A roof replacement is one of the best ways to add aesthetic appeal and market value to your home. If you’ve never shopped for roofing material, you may not know where to begin. This short guide below gives you an overview of four popular roofing materials in Florida.
You may want to consult a roofing contractor in Florida. A professional can meet with you to answer your questions, address any concerns, and discuss the best options for your home. In the meantime, read below to find out more about commonly used residential roofing materials in this area.
What to Look for in Quality Roofing Material
Before you shop for roofing materials, it’s important to establish some criteria to decide which product is best for your home.
Decide What You Want
You can quickly narrow your search by deciding what type of roofing material you want. Keep in mind that the new roof doesn’t have to be the same as the old roof. So, you can switch materials based on your current needs or preferences.
Establish a Budget and Compare Costs
The next question is whether you can afford the type of roof you want. The cost of a new roof often includes materials and labor. These can vary according to the nature of the project, what type of product you purchase, and who you hire. This is why it is important to establish a budget before you get started.
Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Costs
If you have a healthy budget on the front end, then it ultimately pays off to invest in the higher-quality roofing material. Sure, you’ll pay more. The trade-off, however, is fewer maintenance, repair, and replacement costs down the road. Quality roofing products provide greater performance and longevity, which can amount to a higher ROI.
Weather Resistance and Protection
Tornadoes, hurricanes, high heat, salty air, and humidity are all Florida weather factors you should consider when comparing roofing material. Traditionally, asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and tile roofs hold up the best in the Florida coastal climate.
Performance Ratings
All roofing products are rated for how well they perform in certain conditions. Ratings may include:
- Fire Resistance: Most roofs receive a Class, A, B, or C fire rating from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for how well they resist flames during a fire.
- R-Value: The R-value rates a roofing material on how well it resists the conductive flow of heat from the outside to the inside of your home. The higher the value, the greater the resistance.
- Wind Resistance: Due to the threat of hurricanes, you want a roofing material that can withstand up to 130 mph winds.
- Asphalt Shingles
Nearly 30 percent of all homeowners across the Gulf Coast prefer asphalt shingles to any other types of roofing material, making them one of the most commonly used residential roofing products in the industry. Asphalt shingles offer an array of architectural styles, textures, sizes, and colors to suit nearly any home design.On average, a homeowner can expect a service life of 30 years from shingles with routine maintenance and cleaning. Additionally, they have a high impact rating, Class A fire rating, and can withstand high winds of up to 130 mph. You can expect to pay between $1.50 and $5.50 per square foot, allowing you to purchase more roofing at a lower price point.
Overall, shingles have an exceptional value and provide long-lasting weather resistance that is ideal for the Florida climate. Most products undergo rigorous testing from manufacturers to ensure top performance year after year.
- Metal Roofing
Metal roofing continues to gain popularity as roofing contractors and homeowners discover their benefits. A common misconception of metal roofs is that they lack style or natural beauty. However, metal roofing material allows you to upgrade your roof without sacrificing aesthetics. Today’s products offer intricate designs that emulate the look and feel of other types of roofing.The most impressive feature of metal roofs is that they are a sustainable solution, giving you solid performance for more than 50 years. As such, they have a high ROI in terms of endurance and market value. Plus, they require less maintenance than other types of roofing. Metal materials consistently receive the highest ratings for wind resistance, fire resistance, and energy efficiency.
Most metal roofs feature interlocking panels that are concealed, creating a seamless, cohesive design across the entire roofing system. The lightweight structure preserves the integrity and life of the product for over five decades.
- Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are typically used for commercial applications or utility buildings on residential properties. In addition, they are not compatible with most residential architectural designs. However, when used appropriately, flat roofs offer advantages over other types of roofing.For instance, flat roofs are typically far less expensive than their roofing counterparts. Flat roof insulation boards will cost you around 80 cents per foot. Maintenance and upkeep are also cost-effective due to less risk during installation or repairs.
You can utilize a flat roof for other purposes while optimizing the space it provides. Homeowners may position an AC unit or solar panels on the roof instead of placing them elsewhere. Homeowners can also take advantage of more space in the attic that they may not have with a sloped roof.
There are a few downsides to flat roofs such as poor drainage or an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, when placed in the right setting, they do have an architectural appeal with a lower overall cost.
- Tile Roofing
Clay and concrete tile roofing is a staple of coastal homes throughout Florida. The Spanish-style overlapping layers create a uniform layout that projects both vintage design and structural stability. Tile roofing material is indeed both expensive and heavy. However, that is to be expected from roofing material that lasts more than 100 years.Whether it’s slate, clay, concrete, or terra cotta, tile roofs can withstand high winds and high heat, protecting the home from severe Florida weather. In addition, the material is impervious to rotting, insect invasion, fires, and other hazards. Tile is also environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and low maintenance. Homeowners can choose from seemingly endless shapes including flat, curved, interlocking, or fluted styles.
Tile maintenance is also easy. You can replace a piece at a time without pulling up an entire section. If you’re looking for long-term investment and don’t mind the upfront costs, then tile roofing may be an option worth exploring.
Get a Free Roof Replacement Estimate in Florida
Quality Roofing offers premier roofing services for homeowners in Florida. To find out more about our roofing replacement solutions, call (850) 753-0041 or fill out the quick form on our contact page.
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