Florida experiences some of the most extreme weather conditions in the world. Living in Florida means you can encounter tornadoes, hurricanes, heavy rain showers, waterspouts, and lightning strikes. The subtropical and humid climate is responsible for Florida’s extreme weather.
Since you have no control over unpredictable weather, you need to be better prepared for it. You can protect your house from any weather calamity and condition with one of the best roof types that suit Florida’s weather. You need to read the article further to get a clear idea about the roofing types.
Asphalt Shingles
Shingles are extremely cost-effective roofing types. If contractors install it accurately with synthetic felt underlayment, taped over sheathing and joints, and fix it with nails, they can prove to be a long-lasting and sturdy roofing solution. Some constructors use a secondary water barrier to create extra underlayment that can help you increase the lifespan of your new asphalt shingles.
Although asphalt shingles are affordable roofing options compared to others, many manufacturers now offer you a wide range of high-quality shingles. It includes presidential shingles and dimensional shingles that give a high-end look to your roof. Presidential shingles also have an extremely attractive appearance, often similar to the slate tiles or cedar shakes.
Tile Roofing Systems
The tile roofing system is one of the best roof types for Florida. Ceramic and cement tile roofs are a sturdy and excellent option for locations with harsh weather. These roofs are extremely durable and have the ability to withstand the high winds, heat, and humidity of tropical climates. Moreover, tile roofs are relatively expensive than asphalt shingles. These roofs are not suitable for every type of building structure because of their heavyweight.
Not to mention, tile roofs offer an elegant and classy touch to your business or residence. The best part is that they are available in plenty of colors and options to complement the design and style of your business or home. The styles include roll style mission tile, flat interlocking tile, “S” shaped Spanish tile, etc. You also have the option to customize it according to your preferences and requirements.
These tiles also come with several textures, blends, material, and finishes, offering you strength, beauty, and elegance. Apart from this, handmade clay tiles are also pretty popular among Floridians and offer durability along with aesthetic and distinctive appearance. The tile roofing system also needs little maintenance, offers fire resistance, and is energy efficient.
Concrete
It is one of the most durable options for both commercial and residential buildings. Typically, concrete is reinforced with fibers to prevent the risk of cracks and allow your property to withstand harsh weather conditions. This material is also not flammable, so don’t worry about Florida’s wildfire problems. Concrete is also durable enough to endure floods and also decreases the risk of water damages.
It can last more than 50 years, meaning you don’t need to replace your roof within a few months. But here is the catch, concrete roofs can get separated and crack. Also, the materials present under the roofs also need replacement after few years, which means you need to consider regular maintenance every few years.
Slate Roofs
Slate is another ideal and excellent roofing material for Florida’s weather. You might not know, but people have been using different types of slate roofs for centuries. Even in the United States, you can notice several old constructions that contain original slate tiles. It is important to understand that slates have a longer life expectancy than others. This material also offers an elegant and attractive look to your roof.
If you are experiencing problems like insects, rot, and rains, then nothing is ideal for you than a slate roof. Besides these benefits, it can withstand almost every type of climate change. However, like all the other roofs, it also has some drawbacks. It is an expensive material, and finding its sources can be much more challenging. Since few people opt for slate roofs in the US, it is hard to find a contractor who has the experience, knowledge, and skills to install this material. Slate roofs also have a significant weight that makes it hard for most buildings to safely withstand them.
Metal Roofs
This type of roofing is popular among people living in tropical storm-prone locations. This is because they are extremely durable and resist winds and rains. It is also important to note that they can even hold up damaging effects of the salty air from oceans. In addition to offering durability, a metal roofing system can help you regulate the temperature of your house. They do this by reflecting back on the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them.
It offers you a roof that can resist winds of more than 160 mph, making them an ideal roof for coastal Florida homes. But to enjoy all the mentioned advantages, you need to pay a higher price than other roofs as they are expensive. The more well-designed and stylish metal you opt for, the higher will be the cost. Like the concrete roofs, metal ones also last for only 50 years. They are not as quiet as other roofing types. So, you might hear the rain and other things falling on your roof. Hence, it is not sound-proof.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, there are several best roof types for Florida homes and businesses. You need to choose the one that meets your requirement, budget, preferences, and needs. Make sure to hire an expert and experienced roofing contractor so that you can get your roof properly installed.
It is important to understand that the life expectancy of roofs depends on their installation process. This makes it highly crucial to check the credentials, experience, and knowledge of an expert before hiring them. You can ask them to show their work as proof. In addition to it, check the online reviews about the contractor you have chosen.
Sources
https://roofstampa.com/whats-the-best-roof-material-for-florida/
https://www.pioneerroofingcompany.com/best-roofing-types-for-florida-and-coastal-areas/
https://www.roofwithcrown.com/blog/types-roofs-florida/
https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/best-roof-types-for-florida-homes/