What are the most common roofing types in Florida? This article looks at six popular materials you’ll want for your roof. We also discuss the pros and cons, helping you decide which roofing type will work best for you.
1. Asphalt Shingle
Asphalt shingle is one of the most common roofing types in Florida and the United States. Many choose asphalt roofing because of its attractiveness, affordability, and accessibility. It also fits well with various architectural designs and styles.
The Cons: Florida’s hurricane seasons can take a toll on shingle roofing. Unlike other roofing types, shingles frequently come loose and blow off in high winds. Asphalt shingles also warp, curl, and degrade faster in Florida’s harsh climate.
2. Clay Tile
If you drive around Florida, you’ll notice many homes with reddish-brown tile roofs. These are clay tile roofs – probably the best roofing type for your needs.
Clay tile roofing provides safety and longevity amid Florida’s extreme weather conditions. The tiles keep out water and high winds during hurricane season and don’t fade with overexposure to the blistering summer sun. A clay tile roof typically lasts 25–50 years with regular maintenance.
The Cons: You can expect to pay more for a clay tile roof than other roofing types. In addition, falling tree branches and even walking on the roof can easily cause the tiles to crack. Although it may not match your aesthetic, a shingle or membrane roof works better for flat roofs.
3. Concrete Tile
Concrete tile roofing is an excellent option if you want something durable and attractive. This type of roofing material brings a modern aesthetic to your Florida home and can last up to 50 years. Maintaining your concrete tiles to withstand the weather doesn’t take much.
Many homeowners choose concrete tile roofing because of its durability. The tiles stand firm during hurricane season and are water resistant. If you don’t want clay tiles, consider getting concrete tiles.
The Cons: The price tag is one downside to concrete tile roofing. It can cost nearly twice as much as asphalt shingle. Also, the plastic or enamel that coats the concrete tiles can wear out over time.
4. Metal Roofing
Consider getting metal roofing if you don’t want shingle or tile roofing. A metal roof is a great alternative that brings reliability and longevity to your Florida home. There are a couple of significant benefits to metal roofing:
- It can withstand winds up to 160 mph, securing your home during hurricane season.
- It reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, better insulating your home.
The Cons: Metal roofing is often more expensive than tile and shingle. Roofing contractors may charge you more, and the installation process can be complicated. You may also have to replace your entire metal roof if part of it gets damaged.
5. Slate Tile
You won’t see slate tile roofs as frequently as clay tile and metal roofs in Florida. However, it’s an excellent option for several reasons:
- High longevity: Slate tiles can withstand high winds and hot temperatures. They’re also resistant to mold.
- Customizability: Unlike other roofing types, you can easily customize a slate tile roof to match your unique preferences and needs.
- Eco-friendly: Slate is a naturally occurring material with the lowest embodied energy level of any other roofing material.
The Cons: Slate tile roofs are heavier than most roofing types. This means your roof could crack under too much weight or pressure. It also means you need a sturdy foundation to support the material.
Replacing slate tiles can be a pain. They’re not as common in Florida, so there’s less availability. You may have difficulty finding suitable replacement tiles to match your original roof.
6. Wood Shingle and Shake
Driving around inland Florida, you may notice homes with wood shingle and wood shake roofs. This roofing material is eco-friendly, manufactured from recycled and natural sources. In addition, wood shingles look fantastic!
You can easily customize wood shingles and wood shake roofing according to your tastes. The tiles come in different wood types and are less expensive to install than tile or metal roofs.
The Cons: Wood shingles may require more preventative maintenance than other roofing types. You’ll need to properly care for the shingles or shakes to ensure they last. They also don’t hold up well against strong winds.
Tip: If you love the look of wood shingle and shake but want the benefits of tile, there is a current trend of wood-look tiles. Ask your installer about this option
Take the Next Step
At EZ Roofing, we provide top-quality solutions to all your roofing needs. Our highly trained, fully licensed roofing contractors can help you sift through roofing types and make your roofing project a success. Go online or call us at (888) 917-6637 to get started today!