Do you need to replace the roof on your Fort Lauderdale home? When replacing a roof in a coastal climate, you need to think carefully about which roofing materials are your best option. Not only does the price of different roofing materials vary quite a bit, but some materials will also allow your new roof to last longer. There’s not one inherently best roofing material. Instead, choosing the “best” option depends on how much you want to spend, your preferred style, and your current roof material. As such, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of your options to make a well-informed decision on the right choice for your home.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles continue to be the preferred roofing option for most homeowners. The biggest reason for this is that they will generally be the least expensive option when replacing your roof. The drawback is that your new roof will have a shorter life expectancy and a higher risk of suffering storm damage than if you chose any other options. Another issue is that asphalt shingles are more likely to experience issues with moss, mold, and algae growth, all of which can lead to the shingles degrading faster and increase the chances of roof leaks.
One of the main concerns in the Fort Lauderdale area is that a hurricane could hit and cause severe damage to your roof or even destroy it. High winds during a hurricane could easily cause shingles to break or get torn off the roof, and flying debris smashing into your roof can also cause extensive damage.
If you want a shingle roof, the good news is that some types of asphalt shingles can withstand strong winds and impacts without getting damaged or at least suffering less damage. The main things to look for are wind resistance and impact resistance ratings. Class 3 and Class 4 shingles are the most impact-resistant and, thus, the least likely to get damaged by flying debris. To lessen the chances of the shingles getting ripped off your roof, you should look for products rated as Class F, G, or H. Class H shingles are the most wind-resistant and designed to handle wind gusts up to 150 miles per hour.
Composite Shingles
Composite shingles are an excellent alternative to asphalt shingles. While they are more costly, they have the advantage of being stronger, more durable, and longer lasting. You also have more options in style and appearance with composite shingles. Some products don’t look as much different from asphalt shingles, but you can also find others that almost perfectly mimic the look of wood shingles, slate tiles, etc.
Some people choose composite shingles because they are considered more eco-friendly than asphalt shingles. That’s because most products are made almost entirely of recycled materials. Another thing to note is that installing composite shingles on your roof will add more to the value of your home than if you were to use asphalt shingles.
Roofing Tiles
Concrete, clay, and slate roofing tiles are better options for coastal climates. One reason is that roof tiles are extremely strong and durable, which is part of why they have the longest lifespan among all roofing materials. The fact that the tiles are so heavy also means they can stand up against even the strongest winds without getting torn off the roof. On the other hand, tile roofs are more likely to get broken if hit by flying debris. The good news is that replacing roof tiles is simpler than replacing broken or damaged shingles.
The primary drawback to installing a tile roof is the high cost. Concrete and clay tiles themselves aren’t all that expensive. However, they are difficult and time-consuming to install, meaning the labor costs when replacing the roof are much higher. Slate tiles are expensive to purchase and install, which is why this type of roof costs much more than all others. The other thing to note, if you’re switching from a shingle roof to a tile roof, is that the project will also require additional work, as extra supports will need to be added to the roof’s underlying structure.
Roof tiles are much heavier than shingles, requiring the roof to be reinforced to support the additional weight.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing generally outperforms all other options in terms of resistance to hurricanes and storm damage. That’s why you’ll almost always have lower homeowner’s insurance premiums if you live in a hurricane-prone area and your house has a metal roof. Metal roofing falls somewhat in the middle between shingles and roof tiles as far as price and life expectancy are concerned. A metal roof will typically cost at least three times as much as a shingle roof but will still be much less expensive than a tile roof. You can also usually expect to get at least 40 to 50 years of life out of a metal roof, whereas shingle roofs rarely last more than 25-30 years.
If you opt for a standing-seam metal roof, it will also add quite a bit more to the value of your home than a shingle roof would. Another advantage is that metal roofing reflects sunlight better than shingles. That means your home will stay cooler, lowering air conditioning costs. If you go with metal, there is also a reduced chance of your roof leaking. One other advantage that metal roofing has over all of the alternative roof materials is that it requires almost zero maintenance.
That’s because you’ll never need to worry about issues with mold, moss, and algae growing on your roof.
How Long Will It Take?
Installation times for roofing materials vary based on the type and complexity of the materials used. Asphalt shingles are the quickest to install, typically taking 1 to 2 days for an average-sized roof. Metal roofing usually requires 2 to 4 days due to the precision cutting and fastening involved. Tile or slate roofs take longer, ranging from 5 to 10 days, as each piece must be individually laid and secured. Flat roofs, which may use rubber or TPO membranes, typically take 2 to 5 days to complete.
It’s important to note that roof size, weather conditions, and the installer’s expertise can also affect these timelines. Therefore, selecting the right material is important for the project’s overall duration.
Since 1986, Action Roofing has provided top-notch residential and commercial roofing services in Fort Lauderdale, FL. We specialize in roof replacements and offer a wide range of options, including shingles, tiles, and metal roofing. If you’re still unsure which roofing materials you want, we can explain your options and advise you on which one will work best for your home and fit within your budget. You can also hire us for roof inspection, repair, or maintenance services. For more information on the roofing materials we carry and why we’re the best choice for your roof replacement, contact Action Roofing today.
