When replacing your home’s roof or building a new house, you should always take the time to consider all of your options in terms of roofing materials. No roofing materials are inherently the best since they all have their pros and cons in terms of things like appearance, cost, durability and lifespan. In this article, we’ll explore the most common roofing options for Florida homes and the pros and cons of each to help you make a more informed choice on which option is right for your house.
Shingles
Shingles continue to be the most common choice for residential roofs as they offer an excellent combination of price and durability. Opting to use asphalt shingles on your roof is almost always going to be the cheapest way to go. That’s not only because asphalt shingles themselves cost less than most other options, but also because installing them is fairly straightforward. This second factor means the installation generally takes less time so you end up saving on labor costs as well.
Another great thing about shingles is that you have a huge range of color choices. That means you can easily find an option that perfectly matches your preferred style and fits seamlessly with the rest of your home’s exterior. In terms of colors, opting for a lighter shade can pay off by helping to keep your home cooler and lower your air conditioning costs. That’s because lighter colors are better at reflecting sunlight and don’t absorb as much heat. If you choose a darker color, your roof will absorb more heat and cause your house to get hotter faster. That said, you can find shingles with a special reflective coating that will help to keep your house cooler even if you choose a darker color.
While asphalt shingles are fairly durable, they are more prone to hail and wind damage than most other options. They also don’t have as long of a lifespan and often only end up lasting for 20 to 30 years. Another issue in the humid Florida climate is that you can often end up with algae growing on a shingle roof since it feeds on the limestone found in asphalt shingles. One issue with algae growth is that it results in dark streaking on the roof. The bigger issue though is that the algae ends up weakening the shingles as it feeds on the limestone in them, which can make the roof more susceptible to damage and shorten its lifespan. Luckily, having your roof cleaned and treated regularly is an effective way to kill the algae growth and keep it from returning for some time. There are also algae-resistant shingles that are specifically designed to prevent algae growth. While they cost more, they can be worth the added cost since they can help the roof last longer.
Composite shingles have been quickly growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional asphalt shingles. While they are quite a bit more expensive, they are also much stronger and more durable. In most cases, you can expect a composite-shingle roof to last for 40 to 50 years. Another reason many people opt for composite shingles is that they find them more stylish and visually appealing. That’s because you can find a variety of different styles that perfectly mimic the look of slate, clay tiles and even wood shingles.
Roof Tiles
Clay, slate and concrete roof tiles are also a popular option for Florida homes. Compared to shingles, tiles provide a more classic appearance that can ideally suit both traditional and modern architectural styles.
Any type of tile roof will generally be the most expensive option since tiles are more difficult and take more time to install. While a tile roof will cost you more, it can still be a great investment since it will ensure your roof lasts an extremely long time. You can usually expect a tile roof to last for at least 50 to 75 years. If you opt for slate tiles, your roof could end up lasting for over 100 years. Another thing to consider is that a tile roof will generally add much more value to your home than any other type of roof.
Tiles also have an advantage over shingles in that they are more wind resistant. However, they can be prone to impact damage. This is especially the case with clay tiles since they are somewhat brittle and can easily end up breaking just from being walked on. The good news in this regard is that it’s much easier to replace any cracked or broken tiles compared to the work it takes to repair a roof with damaged shingles.
In terms of the total cost of your roof replacement, one important thing to note is that you’ll often need to pay quite a bit more if you’re switching from shingles to any type of tiles. That’s because roof tiles are extremely heavy, meaning you’ll usually need to have the underlying part of the roof reinforced to ensure it is strong enough to support the added weight of the tiles.
Metal Roofing
Many people think of metal roofing as mostly for commercial buildings, but there are various styles of metal roofs that can also be a great option for homes. Metal roof sheets are sort of a middle ground between shingles and tiles in terms of cost and life expectancy. While a metal roof will cost more than shingles, it will save you quite a bit of money compared to tiles. Most metal roofing lasts for 40 to 50 years so you can mostly be assured you won’t have to worry about replacing your roof for a long time.
One of the biggest reasons that metal roofing is becoming more popular in Florida is that it’s highly weather resistant. As long as the sheets are installed properly, the roof should be able to withstand extreme winds with no issues. You also don’t need to worry as much about your roof being damaged by impacts and flying debris as much as you would with shingles or tiles. These reasons are why many experts consider a metal roof the best option for hurricane-prone areas.
Flat Roofing
It’s rare that you’d ever switch from a sloped roof to a flat roof. Nonetheless, a flat roof can be a great option if you’re building a new home. Flat roofs are typically the most energy-efficient option and also stand up better to hurricanes and extreme weather compared to sloped roofs. Another reason that more and more people are opting for a flat roof is that the roof frees up additional interior space by eliminating the need for an attic. With a flat roof, you can save even more space by choosing to install a packaged HVAC system on the roof so that you don’t need to have a bulky HVAC air handler inside. A flat roof also provides a sleek appearance that can perfectly suit various modern and minimalist architectural styles. Another great thing about a flat roof is that it allows you to create a beautiful rooftop garden or terrace.
In terms of cost, installing a flat roof will generally be the least expensive option since it requires less materials and takes less time to install. The main drawback to a flat roof is that it can require additional maintenance since you need to have it resealed or coated every so often. You can also end up with bigger issues with mold and mildew if the roof doesn’t drain properly. Any time water pools up on a flat roof, it also increases the risk of the roof starting to leak.
Since 1986, Action Roofing has been helping residents in the Fort Lauderdale area and throughout South Florida with all of kinds of different roofing types. We work with shingles, tiles, metal and flat roofing and can help you decide which one is the right choice for your home. If you need to install a new roof, we offer financing options on approved credit. You can also turn to us if you need a roof inspection or any repairs or maintenance. To learn more about all of the roofing options we offer, contact us today.
