Roofing in Matlacha

Matlacha at a glance

Matlacha is a small Old Florida fishing village of 598 people (2020) on West Island and Porpoise Point Island in Matlacha Pass, between Cape Coral and Pine Island. It's known for brightly colored galleries, boutiques, seafood restaurants and traditional cottages.

What that means for your roof

Homes and shops here sit right on the water, so salt spray and wind reach every roof. Metal roofs and fasteners need to be rated for coastal exposure, and older cottages often need flashing and decking work along with new roofing; see metal roofs. Small cottages and shops often have simple gable roofs that are more exposed to wind uplift than hip roofs, so edge metal and fastening matter.

Low ground, open water

With water on every side, there's nothing to slow a storm's wind. Ridge caps, edges and lanai roofs take the brunt and are worth checking before every season. Debris from boatyards and docks can blow onto roofs in storms, so check after any big wind.

Rebuilding after Ian

Hurricane Ian largely devastated the village in October 2022, and many cottages and businesses have been rebuilt or repaired since. County Road 78 crosses the pass here, linking Pine Island to Cape Coral and North Fort Myers, and it's the route crews take after storms. If your roof was patched quickly after Ian, have it looked at again before the next hurricane season; see roof inspections.