile and Unified Steel Stone-Coated: The Unified Steel product carries no named storm, saltwater, or act-of-God exclusion clauses in the warranty — a real advantage in a coastal South Florida environment where some competing tile warranties include those carve-outs.
Homeowners financing a roofing project may be able to use PACE financing, paid through the property tax bill rather than a bank loan. The My Safe Florida Home grant offers up to $10,000 for qualifying homeowners. Learn more about roofing and window financing options available to Miami-Dade homeowners.
The Process
What to Expect When You Hire Bigfoot for a Roof Replacement
- Inspection and Estimate: A licensed contractor walks the roof and provides a written, line-itemized estimate — not a ballpark. You see the scope before you sign.
- Permit Application: Bigfoot pulls the permit under the appropriate license. No permit means no legal inspection. Bigfoot does not skip this step.
- Material Delivery and Tear-Off: Old roofing is removed, the deck is inspected, and any damaged decking or structural concerns are addressed in-house under the CGC license before new material goes down.
- Installation: Materials are installed per the manufacturer’s specifications and the Florida Building Code — including fastener patterns, underlayment requirements, and approved clip or fastener systems.
- Final Inspection: The county inspector signs off. You receive a copy of the passed inspection for your records and insurance file.
Ready to get a straight answer on your roof? No pressure, no upsell.
Related Articles
Keep Reading
Who We’re Not the Right Fit For
Bigfoot is not the right contractor for every project. Here is an honest accounting of when you should look elsewhere:
- You need the lowest possible price, no questions asked. Bigfoot is not a cut-rate contractor. We pull permits, use approved materials, and do not skip steps that protect your home. If the only deciding factor is the lowest bid, there are cheaper options — though you bear the risk that comes with them.
- Your project is outside Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach. We do not service counties outside South Florida. If you are in Orlando, Tampa, or the Treasure Coast, you need a contractor local to your jurisdiction.
- You need a specialty trade Bigfoot does not hold. Bigfoot holds licenses for general contracting, residential contracting, roofing, and glass and glazing. We do not perform licensed electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or pool work. If your project is primarily one of those trades, you need a specialist in that license category.
- Your HOA or condo association requires a specific brand we do not carry. We install Mr. Glass and ES Windows for impact glazing, and GAF, Englert, Westlake, and Unified Steel for roofing. If your building requires a brand outside that list, we may not be the right fit.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bigfoot Roofing and Construction and what services do they offer in Miami-Dade?
Bigfoot Windows & Roofing is a South Florida contractor based in Miami at 7250 SW 39th Ter, Miami FL 33155. The company installs roofing (shingle, metal, tile, flat), impact windows, and impact doors across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. All work is performed under four active DBPR licenses held by Darryl Henry Rosenbaum: CGC1531370, CRC1331693, CCC1333168, and SCC131153098. Reach us at 786-886-2088.
How do I verify a roofing contractor’s license in Florida?
Visit myfloridalicense.com and search the contractor’s name or license number under the DBPR license lookup tool. Verify the license is active and held in the name of the individual who will be pulling your permit — not just the company name. Bigfoot’s Certified Roofing Contractor license number is CCC1333168, held by Darryl Henry Rosenbaum.
What does GAF Silver Plus certification mean for my roof warranty?
GAF Silver Plus certification means Bigfoot is authorized to offer the GAF System Plus warranty on qualifying full replacement jobs. System Plus covers shingles, labor, tear-off, and accessories for 50 years on a non-prorated basis. It also includes the Wind Proven warranty with no maximum mph cap. Bigfoot is not yet GAF Master Elite and cannot offer the Golden Pledge warranty.
How long does a roof last in South Florida?
Asphalt shingles typically last 12–15 years in South Florida due to heat, UV exposure, salt air, and hurricane activity — significantly shorter than the 25–30 year lifespan often marketed on shingle packaging. Metal roofing and concrete tile can last 40–50+ years with proper installation and maintenance. Your actual result will depend on installation quality and storm history.
What is the HVHZ and why does it matter for my Miami-Dade roof?
The High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) covers Miami-Dade and Broward counties and represents the strictest residential building code jurisdiction in the US. Every roofing product installed in the HVHZ must carry a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or Florida Statewide Product Approval. Contractors working in the HVHZ must comply with stricter fastening patterns, underlayment requirements, and inspection standards than the rest of Florida.
Can my HOA block me from installing a metal roof in Florida?
No. Florida Senate Bill 293 prohibits HOAs from preventing homeowners from installing metal roofing. If your HOA has sent a notice objecting to metal roofing, that restriction is not legally enforceable under current Florida law. We recommend consulting a Florida real estate attorney if your HOA pushes back, but the statute is clear.
What financing options are available for a roof replacement?
PACE financing is one option available to qualifying South Florida homeowners. Payments are collected through your property tax bill — not a bank loan — and there is no credit score impact. The My Safe Florida Home grant offers up to $10,000 for qualifying homeowners and can stack with PACE. For any tax implications, consult your CPA — we do not provide tax advice.
Ready to talk about your roof? Call Bigfoot Windows & Roofing at 786-886-2088 or request a free estimate.