A Step-by-Step Look at Roof Installation in Bradenton FL

Installing a new roof is one of the most important upgrades a Bradenton homeowner can make. Whether you’re dealing with an aging system, recent storm damage, or building a new home from the ground up, understanding the full roof installation process can help you make informed decisions, ask the right questions, and prepare your property properly.

At Pelican Roofing, we specialize exclusively in tile roofing—and that specialization matters, especially in a climate like Bradenton’s. Our humid conditions, coastal exposure, and storm risks demand a precise, detail-focused installation process. Let’s take a deep dive into every phase of a typical tile roof installation so you know what to expect and how to plan for a smooth, successful project.

Before any work begins, the first and most important task is preparing your home and the surrounding property. Our team arrives with a game plan to ensure everything is protected before we touch a single tile. That includes covering plants, shrubs, and landscaping features with durable tarps, setting up protective barriers around windows and doors, and establishing clearly marked work zones around your home.



We also create a staging area for materials, tools, and waste containers. This keeps the site organized and helps us work efficiently while maintaining safety for your family and our crew. If there are any tight access points or special considerations like pets, pools, or nearby neighbors, we address those up front to avoid surprises later. You can expect a detailed walk-through with our site supervisor to answer questions, review the schedule, and make sure you know exactly what to expect over the coming days.

Once the site is secure, we begin removing the existing roofing system. For most Bradenton homes, this means a full tear-off—not just the tiles, but all underlayment and flashing as well. Florida code requires it, and it’s the only way to truly inspect what’s underneath. Our crew works methodically, removing debris into a designated container and minimizing disruption to your home.



After the old roofing is off, we inspect the roof deck for hidden damage. Years of moisture, UV exposure, or pests can weaken the wood decking below. We check for rot, warping, loose fasteners, and any signs of structural compromise. If needed, we replace damaged decking to provide a solid, code-compliant base for your new tile system. This inspection step is where shortcuts by less experienced roofers can lead to major issues down the road—but not with Pelican Roofing.

Bradenton’s weather doesn’t leave room for shortcuts when it comes to waterproofing. With your roof deck in solid condition, we install a high-performance underlayment system specifically engineered for Florida’s climate. This isn’t the basic felt used in cooler states. We use self-adhering, water-resistant membranes that seal tightly against moisture and wind-driven rain.



The underlayment serves as your roof’s second line of defense, especially important in the event of a tile getting damaged or dislodged during a storm. Flashing and weatherproof barriers are installed around roof features like chimneys, skylights, and ventilation pipes to reinforce these high-risk areas. Proper overlap, edge sealing, and drainage planning all ensure that water flows away from your structure—not into it.

This layer takes one to two days to complete, depending on your roof’s complexity, but it's one of the most important phases of the entire job. Done right, it extends the life of your tile roof and significantly reduces the risk of leaks.

Here’s where craftsmanship really comes into play. Installing tile roofing isn’t just about covering a surface—it’s a deliberate process that involves careful planning, balance, and precision. We begin by laying out your roof to ensure symmetry and water flow, creating a blueprint for the tile placement that looks great and functions properly. This layout takes into account the pitch of your roof, architectural details, and visual lines visible from the street.



Tiles are installed using a method matched to your home’s exposure and Florida’s building code—typically a combination of mechanical fasteners, adhesive foam, or mortar, depending on the wind zone rating. Our team works section by section, securing each tile with care, aligning courses evenly, and reinforcing hips and ridges to resist uplift. Valleys and edges are given special attention to prevent water intrusion, while maintaining a polished, uniform finish across the entire roof.

Depending on home size, tile style, and weather, this phase can last several days to a week. But the result is worth it—a roof that adds beauty and curb appeal, while delivering serious long-term performance.

Once tile installation is complete, we move into one of the most important finishing phases: sealing and detailing. Every transition point, penetration, and flashing detail is sealed to ensure no moisture makes its way under the tiles. This includes precise work around vents, pipes, skylights, and walls—areas that are often the first to leak on a poorly installed roof.

Our team uses UV- and weather-resistant sealants and performs a meticulous walkthrough to catch anything that might compromise water resistance or wind protection. We also inspect all tiles for uniformity, address any minor touch-ups, and double-check fasteners, alignment, and roof ventilation.



This phase finishes with a thorough site cleanup. We sweep for nails with magnets, remove all job materials, and ensure the surrounding property looks just as tidy as before we arrived. It’s our final opportunity to deliver the quality and care we’re known for.

Every roof installation in Bradenton must be inspected and approved by the local building department. At Pelican Roofing, we handle all permitting and coordinate directly with inspectors. We ensure everything from materials used to nailing patterns and ventilation systems meets or exceeds Florida Building Code.

During this phase, our lead technician walks the inspector through the completed roof, providing photos, documentation, and code references as needed. We stay on-site until the inspection is complete, and if anything needs adjustment (rare, but possible), we take care of it immediately.

After approval, we issue a final report along with your product warranties and our workmanship guarantee. You’ll receive documentation for your records, including maintenance tips, timelines, and service support contact info.



We also offer a homeowner walkthrough, where we answer questions about your new roof, explain how to keep it in top shape, and provide peace of mind that your investment is protected for decades to come.

For an average-size tile roof, the full process typically takes 7 to 10 business days, weather permitting. Larger homes or complex rooflines may extend the timeline slightly. Factors like permitting delays, tile availability, or storm interruptions can impact the schedule, but we build in contingency time to manage surprises.



At Pelican Roofing, we believe that clear communication is key. You'll receive updates at every phase, including timeline adjustments, inspection scheduling, and completion milestones.

Yes, a little preparation goes a long way. We recommend:

• Removing fragile or valuable items from walls and ceilings
• Clearing your driveway and any outdoor areas where crews may need access
• Securing pets or arranging alternate plans during the loudest phases (especially tear-off)
• Notifying neighbors about upcoming construction activity

Our team will handle site prep, protection, and cleanup—but any advance homeowner coordination helps things go smoothly.

When you live in Bradenton, your roof isn’t just a shelter—it’s a shield against the sun, storms, salt, and humidity that define our coastal climate. A properly installed tile roof doesn’t just look stunning—it performs, year after year, when done right.

Pelican Roofing takes pride in delivering quality craftsmanship at every step, from tear-off to final inspection. With deep experience in Florida building codes and coastal roofing systems, we’re the team Bradenton homeowners trust to install roofs that are as durable as they are beautiful.

Planning a roof installation soon? Call us at 941.914.4088 to schedule a free consultation, and let’s walk through the process together—step by step.