Roof Smart of SW Florida
1345 Old Pondella Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33909
239-549-7663
Owner: John Gillam
roofsmartflorida.com
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Below is a detailed analysis of Roof Smart of SW Florida, LLC, a top roofing contractor in Cape Coral, FL, based on available information, customer feedback, industry credentials, and relevant web sources. The analysis covers their reputation, services, strengths, areas for consideration, and comparisons with competitors like Giza Roofing Solutions, incorporating insights from provided web results where applicable.

Analysis of Roof Smart of SW Florida, LLC

Overview
• Location: Based at 1345 Old Pondella Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33909, serving Southwest Florida, including Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte, and surrounding areas.
• Services: Specializes in residential and commercial roofing, including shingle, tile, metal, and flat roof installations and repairs, seamless gutter installation, soffit, fascia, roof cleaning, coatings, and wind mitigation inspections.
• Experience: Family-owned and operated with three generations of experience since the early 1970s, established in 2008.
• Website: roofsmartflorida.com

Key Strengths
1. Customer Reviews:
• Rating: Highly rated with a 4.6-star average from 4,485 reviews on Birdeye, 3.8 stars on Yelp (17 reviews), and 5 stars on Houzz. GuildQuality and Nextdoor also report strong positive feedback.
• Feedback Highlights: Customers praise Roof Smart for professionalism, efficiency, and communication. Reviews emphasize timely project completion (e.g., shingle re-roofs in 3 days), thorough cleanup, and clear explanations of materials and processes, especially for new Florida homeowners seeking wind mitigation discounts.
• Examples: A Yelp review noted Roof Smart’s ability to accommodate a tight schedule for a new roof, with detailed material explanations and professional courtesy. Another Birdeye review highlighted their post-Hurricane Irma responsiveness, completing a roof in just over a month.
• Critical Feedback: A minority of reviews mention issues, such as one GuildQuality review suggesting Roof Smart could improve by being more open to discussing problems rather than defending their work.
2. Service Quality:
• Materials: Uses high-quality products from brands like Owens Corning (Preferred Contractor), Tamko, IKO, and CertainTeed, ensuring durability in Cape Coral’s hurricane-prone climate.
• Specialization: Excels in metal and tile roofing, ideal for wind resistance (up to 150 mph for metal), and seamless gutter installation for enhanced drainage. Their wind mitigation inspections help homeowners secure insurance discounts.
• Storm Damage Expertise: Known for efficient storm damage repairs, particularly post-Hurricane Irma, with detailed insurance claim support, including clear documentation and timelines.
• Comprehensive Services: Beyond roofing, they offer soffit, fascia, roof cleaning, coatings, and even driveways, landscaping, and screen cages, making them a versatile contractor.
3. Industry Credentials:
• Licensing: Holds multiple active licenses, including CCC1325883 (Certified Roofing Contractor, expires 8/31/2026) and CBC1259400 (Certified Building Contractor), verified by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation and Lee County Construction License Board.
• Owens Corning Preferred Contractor: Meets strict quality and service standards, offering strong manufacturer warranties (e.g., 30+ years for shingles).
• BuildZoom Score: Scores 115, ranking in the top 2% of Florida contractors, with 5,520 permitted projects worth $23.6 million, indicating extensive experience.
• Insurance: Carries a $1,000,000 policy with Frank Winston Crum Insurance, providing financial recourse for customers.
• Affiliations: Member of the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association, reinforcing local credibility.
4. Operational Efficiency:
• Offers free, no-pressure estimates and financing options, with estimators discussing tailored plans during in-home consultations.
• Known for seamless processes, from initial call to final inspection, with dedicated staff (e.g., office personnel like Nat and onsite supervisors) keeping clients informed.
• Completes projects quickly (e.g., a shingle re-roof in 3 days), weather permitting, with a focus on 100% satisfaction.

Areas for Consideration
1. Mixed Feedback:
• While most reviews are positive, a few cite communication issues, such as a GuildQuality review noting reluctance to discuss problems openly. A Birdeye review criticized unprofessional behavior from a representative, though this was an outlier.
• Recommendation: Discuss expectations for issue resolution upfront and request a point of contact for ongoing communication.
2. Deposit Concerns:
• Some Nextdoor users expressed discomfort with Roof Smart’s request for a 30% upfront deposit and authorization to negotiate with insurance companies, a common practice but not preferred by all clients.
• Recommendation: Clarify payment terms and insurance negotiation processes before signing contracts, ensuring alignment with your preferences.
3. Workforce Size:
• As a family-owned business, Roof Smart may have a smaller team compared to national firms like Best Choice Roofing, potentially leading to scheduling constraints during peak demand (e.g., post-hurricane).
• Recommendation: Book early, especially during hurricane season (June–November), and confirm timelines.
4. Pricing Transparency:
• While competitive pricing is emphasized, specific costs are not detailed. Based on Cape Coral averages, expect $5,890–$12,800 for a 1,500 sq ft roof replacement, with metal roofs costing $10,000–$20,000.
• Recommendation: Request a detailed breakdown of costs during the free estimate, including material and labor specifics.

Web and X Analysis
• Web Insights: Roof Smart’s website (roofsmartflorida.com) highlights their 5-star reputation, family-owned status, and comprehensive services, emphasizing precision for Florida’s climate. They offer financing and stress community roots, aligning with local needs for durable, wind-resistant roofs.
• X Posts: No specific X posts about Roof Smart were provided in the data. General X sentiment about Cape Coral roofers emphasizes licensing, insurance, and storm expertise, all of which Roof Smart meets. I can search for real-time X feedback if requested.

Comparison to Giza Roofing Solutions
• Reputation: Both are highly rated, but Roof Smart has a larger review volume (4,485 on Birdeye vs. Giza’s smaller, less quantified feedback) and a stronger online presence (e.g., Yelp, Houzz). Giza’s reviews focus on metal roofing and leak detection expertise.
• Services: Roof Smart offers a broader range, including driveways, landscaping, and screen cages, while Giza specializes in metal roofing and leak detection. Roof Smart’s Owens Corning affiliation provides stronger warranty options.
• Experience: Roof Smart’s three generations since the 1970s rival Giza’s 30 years, but Roof Smart’s 5,520 permitted projects suggest greater scale. Giza’s local focus may offer deeper Cape Coral-specific expertise.
• Credentials: Roof Smart’s multiple licenses and Owens Corning status outshine Giza’s less-documented certifications, though Giza’s owner, Peter Giza, brings personal expertise from 16 years in the trade.
• Pricing: Both emphasize competitive pricing, but Roof Smart explicitly offers financing, which Giza’s data does not confirm.
• Storm Expertise: Both excel in hurricane damage repairs, but Roof Smart’s detailed insurance claim support (e.g., timelines, documentation) is better documented.

Recommendations for Potential Customers
1. Verify Credentials: Confirm Roof Smart’s active licenses (CCC1325883, CBC1259400) via the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation and inquire about Owens Corning warranty specifics.
2. Request a Quote: Contact Roof Smart for a free estimate, specifying needs like metal roofing or wind mitigation for insurance discounts. Ask about financing options to manage costs.
3. Check References: Request references from recent Cape Coral clients, particularly for shingle or metal re-roofs, to validate quality and timeliness.
4. Compare Locally: Get quotes from Giza Roofing Solutions and Roman Roofing to compare pricing, warranties, and material options. Giza is ideal for metal roofing, while Roof Smart’s broader services suit diverse needs.
5. Insurance Claims: Leverage Roof Smart’s expertise in insurance claims for storm damage, ensuring they provide detailed documentation to streamline the process.

Contact Information
• Website: roofsmartflorida.com
• Phone: (239) 549-7663
• Address: 1345 Old Pondella Rd, Unit 1, Cape Coral, FL 33909
• Service Inquiry: Request a free estimate via their website or call, mentioning specific needs like hurricane-resistant materials or gutter installation.

Additional Notes
• Cape Coral Context: Roof Smart’s focus on metal and tile roofs aligns with Cape Coral’s need for hurricane-resistant materials (e.g., post-Hurricane Ian, 2022). Their wind mitigation inspections are valuable for reducing insurance premiums in Florida’s high-risk zone.
• Industry Trends: Family-owned contractors like Roof Smart are valued for personalized service, but customers should verify deposit terms to avoid surprises, as noted in Nextdoor feedback.