When you are installing a new roof or replacing an older one that is no longer doing its job properly, there are several options to choose from when it comes to roofing materials that would be the most suitable for Florida’s heat and weather. Things you should take into account when deciding the type of roofing are the slope and the complexity of the roof, the style of the house, and the cost of different roofing options. We are here to help you choose the right roofing option for your home so read on!
Clay tiles
Clay tiles are basically synonymous with the image of coastal living in Florida. Associated with Spanish-style houses, they are designed to overlap and/or interlock with adjacent tiles and fit perfectly with the southwestern home design. Usually, you find them in orange/brown color but they also have other variations. They are suited for hot climates and are resistant to heat but don’t install them in places with heavy regular rains and freezing temperatures. Their major benefits are that they are easily recyclable and resistant to fire. Clay is highly resistant to deterioration from salt spray and it holds up well to winds 100+ mph.
You can find at least a 30-year warranty attached to it and it lasts way longer than the traditional asphalt shingles. Every now and then it needs to be cleaned but you don’t need to take care of it too much as it is resistant to insects and rot. Price can be quite high but given its longevity, the cost is actually of great value.
Metal roofs
Metal roofs are definitely the longest-lasting roof type. They come in a bunch of different colors, textures, and shapes. Metal doesn’t burn, insects won’t feast on it and it offers great resistance to sea spray corrosion. Its biggest benefits are that it is durable and maintenance-free. The metal reflects the sunlight and heat away from the home and withstands wind from 110 mph to 160 mph. It lasts 50+ years, the material is 100% recyclable and that cool roof technology significantly enhances its energy efficiency.
Its biggest downside is that it’s not suitable for use on complex or curved roofs. The high costs make it attractive to homeowners that plan to live in their home for a long time and while metal roofs don’t fit in the traditional look for seaside living, they have a lot to offer and it’s hard not to call them the top choice for coastal roofing.
Asphalt fiberglass shingles
The fiberglass mat embedded in the shingle gives it additional strength and tear resistance. They are usually light, cheap, and easy to install. They used to be non-recyclable but with recent technology advances, this has changed. Companies have also started creating asphalt shingles that imitate the look of wood and slate. Premium grades of asphalt fiberglass shingles are typically warrantied for 50 years. They are the number one selling roofing material in the U.S but are a poor choice for any area that encounters high-speed winds.
Wood Shakes
On the U.S. northeastern coastline, wood shake roofs are the standard. In Florida not so much but there are small parts such as the Naples area, where they are quite trendy. They are a good option for houses on the coast because cedar shake is well known to be resistant to saltwater. Besides that, it can also endure wind speeds up to 245 mph.
The reason why this choice of roofing is not so popular is that wood isn’t as durable as its counterparts and if you want it to last at least 40 years you need to maintain it on a regular basis. It can be quite cheap but most probably the roof will last you only around 20 to 30 years. Also in order to protect it from burning, mold, and various insect attacks, it needs to be pre-treated which just stacks up the costs and the ongoing upkeep. The setup of a wooden roof is quite labor-intensive and because of much more suitable alternatives, this type of roofing is not so popular in Florida.
