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If you’re looking for a new roof in Florida, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by having to choose roofing materials. Most people don’t think about their roofs until there’s a problem or it’s time to replace, and suddenly being flooded with information about shingles and tiles can make it hard to take in all this new information.
But things don’t have to be this way. We’re Classic Roofing and Construction, and we’ve been working with every roofing material you could think of for over 20 years. To help you wrap your head around all of these different roofing materials, we’re going to break them down one by one so you can have a clear understanding of your options for a roof replacement in Florida!
The Best Sloped Roofing Materials in Florida
Sloped roofing materials are most often used for residential structures in Florida. Because the roof has a natural slope, these roofing materials help move water off your roof so that it doesn’t get trapped. And because virtually everyone needs sloped roofing materials, you’ll see a lot of variation in price and durability.
With that in mind, let’s look at the most popular sloped roofing materials in Florida!
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Asphalt Roof Shingles
It only makes sense to start off our roofing materials list with the most popular roofing material in North America. Asphalt shingles are made from asphalt, a base mat of organic or fiberglass material, and protective granules.
There are many types of asphalt shingles, including 3-tab, architectural, and luxury. But by far, architectural (or laminate) shingles are the most popular type of shingle. These shingles are thick, durable, and capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 130mph. Additionally, architectural shingles are known for their strong aesthetics that create a classic, welcoming aesthetic on your roof. These factors, and their affordable price, make them extremely popular in Florida.
So what do shingles cost, anyway? Roofing costs change constantly due to economic factors, but in general, architectural shingles cost four to seven dollars per square foot. This is a fantastic price point, but you do pay for it with a shorter lifespan of 20-25 years. Still, if you’re on a budget but still want robust protection for your home, asphalt shingles are one of the best roofing materials for you.
Clay and Concrete Roofing Tiles
Tile roofing materials are a Florida favorite for luxury homes. With so many Spanish-style homes in the area, tiles are a natural fit that can both protect your roof and create a timeless, elegant look. While there are many different types of tile, we’ve noticed that Spanish and French tiles are the most popular locally.
When you get a tile roof, the tiles will overlap so that they can help water run off of your home, and a water-resistant membrane will support them and keep any moisture from reaching your decking. And since tiles are even heavier than shingles, they’re often even better at withstanding high winds. With that said, you should be aware that tiles can easily crack when struck my hail or storm debris. Thankfully, though, replacing the occasional tile is a quick and minimally expensive repair.
How long your tile roof lasts will depend on which material you choose. Clay tiles, for example, can last for a century or more, although 30-40 years is more common. Concrete tiles, on the other hand, have a maximum lifespan of around 50 years.
In addition to the wide range in lifespan, tile roofing materials also have a lot of variation in price. Clay tiles usually cost between seven and 10 dollars per square foot, whereas concrete tiles cost between five and eight dollars per square foot. While this makes them appreciably more expensive than shingles, they’re often worth it for the increased protection and enhanced aesthetics.
Metal Roofing Materials
You’ve probably noticed that the above roofing materials have a lot of variation among themselves, and this is doubly true for metal roofing. Metal roofing is often made using different materials and shaped into different forms, which makes it hard to get an idea of what the “average” metal roof is like. For that reason, we recommend reading our guide to types of metal roofing for specifics, and here we’ll look at some of the average numbers for metal roofs as a whole.
Metal roofs are composed of sheets of metal that sit on top of your roof decking. Once they’re secured onto your roof, they’re generally resistant to UV rays, heavy rains, and high winds—all three of Florida’s biggest roofing issues. And with roofing materials that are perfectly suited to residential structures, like standing seam metal roofing, choosing metal roofing doesn’t have to mean choosing a bulky, industrial roofing material.
On average, you can expect a metal roof to last for between 40 and 70 years. And price is hard to determine on average since it depends so heavily on the type of metal roofing that you choose. But generally speaking, metal roofing materials tend to cost between six and 18 dollars per square foot. This makes them one of the most expensive sloped roofing materials on the market, but this is because it’s also one of the best materials available.
The Best Flat Roofing Materials in Florida
Whether your home or business has a flat roof, you’ll have to make very different considerations and roofing material choices. Where water naturally slides off a sloped roof, it’s easier for a flat roof to accidentally trap water. For this reason, flat roofing materials generally center on water resistance.
Having said that, let’s look at your options when it comes to flat roofing materials in Florida!
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen, or mod bit, is made using rubberized asphalt. Roofing installers then further reinforce this protection with fiberglass to create a water-tight seal that can still stand up to impact damage.
The result is a flat roofing material that can withstand both water damage and storm debris, which is a powerful combination. Thanks to this strong protection, mod bit roofs about 20 years on average. This is lower than many of the roofing materials listed above, but the average lifespan tends to be much lower for flat roofs.
In terms of cost, modified bitumen is comparable to shingles. A square foot of mod bit roofing tends to cost between five and seven dollars per square foot. This makes it a great, affordable flat roofing material!
TPO
Thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO, is an exciting new flat roofing material first manufactured in the early 1990s. Made of TPO rubber, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and a few other materials, TPO is a rubber roofing membrane that creates a waterproof seal around your roof. This means that even if your roof develops standing water, it won’t be able to easily penetrate through your water-resistant roof.
Aesthetics aren’t usually a main concern for flat roofs, but TPO does offer one important feature: a white roof. While this may not seem important, lighter-colored roofs reflect more heat away. This means that your roof can actually help cool your entire building!
Since TPO is so new, nobody knows exactly how long it can last. But most experts estimate that TPO will last 20-30 years on average. And at six to nine dollars per square foot, that is a great lifespan!
EPDM
Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, or EPDM, is a rubber roofing material, similar to TPO. However, they’re different in a few key ways.
First, EPDM is usually black, which attracts rather than repels UV rays. For this reason, an EPDM roof may not be the best choice if you’re trying to cool your structure with your new roof. However, if your roof will be visible from the inside of your building (such as in a hospital or medical center), black can help conceal dirt.
On the other hand, EPDM lasts significantly longer than TPO. In fact, with proper installation and maintenance, EPDM can last up to 50 years. This is an unmatched lifespan when it comes to flat roofing, so it’s certainly worth considering.
As you’ve probably come to expect by now, though, a high lifespan means a high cost. EPDM prices range from four to 12 dollars per square foot, but this high price tag could be worth it if you want a roof that you won’t have to worry about replacing any time soon.
Florida Roofing Materials – Video
Get the Best Roofing Material for Your Structure
As you can see, there are more than a few options for roofing materials in Florida. Each comes with its own pros and cons, so which one best suits you will largely come down to your unique needs and personal preferences.
But regardless of which material you choose, you’re going to need qualified roofers to install it. And that’s where Classic comes in. We’ve been installing new roofs in Florida for over 20 years, and we’re more than familiar with all of the above roofing materials. With a great local reputation and an easy way to get your free estimate, why would you choose any other roofers? Give Classic a chance and see why we’re still doing things the Classic way after 20 years in business!
