Shingle, Tile, Or Metal: What’s Best For Your South Florida Home?

The roof is the most important part of your home’s structure: it’s the best defense against Florida’s harsh rain, wind, and humidity. Many people might think that roof shingles are purely decorative, but that’s only part of their function. The strategic layering is actually necessary for keeping water out of your home, preventing mold growth and damage. That’s one big reason why it’s essential to have them layered correctly by a professional roofing company, such as ABC Roofing.

If you’re in the market for a new roof, or roof repair, maybe you’re considering changing things up with new shingles. Depending on your style and budget, you can choose from a variety of different styles and colors. But how can you make the best choice for your home? Our contractors will show you the most popular roofing styles, and the benefits of each.

Whether you choose a shingle roof, metal roof, or tile roof, you can’t make a wrong choice.

The Most Popular Roofing Styles In South Florida

Roofing materials should be attractive and functional. Florida goes through a lot with its climate: from high humidity to intense UV exposure, hurricanes, and salt air for coastal homes, durability is an absolute must when it comes to roofing materials and style.

Here are some of the most popular options that work well with South Florida homes:

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

These shingles aren’t just popular in Florida, but in most of North America as well. Given the vast differences in climate in this vast region, it’s clear that asphalt shingle roofs are a very durable and flexible material. Homeowners and business owners alike choose asphalt shingles because they are affordable, simple to install, and come in many colors to appeal to any personal style.

Though very affordable to install, asphalt shingle roofs require regular maintenance to ensure they are in working order. However, regular roof inspections are recommended for all South Florida homeowners due to the high rate of damage sustained in hurricanes.

Asphalt shingles come in the following forms:

• 3-Tab Shingles. As the name implies, these shingles have three tabs on each strip for easy installation.
• Architectural Shingles. The multi-layered pattern provides a three-dimensional, textured look. These shingles are heavier than 3-tab shingles, but longer lasting.
• Luxury Shingles. These shingles are the largest, and known for architectural appeal over any other asphalt shingle type.

Though still a popular choice, shingle roofs have a shorter lifespan compared to other roofing materials. Of the available options, they are the most susceptible to wind and hail damage, as well as extreme hot temperatures. Many homeowners are at times, turned off to shingles due to the amount of landfill waste they contribute when they need to be replaced.

All About Tile Roofs

Tile roofs are most commonly available in slate or concrete, and tend to be quite heavy. That means they need additional reinforcement in order for the roof to handle it. Therefore, tile roofs can be more expensive, but the variety of style options makes it very appealing for many homeowners.

Tile roofs are popular because:

• Tile roofs are made to last. This type of roof has the longest lifespan of all other materials out there, making it the most durable and cost-effective choice for many.
• Tile roofs are fire-resistant. Materials like clay and concrete are naturally fire-resistant, helping protect your home if a fire should ever occur. Their heaviness is also built to withstand harsh winds, a common occurrence during hurricane season. They are also more resistant to rot than other shingle materials.
• Minimal maintenance required. While regular roof inspections are highly recommended in storm-prone Florida, tile’s natural properties mean they have to be replaced far less often than other types of shingles, including paint and sealing repair.
• Tile roofs are more sustainable. Many homeowners are interested in environmentally sustainable options for saving energy and money. The good news about tile roofs is that they can be recycled, and their thermal properties have natural insulation that helps cut down on air conditioning use.

While strong and beautiful, some homeowners balk at the high installation costs and the need for structural reinforcement due to their weight. Expertise regarding installation and maintenance over time is a must, though many homeowners find this worth it for the beautiful curbside appeal.

Understanding Different Types Of Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are another popular choice due to the ease of installation, long lifespan, and recyclable materials. Highly durable and resistant to damage, metal is a great choice for an area that’s regularly battered by storms. Because rain is so common in Florida, it’s also good to know that metal is naturally rust and corrosion-resistant.

Metal roofs are available in the following materials:

• Aluminum: Incredibly malleable but with plenty of structural integrity, this material makes for great architectural design.
• Copper: A more expensive option, copper is lightweight and malleable, with high thermal and good electrical conductivity rating.
• Steel: Steel is a popular roofing material due to its durability and resistance to weather damage. It requires little maintenance and lasts for several years.

While metal is a long-lasting and strong material, some homeowners don’t choose it because of the expensive upfront cost. But as far as protecting your home from storm damage and requiring minimal maintenance, metal remains a popular choice.

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