The two most common types of shingles for Florida roofs are single-layer 3-tab shingle roofs and architectural dimensional layered asphalt shingle roofs. In this post, we’ll go over the main characteristics of the two, talk about their pros and cons, and other essential aspects, so you can make a confident and educated choice for your roof. Continue reading to find everything you need to know about the best shingles for Florida roofs.
How do roof shingles in Florida differ from those in other states?
Florida has seen its fair share of category five hurricanes over the years. In addition to this, the state’s consistent rainfall and storms can cause a lot of damage to roofs and shingles. These harsh weather conditions can significantly reduce the lifespan of roof shingles.
With this in mind, there are specific criteria roof shingles in Florida must meet. Unlike most US states, roofing regulations in Florida require that all roofs must have algae-resistant shingles. Due to Florida’s humidity, algae-resistant shingles last much longer compared to shingles lacking this quality.
The shingles have to be correctly and adequately installed for maximum effectiveness. Besides choosing the proper type of shingles for your Florida roof, it’s also crucial to conduct regular checks and perform small maintenance tasks to ensure that your shingles are always in top condition.
3-tab Shingles
Designed to look like slate tiles, 3-tab shingles are light and flat. While they are certainly not the lightest roofing material available, they are light enough to be installed on almost any roof without any additional structural strengthening requirements. In Florida weather conditions, you can expect your 3-tab shingles to last between 10 and 15 years.
Even though 3-tab shingles aren’t the most durable roofing material on the market, they’re still one of the most budget-friendly options for Florida roofs. The biggest reasons why these shingles are a popular choice is their affordability. Also, many Florida roofs already have this type of roofing material installed, and they require repairs with the same kind of shingle.
Pros
As we mentioned above, the biggest advantage of 3-tab shingles is their lower cost compared to all other roofing solutions. Considering their price, these types of shingles are also very durable even for Florida conditions.
Their flat profile makes them resistant to wind uplift when installed properly.
Cons
While the design makes these shingles more unlikely to lift in harsh winds, there are limits to how far these shingles can give. Compared to architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles are much less resistant to wind uplift, as they can endure only up to 60 to 80 mph wind uplift.
Another disadvantage that may be a deal-breaker for some customers is 3-tab shingles don’t last as long as architectural shingles. That’s because the oils in the shingle tend to rise to the top, which exposes the material to natural elements. Over time, this can weaken the shingles and make them brittle.
You can avoid this breakdown by opting for heavier or thicker 3-tab shingles. If you go for our shingle roofing services, breakdown won’t be a significant problem as we offer you a 20 to 30-year warranty on 3-tab shingles.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are the most popular roofing option among our customers. While these shingles are a bit more expensive compared to 3-tab shingles, they offer the best protection for Florida roofs. Usually, you can expect to pay about 20% more for architectural shingles than you would for 3-tab shingles. Architectural shingles also have a significantly longer life expectancy than 3-tab. Architectural shingles usually last 25 to 30 years. But with proper maintenance, higher-end shingles can last up to half a century.
Pros
Architectural shingles consist of two layers and require more material to manufacture. Because of their construction, they’re a more effective barrier against rain and hail compared to 3-tab shingles. Additionally, architectural shingles are also far less likely to blow away in a storm because they’re made in one piece — unlike 3-tab shingles. Architectural shingles can withstand winds of up to 130 mph, which is almost double that of 3-tab shingles. 130 mph is equivalent to a category five tropical cyclone.
Aside from their functionality, architectural shingles are also popular because of their appearance. Their aesthetic design is generally favored among homeowners, particularly on upscale homes. The thicker, three-dimensional profile gives these shingles a wood shingle appearance that’s more genuine and visually pleasing.
Cons
Architectural shingles don’t have any glaring flaws, although their higher profile can make them more susceptible to wind uplift on low-slope roofs. Aside from this, the only possible disadvantage is the cost of architectural shingles compared to 3-tab shingles. But despite the higher cost, architectural shingles offer great value for the money you’d spend on installation.
When it comes to this type of shingles, you’re paying for high quality. Although architectural shingles cost more than 3-tab shingles, the higher price comes with a lot of advantages. If you have the budget to invest in architectural shingles for your roof, you shouldn’t think twice about going with this option.
Wrap Up on Florida Shingle Roofs
We hope this direct comparison and overview of the two most popular shingles for Florida roofs will help you decide the best option for your roof and budget. When we take all of the aspects mentioned above into consideration, it’s clear that architectural shingles are the best type of shingles for Florida roofs. They not only perform better than 3-tab, but they’re also more aesthetically pleasing. They help raise the value of your property and are continually growing in popularity in the entire roofing market in Florida and beyond.
Contact Us Today
If you’re looking for a reliable roofing company, we’re at your service around the clock. Our roofing repair and installation services are available for the entire Tampa Bay area, as well as the Florida Panhandle — from Pensacola to Destin. Fill out our simple online form for a free estimate, and you’ll hear from us asap.
