Choosing the right type of residential roof is crucial for homeowners in Florida. Fitting a new roof or replacing an existing one is a significant investment in your property. And the type of residential roof you choose must withstand extreme weather conditions — hurricanes, humidity, and up to eight hours of daily sunshine. Getting the right residential roof type can affect the resale value of your home.
The five common types of residential roofing materials for properties are asphalt shingles, slate shingles, ceramic tile, metal roofing, and wood shakes.
Each type of roofing material has varying installation costs, durability, maintenance requirements, and energy efficiency. It’s a fact that some roofing materials last longer than others. Additionally, it’s crucial to choose a type of roof that compliments your home and the neighborhood.
Are you wondering which residential roof type is best for my house? And do you want to find a roof type that suits your budget? If so, please continue reading. This article discusses the five most common types of residential roofing in Florida.
Five Most Common Types of Residential Roofing in Florida
Knowing which type of roof is best for your residential property can be challenging. Factors influencing your choice include the type of roof — pitched or flat, location, and cost to install or replace the roof. Your decision could also be based on personal preference. For example, some homeowners prefer clay tiles over asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing type on residential properties in Florida. Homeowners choose asphalt roofing shingles because they are an affordable option and come in a wide range of styles and colors. In addition, asphalt roofs provide excellent waterproofing and endure a wide range of temperatures.
However, asphalt shingles are not recommended for residential homes located in areas where heavy winds occur. So, if you live in coastal parts of Florida that get hurricanes, choosing another roofing option is best.
But since Tampa Bay has dodged the worst hurricanes for the past 100 years, asphalt shingles remain a popular choice in the area. Typically, asphalt shingles will last between 15 and 20 years without severe storm activity.
Apart from the reasonable cost of asphalt shingles, what else should you know about them? Unfortunately, compared to other roofing systems, their color tends to fade quicker, and algae grow faster, especially on north-facing roofs.
Ceramic tile shingles look attractive
Ceramic roofing tiles are an excellent choice if you want a durable roof with superior water runoff that holds its appearance for many years. Made from clay, ceramic roof tiles can give your home’s roof a natural earthy-toned appearance. A clay tile roof is well-suited to Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes in the Sunshine State.
Ceramic roof tiles have several advantages if you are installing a new roof or replacing an existing one. First, a ceramic tiled room is fire resistant and withstands extreme temperatures. Also, they are energy efficient, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Additionally, ceramic granules are eco-friendly and recyclable.
But are ceramic roof tiles suitable for all Florida homes? Ceramic tiles require a professional company to install them properly. And because of their heavier weight, they need additional roof supports — something to consider if you’re looking for an asphalt roof replacement.
A few other things to consider with ceramic tiles is the cost and that they are more fragile. But on the other hand, a roofing system with clay tiles can last 50 to 70 years.
Metal roofing withstands strong winds in Florida
Metal roofs are a common type of residential roofing in Tampa Bay, FL, because they withstand storms and hurricanes. If the metal roof is installed correctly, it can endure severe winds up to 160 MPH. They’re also fire resistant, making them ideal for residential properties.
Metal roofs are a popular type of residential roofing in Tampa Bay because they enhance a property’s aesthetics. For example, you can paint them in a color to compliment your house. They also reflect sunlight effectively, keeping your home cooler during hot and humid Florida summers.
The two types of metal roofs to choose from are metal roof shingles and metal sheets. However, installing a metal roofing system requires a team of roofing experts. This is because the standing seam metal roof requires skill to ensure the metal panels are watertight.
For storm-prone areas, metal roofs are one of the best choices.
Related reading: The benefits of metal roofing systems.
Wood shakes and cedar shingles
Are you looking to install a green roof in Florida to reduce energy bills? In that case, installing wood shakes or shingles is an eco-friendly residential roofing type. Wooden shakes give roofs a natural rustic appearance. And because they are poor heat conductors, they are excellent insulating materials.
Despite being more expensive than all types of asphalt shingles, natural wood shakes are cheaper than metal or ceramic tiles. They are also 100 percent recyclable and, depending on the source of wood, environmentally sustainable. In addition, they are relatively resistant to wind damage — something all Florida homeowners are concerned about.
Because they last 30 years or more and have a minimal environmental impact, they are the roofing system of choice for environmentally-responsible homeowners.
What are the considerations of installing wood shingle or shakes besides the cost? Regular maintenance is the most significant disadvantage with a wooden roof — it requires regular waterproofing treatments. Wood is also highly flammable, so wooden shakes aren’t recommended in areas prone to wildfires.
Slate shingles are highly durable
Natural slate shingles are not the most popular roofing material in Florida. However, this doesn’t mean that a slate tile roof isn’t suitable for Florida’s hot climate.
Real slate is a natural material resistant to wind, heat, and high winds. It is also eco-friendly and recyclable. And, like ceramic tiles, does a great job of insulating your home. Additionally, depending on the climate, a slate roof can last for over 100 years.
Considerations when choosing a slate roof are that it’s expensive to install, and slate roof tiles are prone to cracking.
Need a Residential Roof Replacement? Call Us Today
If you are considering installing a new roof or replacing your existing one in the Tampa Bay area, call us at 813-373-9088 or complete our easy online form. Our team of roofing contractors has over 40 years of experience and can help you choose the best type of roofing for your home.
