❓ Roofing FAQ · Updated April 2026

Roofing Questions
Answered

Everything Florida contractors and homeowners ask about roofing materials, shingles, delivery, and pricing — answered by JJJ Supplies.

🏠 Shingles 🚚 Delivery 💰 Pricing ⭐ Grade A vs B 🌀 Hurricane & Code 📦 Products 📋 Ordering 🇪🇸 En Español
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🏠 Shingles 8 questions
How many shingles do I need per square? +

One roofing square covers 100 square feet and requires 3 bundles of architectural shingles. To calculate your order:

1. Measure total roof area in square feet
2. Divide by 100 → this gives you squares
3. Multiply squares by 3 → this gives you bundles
4. Add 10-15% for waste (cuts, hips, valleys, starter course)

Example: 2,000 sq ft roof = 20 squares = 60 bundles + 6-9 bundles waste = 66-69 bundles total

Use the calculator above for a quick estimate.

What is the best type of shingle for Florida? +

Architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles are the best choice for Florida. They offer:

Wind resistance: 110-130 mph (vs 60-70 mph for 3-tab)
Longer lifespan: 25-40 years in Florida conditions
Better UV resistance due to thicker granule layer
Florida Building Code compliant in most areas

JJJ Supplies carries only architectural shingles — no 3-tab — because that's what Florida roofs actually need. Read our complete Florida shingles guide →

How long do architectural shingles last in Florida? +

With proper installation and good attic ventilation, architectural shingles last 25-35 years in Florida. The main factors affecting lifespan are:

Ventilation: Poor attic ventilation is the #1 cause of premature shingle failure in Florida — heat cooks them from the inside out
Installation quality: Correct nail pattern (6 nails in wind zones), proper starter course, and underlayment
UV exposure: Florida's sun is intense — lighter colors and premium granule shingles age better
Storm damage: Even impact-rated shingles can be damaged by severe hail or debris

Do I need starter shingles? +

Yes — starter shingles are essential in Florida and required by code in most areas. They seal the first course of shingles at the eaves and rakes, preventing wind uplift from getting underneath and lifting the bottom rows.

In Florida's wind environment, skipping starter shingles is a serious risk. The first course is the most vulnerable to hurricane uplift. JJJ Supplies stocks starter strip shingles and starter rolls. Always install starter on both eaves and rakes.

What is ridge cap and do I need it? +

Ridge cap shingles finish and seal the peak of the roof (the ridge line). Yes, you need them — they are the waterproof cap that covers the most exposed point of any sloped roof.

JJJ Supplies stocks ridge cap in Grade A, Grade B, and discounted options. Calculate approximately 1 bundle of ridge cap per 35 linear feet of ridge. Always match ridge cap to your main shingle grade for best results.

Can I install shingles over existing shingles? +

Technically possible but not recommended in Florida for several reasons:

• Florida's heat accelerates deterioration of the existing layer underneath
• Added weight can stress the roof deck
• Florida Building Code in many jurisdictions requires a full tear-off
• Warranty on new shingles may be voided when installed over existing material

Most Florida contractors do a full tear-off. Check your local building department requirements before deciding.

What underlayment do I need under shingles in Florida? +

Florida Building Code requires:

Ice & water shield at all eaves (minimum 24" from the roof edge) and in all valleys — this is required even though Florida doesn't get ice
Synthetic underlayment (or 30# felt) over the rest of the deck

JJJ Supplies recommends synthetic underlayment over the full deck — it's lighter, stronger, more UV-resistant, and doesn't wrinkle or tear in Florida heat like felt paper does.

What nail size should I use for architectural shingles? +

For architectural shingles in Florida:

Nail length: Minimum 1-1/4" for re-roofing over existing shingles; 7/8" or longer for new construction with OSB/CDX decking
Nail gauge: 11 or 12 gauge roofing nails
Nail pattern: 6 nails per shingle in Florida high-wind zones (most of coastal Florida) — not the standard 4-nail pattern

JJJ Supplies stocks 1-1/4" nails and 2-3/8" coil nails for pneumatic nail guns. The coil nails are most popular for high-volume crews.

🚚 Delivery 5 questions
Do you offer same-day delivery in Bradenton? +

Yes — same-day jobsite delivery is our primary competitive advantage. Order before noon and we deliver the same day across the Bradenton-Tampa-Sarasota corridor.

Call or WhatsApp 941-580-4243 to place your order and confirm delivery timing. We deliver directly to your jobsite — not just to a warehouse pickup.

What areas do you deliver to? +

JJJ Supplies delivers throughout the Bradenton-Tampa-Sarasota corridor, including:

• Bradenton and all of Manatee County
• Sarasota and Sarasota County
• Tampa and Hillsborough County
• St. Petersburg area
• Palmetto, Ellenton, Parrish, Lakewood Ranch

Not sure if we deliver to your jobsite? Call us at 941-580-4243 and we'll confirm.

Is there a minimum order for delivery? +

No minimum order. Whether you need 5 squares for a small repair or 200 squares for a large commercial project, we deliver. Call us to confirm availability and timing for your specific order size.

Can you deliver directly to the roof? +

Yes — we deliver to the jobsite and can work with your crew on placement. Confirm specific placement requirements when you place your order so we can coordinate logistics with your team.

What are your delivery hours? +

JJJ Supplies is open Monday–Friday 7AM–6PM and Saturday 7AM–4PM. For same-day delivery, call or WhatsApp your order before noon. For next-day delivery, you can contact us anytime and we'll schedule for the following morning.

💰 Pricing 4 questions
How much do shingles cost in Florida in 2026? +

At JJJ Supplies (April 2026), architectural shingle pricing per square (100 sq ft):

Grade A Premium: $90–$112/sq
Grade B Value: $77–$85/sq
Clearance/Overstock: $60–$75/sq
Ridge Cap: $30–$50/bundle
Starter Shingles: ~$35/bundle

Prices vary based on current inventory. Call 941-580-4243 for current pricing on your specific order.

Do you offer contractor pricing or volume discounts? +

Yes. JJJ Supplies works with contractors on pricing for repeat orders and volume purchases. If you're running multiple jobs per month, call us to discuss pricing that reflects your volume. We prefer building long-term relationships with crews in our area over one-time transactions.

Is there a delivery fee? +

Delivery fees depend on order size and distance. For most standard orders in the Bradenton-Tampa-Sarasota area, delivery fees are included or minimal. Call or WhatsApp 941-580-4243 for a quote that includes delivery to your specific jobsite.

What payment methods do you accept? +

JJJ Supplies accepts cash, check, and credit/debit card payments. For large orders, payment terms can be discussed. Contact us at 941-580-4243 for details.

Grade A vs Grade B 4 questions
What is the difference between Grade A and Grade B shingles? +

Grade A shingles are first-quality, meeting every manufacturer specification — consistent color, full granule coverage, standard packaging.

Grade B shingles are overstock, discontinued colorways, or shingles with minor cosmetic variations. They have:

✅ Same wind resistance rating
✅ Same fire rating (Class A)
✅ Same waterproofing performance
✅ Florida Building Code compliant
⚠️ Possible slight color variation between bundles

Grade B saves contractors 15-25% per job. Read the full Grade B guide →

Do Grade B shingles pass Florida building inspection? +

Yes. Florida building inspectors check wind ratings, nail pattern, underlayment, and installation technique — not whether shingles are classified as Grade A or B. Grade B shingles carry the same product approvals and performance certifications as Grade A. The "Grade B" label is a commercial supply chain term, not a building code classification.

When should I use Grade A vs Grade B? +

Use Grade A when:
• Matching existing shingles for a partial repair
• HOA requires a specific approved color
• Insurance job requires exact color match
• High-end residential with strict color specifications

Use Grade B when:
• Full tear-off re-roof (any color works)
• Rental properties or investment homes
• New construction on a budget
• High-volume crews running multiple jobs

Will my homeowner notice Grade B shingles look different? +

On a full re-roof using bundles from the same lot, the difference is not visible. The roof looks exactly like a standard architectural shingle roof. The only potential visual difference appears when mixing bundles from different Grade B lots — which is why we recommend ordering enough to complete the whole job at once.

🌀 Hurricane & Florida Code 4 questions
What wind speed rating do shingles need in Bradenton? +

For most of Manatee County (Bradenton area), shingles must be rated for a minimum of 110 mph wind resistance. Coastal areas near the Gulf may require 120-130 mph ratings. Most architectural shingles JJJ Supplies carries meet or exceed these requirements.

Always verify with your local building department for the specific wind zone requirements of your project address.

How many nails per shingle does Florida code require? +

In Florida high-wind areas (which includes most of coastal Florida including Bradenton), code requires 6 nails per shingle rather than the standard 4-nail pattern used in other states. This significantly increases wind uplift resistance and is non-negotiable in most Florida building departments.

Do impact-resistant shingles qualify for Florida insurance discounts? +

Yes — Class 4 impact-resistant shingles can qualify Florida homeowners for insurance premium discounts. Many Florida insurers offer 10-30% discounts for roofs with qualifying impact-resistant products. The homeowner should contact their insurer before the project to confirm eligibility and required documentation.

Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Florida? +

Yes — a building permit is required for roof replacement in Florida. This applies to both full re-roofs and repairs over a certain size (typically 25% or more of the roof area). The permit ensures the installation is inspected and meets Florida Building Code requirements. Your licensed roofing contractor handles the permit process.

📦 Products We Carry 4 questions
Do you carry TPO roofing membrane? +

Yes. JJJ Supplies stocks TPO membrane in multiple widths: 5×100, 6×100, 10×100, and 12×100 ft rolls. TPO is ideal for flat and low-slope commercial and residential roofs. Call 941-580-4243 for current pricing and availability.

Do you carry flat roof materials like cap sheet and torch-down? +

Yes. JJJ Supplies stocks flat roof systems including:

Cap sheet (peel & stick and torch-applied)
Base sheet/underlayment for flat roof systems
Torch-down rolls (cap sheet and base for torch application)
Ice & water shield rolls

Contact us to check current inventory on specific products.

Do you carry drip edge and flashing? +

Yes. JJJ Supplies stocks a full range of metal flashing and drip edge including:

Drip edge (eave and rake styles, multiple colors)
L-flashing and Z-flashing
Valley flashing
Step flashing
Pipe boots (lead, TPO, plastic, and Waka Flex)

Call us to confirm specific profiles and colors in stock.

Do you sell lumber and plywood? +

Yes. JJJ Supplies carries roofing-related lumber and decking including OSB sheathing, CDX plywood, and pressure-treated lumber for roof deck repair and replacement. Contact us for current inventory and pricing.

📋 Ordering 3 questions
How do I place an order? +

Three ways to order from JJJ Supplies:

1. WhatsApp: Message us at 941-580-4243 — fastest for quotes and same-day orders
2. Call: 941-580-4243 or 941-277-2943
3. Contact form on our homepage — we'll call you back

For same-day delivery, WhatsApp or call is fastest. Include your product, quantity, and jobsite address.

Do you sell to homeowners or only licensed contractors? +

JJJ Supplies sells to everyone — contractors, roofing crews, general contractors, property managers, and homeowners. No contractor license required to purchase materials. We serve anyone who needs roofing materials in the Bradenton-Tampa-Sarasota area.

Can I pick up materials instead of delivery? +

Yes — pickup is available at our location at 6082 17th St E, Bradenton FL 34203. Hours are Monday–Friday 7AM–6PM and Saturday 7AM–4PM. Call ahead to confirm your order is ready for pickup: 941-580-4243.

🇪🇸 Preguntas en Español 4 preguntas
¿Cuántos bundles de tejas necesito por square? +

Un square (cuadrado) cubre 100 pies cuadrados y requiere 3 bundles de tejas arquitectónicas. Para calcular tu pedido:

1. Mide el área total del techo en pies cuadrados
2. Divide entre 100 → eso te da los squares
3. Multiplica por 3 → eso te da los bundles
4. Agrega 10-15% para desperdicio (cortes, caballetes, valles)

Ejemplo: techo de 2,000 pies = 20 squares = 60 bundles + ~8 bundles de desperdicio

¿Entregan materiales el mismo día en Bradenton? +

— la entrega el mismo día al jobsite es nuestra ventaja principal. Ordena antes del mediodía y entregamos el mismo día en toda el área Bradenton-Tampa-Sarasota.

Llama o escríbenos por WhatsApp al 941-580-4243. Hablamos español.

¿Qué son las tejas Grado B y son buenas? +

Las tejas Grado B son tejas arquitectónicas de sobrestock o con variaciones cosméticas menores — tienen el mismo rendimiento que las Grado A: misma resistencia al viento, mismo nivel de fuego, mismo impermeabilizado.

La única diferencia es visual — puede haber leve variación de color entre bundles. Para trabajos de techo completo donde todo el material viene del mismo lote, esto no se nota.

Los contratistas que usan Grado B ahorran 15-25% por trabajo. Lee la guía completa →

¿Cómo hago un pedido? +

Tres formas de ordenar:

1. WhatsApp: 941-580-4243 — lo más rápido para cotizaciones y entregas del mismo día
2. Llamada: 941-580-4243
3. Formulario en nuestra página principal

Incluye el producto, la cantidad y la dirección del jobsite. Hablamos español.

Still Have Questions?

Call or WhatsApp us — we answer fast. Bilingual English/Spanish service.

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