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In Florida, the norm is to replace your roof every 20 years or so. But as you’re looking at roof replacement options, you may find yourself overwhelmed by all the different types of roofs. And with new options always coming onto the market, it can be helpful to have an expert’s view of what you need to know about the different types of roofs available near you.
We’re Classic Roofing and Construction, and we’re here to help you make sense of all these different roof replacement options. With more than 20 years of experience in Florida roofing, we know what factors you need to consider when choosing a roofing material. So let’s take a look at the different types of roofing systems available in Florida and what you can expect from each!
The Best Types of Roofs for Florida
There are more than a few options when it comes to getting a roof replacement in Florida. And which option works best will depend on your needs, but most people’s decisions come down to three main factors: cost, durability, and style. So for each of the types of roofing available in Florida, we’ll highlight these important considerations.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
This is the classic option among types of residential roofing. Made of asphalt layered on top of a fiberglass mat, asphalt shingles are by far the most popular residential roofing material. This is mainly due to their low costs—quality asphalt shingles can be found for as little as four or five dollars per square foot.
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Shingles also feature a respectable lifespan of 20-25 years. And while they’re not as hurricane-resistant as, metal roofing or tiles, they can withstand winds of up to 130mph and are resistant to water damage. And since they’re made of asphalt and coated in protective granules, they’re also great at resisting impact damage from hail and storm debris.
When it comes to aesthetics, asphalt shingles can bring a welcoming, cozy atmosphere to your home. But with this roofing material, it’s important to make sure that you’re choosing the best type of roof shingle. 3-tab is cheaper, but more flimsy and vulnerable to damage, so most experts recommend architectural shingles, which are better able to protect your home and create a more dynamic, textured look on your roof.
Clay and Concrete Roofing Tiles
If longevity is your main concern with your new roof, tile could be a perfect fit. Concrete tiles last for up to 50 years, but clay tiles can last longer than a century. And by overlapping tiles across your roof, local contractors can give you a roof with a timeless aesthetic that directs water away from your home.
Tile roofs come in a variety of styles, with Spanish and French tiles being among the most popular locally. And with a long list of different types of tile roofing, you can achieve virtually any look for your new tile roof, although tile lends itself especially well to Spanish-style or Mediterranean homes.
Since tiles are heavier than shingles, they’re often better able to resist wind uplift during major storms. On the other hand, however, they’re more brittle and can be damaged by hail or branches that get blown around during storms. Still, replacing the occasional cracked tile is a relatively low-cost repair.
Finally, perhaps the biggest hurdle to getting a tile roof replacement is the cost. Among all the types of roofs in Florida, tile is one of the most expensive. Concrete tiles are five to eight dollars per square foot, whereas clay tiles average around seven to 10 dollars per square foot.
Metal Roofing
Of the various types of roofs available in Florida, metal is usually the one that raises eyebrows. Many people still tend to think of old, heavy, rusted metal roofs on barns and imagine that’s what contractors want to put on their homes. But in the past 20 years, metal roofing has undergone a renaissance.
Now, metal roofing is synonymous with security and style. New types of metal roofing like standing seam have been specially formulated for residential structures and offer sleek, neat aesthetics that challenge what people think of when they imagine metal roofs.
In addition to the aesthetic improvements, metal roofing is also more durable than ever. In fact, its average lifespan is 40-70 years. And its better suited to coastal Florida than ever. Where metal roofs in Florida used to be in danger of rust, new metal roofing technology has made this an issue of the past. Now, metal roofs in Florida almost always have an aluminum coating. And since aluminum is highly resistant to rust, your metal roof should stay pristine even if it’s right on the beach and facing saltwater every day.
So what’s the downside? Like tile roofing, metal is a luxury roofing material. And luxury materials come at a luxury price. Metal roofing prices vary by the type of metal roofing used, but in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $25 or more per square foot of metal.
Get Expert Help Choosing the Best Type of Roof for You
Every type of roof has its pros and cons. So at the end of the day, the best roof for you will depend on what you’re looking for and your budget. But while the roofing pros at Classic can’t pick out your roofing material for you, we can help guide you to a decision that makes you happy.
To get started on finding the right type of roof for your home or business, schedule your free roofing estimate. Our friendly experts will listen to what you want for your new roof then offer suggestions that meet your needs. Then, they’ll prepare a customized estimate of the cost to replace your roof with a roofing material that fits your unique needs.
So what are you waiting for? You’ve got a solid understanding of the basics now, and our Classic crew can help lead you the rest of the way. Reach out and see why Classic has been Florida’s top roofing company for two decades and counting!
Types of Roofs FAQs
1. Q: What are the most common types of roofs?
A: In Florida, the most common types of roofs are asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tiles, and metal roofing. For flat roofs, other popular types of roofing include TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen.
2. Q: How long do asphalt shingle roofs last?
A: On average, shingle roofs last 20-25 years. That said, your shingle roof will likely need repairs before this time, especially after a major storm when shingle uplift is most likely to happen.
3. Q: Can I install a metal roof over shingles?
A: Yes, in most cases you can install metal roofing over shingles. But this will require consulting with a professional contractor who can examine your structure and see if this is a safe decision in your specific case.
4. Q: Do metal roofs make for good residential roofing systems?
A: Yes, metal roofs are great residential roofs. They’re durable, sleek, and perfectly suited to withstand Florida’s severe weather.
5. Q: How do I choose the right type of roof for my home?
A: When looking at roofs, consider cost, durability, and the style that you want for your new roof. When you work with professional roofers, you will be able to find a type of roofing that meets your needs in all three of these crucial areas.
The Best Types of Roofs for Florida – Video
