If you have lived in Florida long enough, you know that roofs have a tough job to do here. Not only are they beaten down by UV rays, rain, and humidity, but then along comes a hurricane and its cohorts high wind and hail. Together they can hit your roof hard enough to cause serious damage. Once your roof is gone, water gets inside and creates even more devastation. Certainly, some roofs can take this sort of punishment and keep on going, but every material has its breaking point.
Today, we are talking about different types of roofs, what they are, and how they can hold up on your Southern area home. If you are shopping around for a roof replacement and feel confused over which roof material is best for your needs, this blog post will help you to decide.
The Most Common Types of Roofs in Florida
Because of our torrential weather patterns, not every roof type will survive. But a select few are tough enough to withstand the Florida climate and storms. Let’s take a look at which ones you have to choose from!
1. Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States and that’s also true for all of Florida. It’s affordable price makes it the go-to for many homeowners. Since the material costs less, it’s also cheaper to repair.
But not all asphalt roofs are created equal!
It’s important to avoid 3 tab shingles because they only offer a wind rating of 60 to 70 miles per hour. That means that when the winds exceed that limit, your shingles will fly away!
Quality architecture asphalt shingles are what you want if you are choosing an asphalt shingle roof. When they are properly installed, they can withstand winds of 130 to 150 mph depending on their manufacturer rating and the number of nails used. Six nails in an architectural asphalt shingle can withstand up to 20 mph more.
2. Wood Shake Roofs
Wood shake roofs are commonly seen along the eastern coastline and inland. This roofing material will not hold up in high winds and it’s more costly to repair. If your area is hit by hurricanes every year, pass on a wood shake roof.
If you live in a location that does not experience strong storms, then well-maintained wood shakes will last up to 40 years! They have a rustic charm that sets them apart and offers a striking look to any building.
3. Slate Roofs
You may have seen these gorgeous roofs on some of the upscale homes in Florida. You won’t see it often because in comparison with other choices, it’s pretty expensive and it’s super heavy. Not every house will be capable of supporting its weight.
The advantages to slate roofs are so numerous that we have to include them in this list.
- Low maintenance
- Withstands hurricane-force winds
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Doesn’t rot
- Fireproof
- Environmentally friendly
- Customizable
- Long life (75+ years)
The biggest downside to slate is replacing the tiles. Finding replacement tiles that match your existing slate can be extremely difficult. That’s why we recommend that you buy extras to set aside and use for repairs.
4. Clay Tile Roofs
Clay tile roofs are common in South Florida. They are less expensive than slate roofs with nearly all the same benefits. They are known to be durable, but you’re likely to see more cracks and chips after hail strikes than you would with slate. Clay tiles will also break when walked on.
Clay tile roofs are very useful for property owners who are looking for an energy-efficient roof that prevents the hot sun from seeping indoors. They do not absorb the rays of the sun like asphalt shingles and do even better at blocking the heat than metal.
5. Cement Tile Roof
Concrete roofs are a smart choice for Florida properties on the coastline. They’re stronger than clay tiles which is a happy benefit if you suffer from hail storms. Concrete tile is also fire resistant and handles strong wind well.
The only drawback to cement roofs is that they are coated with an enamel that will eventually chip or wear off. That may take about 50 years if you’re lucky, but most manufacturers do not cover them with a warranty for that long.
6. Metal Roofs
We’ve left the best for last! Metal roofs are a moderately priced material that offers the strength and resilience you need with a ton of stylish options to choose from. As a material, metal is the strongest you can choose when picking your roof, offering protection against 160mph winds.
It is a classic look that has been used for centuries to adorn homes, businesses, churches, and landmarks alike. Now more than ever, metal roofs have been designed to withstand the elements with ease and reflect the heat.
Metal roofs are low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean “no maintenance”. Regular inspections are essential because rust will compromise the durability and longevity of your metal roof. If the protective coating is compromised, corrosion will result. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to fill in those scratches!
Roof Replacement in Miami, Dade, Broward, and West Palm Beach
Now that you have an overview of the different types of roofs: If you need a new roof installed on your residential or commercial property, contact Roofing Recovery to receive customer support and a professional assessment. Once we have inspected your property, we can get started on the roof of your dreams!