A durable and long-lasting roof protects your home and belongings from exterior damage. You must select the right roofing system to withstand heavy storms, hurricanes, wildfires, and other weather conditions. A roof is a costly part of the house, and you must educate yourself if you are looking for a new roof installation, repairs, or roof replacement. We have detailed the five best roof types for Florida homes.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are made from a base mat of wood fiber or inorganic materials like fiberglass coated with asphalt and ceramic granules. They are popular in Florida homes due to their affordability, attractiveness, and weather resistance. These roofs come in various styles and colors to match any home’s aesthetics. You can choose a design that matches your exterior paint or brick to create a cohesive look.
The key advantages of asphalt shingles are their low cost and easy installation. Their coating provides decent protection against heat, moisture, and storms. They can withstand extreme elements reasonably well. Recent manufacturing improvements have also increased their wind resistance through enhanced sealing strips. Asphalt shingles typically last 15-30 years in Florida’s harsh climate before needing replacement.
However, they are prone to cracking, curling, and losing granules after extended exposure to sun and heat. Without proper insulation, heat transfer can be an issue as well.
Proper roof deck reinforcement, slope, and ventilation installation improves wind resistance, cooling, and longevity of shingle roofs. You can select impact-resistant shingles such as CertainTeed Landmark and Landmark Pro shingles, which are durable options that provide better protection. Asphalt shingles offer homeowners a reliable and budget-friendly roofing solution.
Concrete and Clay Tiles
Concrete and clay tiles are a popular roofing choice in Florida due to their durability, visual appeal, and hurricane and fire resistance. Clay tiles are created by baking molded clay at extremely high temperatures. They feature natural colors and texture in a wide range of flat, tapered, or wavy shapes. Concrete tiles mix cement with mineral pigments for consistent color and shape options.
Tiles are a durable and aesthetic choice for roofs. They are expensive but last more than 50 years with proper care and maintenance. They only require a little work besides occasional resealing to prevent moisture entry. In case of breakage, a trained roof installer can replace the damaged tiles, saving you money. Tile roofs can withstand hurricanes and hot weather with ease. Their heavy weight also provides thermal insulation against heat.
One thing to consider while choosing tile roofs is that they are susceptible to breakage. Older homes need the required reinforcement to handle the weight of the tile roofs.
They are available in unique shapes. Borders and colors can make your roof the focal point of your house. The rustic appeal they bring to your house increases its curb appeal and can add to the value of your property as well. These versatile roofing materials stand out for their strength against wind, rain, heat, and storms.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs can withstand Florida’s climatic conditions. They are durable, have long lifespans, and have hurricane-grade wind resistance. You can choose options for metal roofs, like steel, copper, aluminum, zinc, or alloys. They come in various styles, like sheets, panels, shingles, or tiles. These roofs can last over 80 years with minimal maintenance and upkeep.
They have exceptional strength against high winds, storms, and hurricanes. Interlocking panels and clips create weather-tight seals secured to roof decking. This system withstands wind uplift forces better than shingles or tiles while eliminating leaks. Blow-offs are extremely rare for adequately installed standing seam metal roofs. Copper and aluminum metals even form protective patinas that add to the roof’s beauty over time.
The reflective properties of metal roofs help keep your interior cool and save you energy. They are also resilient against hail damage or debris during extreme weather. These roofs are eco-friendly choices as they are entirely recyclable.
You must consider the upfront cost of metal roofs before installation as they can be cost-prohibitive. Also, make sure to install proper insulation to reduce noise. They provide substantial savings in the long run due to their durability and low maintenance cost. These roofs can also increase the value of your property.
Slate Tile Roofs
Slate roofing tiles have long been valued for their beauty and durability and are a popular roofing material for upscale homes in Florida. Slate’s natural waterproofing and heat and fire resistance are well-suited to Florida’s climate. They resist fade despite long-term sun exposure. Properly installed and regularly maintained slate roofs can last over a century.
Slate comes in many earthy colors that complement most architectural styles and add natural texture to a home’s appearance. Structural slate tiles come in various sizes, thicknesses, and shapes to fit all your roofing needs.
Slate roofs are very brittle and can crack easily. They are expensive because they need to be quarried and cut into suitable sizes for roofing. Their weight means the home must have a robust framework to support it. If not properly fastened, these tiles can come loose and quickly be displaced by heavy wind.
Nowadays, synthetic slates are gaining popularity as they have all the positive qualities of natural slates and none of the weaknesses. They are gorgeous roofing materials that require minimal maintenance and are easy to install. These eco-friendly roofs can be completely recycled at the end of their life cycle.
Solar Roofs
Florida is one of the best places to get solar roofs. The state receives an average of 230 days of sunshine per annum. Installing solar roof tiles allows Florida homeowners to generate renewable electricity while protecting their homes from external elements. They are an eco-friendly option that will help reduce greenhouse emissions.
Integrated solar roofs, such as CertainTeed Solstice Shingle, incorporate photovoltaic cells within durable glass tiles that replace traditional shingles or tiles. They streamline solar power installation without changing home aesthetics. Their low profiles and sleek appearances mimic conventional roof materials for attractive curb appeal without adding much bulk to the roof. They also receive a 25-year comprehensive warranty. You can choose these roofs confidently.
Florida offers one of the best net metering programs in the US at a 1:1 ratio. You are compensated for any additional power you generate and transmit back to the grid. If you have a surplus energy balance at the end of the year, the utility company will pay you back at an avoided cost rate.
Solar roofs have a high initial installation cost. However, rebates, tax credits, sales tax discounts, and programs like PACE can help you offset that cost. The Federal government offers a 30% solar tax credit to qualifying households. The state government offers a 100% property tax exemption on the added value of your property. No sales tax is added on solar equipment such as panels and inverters. Solar panels also help increase the value of your property by up to 4.1%.
When deciding on the best roof type for your Florida home, select the material that fits your needs and requirements. Choose a roof that protects you from intense heat, heavy rainfall, salt exposure, and potentially devastating storms. Learn in detail about the warranty offered on your roof. Your due diligence now will keep your family and possessions properly safeguarded for decades to come.
We are the fastest-growing professional roofing company ranked as the 6th best construction company in Florida. You can hire us for a durable, well-installed roof with lovely aesthetics. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote today!