If you live in sunny Florida and are ready for the next home renovation project, start selecting and analyzing different roofing materials.
Keep reading to discover the best roof material for Florida and learn more about home renovation projects.
The First Step Toward Your Getting The Best Type of Roof For Florida
How does it start? First, you need to find a quality roofing contractor to provide you with a well-detailed roofing estimate. Pick a contractor that offers free consultation and no obligatory roof inspection. Customers who look for estimates before signing the contract are at a lower risk of being unhappy with the costs and final results.
Working with the best roofing material for Florida is expensive. It is crucial to always ask for a written estimate and prevent skyrocketing additional costs out of your budget.
Never sign the contract if you aren’t fully aware of every item in the estimate. Ask as many questions as you need to understand the process, to check if your contractor suggested the best roof for Florida, what you are paying for, the labor costs, deadlines, insurance, etc.
The next step is to find out what is the best roofing material for Florida. Knowing more about materials will ensure you make an informed decision for your roof replacement or new roof installation.
Roofing Materials Suitable for Florida
How to pick the best roofing material for Florida homes? You need to consider the climate in your town, prescription levels, dedicated budget, style preferences, and durability expectations.
For example, Milton gets more rain than Pace, and Crestview, one of the highest points, gets less rain per square inch.
Florida’s climate is comfortable, with high temperatures and heavy rainfall. It features intense sunlight and extreme weather occasionally, such as hurricanes. These specific weather conditions demand durable materials and high-quality roofing repairs.
A reliable contractor will help you decide between tiles and the best shingles for Florida roofs based on climate conditions and your budget.
Here is a selection of the tiles and best shingles for Florida, including modern and traditional roofing materials.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs, particularly aluminum and steel, are popular options for Florida’s climate. They offer excellent durability, fire resistance, and resistance to high winds and heavy rainfall.
Another benefit of metal roofing is the ability to resist winds, which can be helpful in May and June when heavy storms can hit.
Metal roofing in Florida doesn’t come without downsides. Because of the many sun hours and extreme heat, metal roofs may require maintenance. When fasteners are exposed to heat, they may expand.
Therefore, you may need to inspect fasteners occasionally and replace them more often than you should have in mild climates.
Concrete Tile
The benefits of concrete tile roofs are significant for Florida homeowners. These tiles are durable, fire-resistant, and capable of staying in place during heavy storms. Concrete is known for excellent insulation, which helps keep homes at comfortable temperatures during hot days. You can choose between different styles and concrete tile hues.
One of the potential downsides of concrete tiles is that they aren’t as wind-resistant as some other roofing materials. Also, concrete tiles are susceptible to weather damage, in case of extreme rain. Tiles absorb moisture and develop algae and moss. It might not compromise the safety of your property immediately, but it can ruin the appearance.
Clay Tile
Clay tiles’ insulation levels are extraordinary, so these tiles stay cool even after long hours of sun exposure. By keeping the home cool, clay tiles reduce the need for AC units and save you money for electricity.
Other benefits of clay tile roofs include durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal. They are resistant to fire, insects, rot, and moisture, making them suitable for Florida’s climate.
Asphalt Shingles
Are you looking for the best roof shingles for Florida, and you’re focused on a cost-effective solution? Consider asphalt shingles. You can find them in a variety of styles, colors, and textures to match your desired dream home appearance.
Asphalt shingles may keep their beautiful appearance as long as some other shingles and tiles, but they will amaze you with their performance in the hot Florida climate.
Asphalt shingles need to be installed by an experienced contractor aware of their features to perform to their full potential.
TPO and PVC Membrane
TPO and PVC Membrane are gaining more popularity in Florida and considerable competitors in the game for the best flat roof material for Florida.
Thermoplastic single-ply membranes, such as TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), are lightweight, durable, and energy-efficient roofing options. Additional benefits of installing this type of roofing are UV radiation, chemicals, and puncture resistance. Therefore, many commercial buildings install this type of roof.
TPO is better for UV damage protection and colder weather, while PVC features excellent heat resistance. Next, TPO is flexible, so expect less cracking and tearing.
On the other hand, TPO and PVC roofing may not last decades as some other roofing types. Repairs may be costly and challenging, as well.
However, the most noticeable downside of the TPO and PVC roofing is the structural change over time. The panels may shrink, but with regular maintenance and proper installation by a reputable roofing company, the risks for this are lower.
Slate Roofing
Homeowners ready to invest in premium materials can pick slate roofing, and enjoy their features, such as beauty, longevity, and durability. The average lifespan of slate roofing is over a century, and you can expect your roof to withstand fire, heat, moisture, storms, insects, and everything that can harm other roofing types.
Slate roofing is the most expensive option, and it may not react well on the direct impact. Luckily, heavy objects don’t hit roofs in Niceville, Pensacola, and other Florida towns that often!
There are some beautiful style options, such as patterned or graduated-length slate roofs. Textural, and multicolored, hang-down slate roofs are also good-looking. Slate roofing significantly increases the resale value of your home, which is something to keep in mind for the future.
Best Roofing Material for Florida Homes
Here is a brief selection with all the important information about roofing materials suitable for the hot Florida climate. The prices in the table are average, and the exact prices you can expect only after getting the estimate from your contractor.
| Roofing Material | Metal roofing | Concrete tile | Clay tile | Asphalt shingles | TVO/PVC membrane | Slate roofing |
| Lifespan | 40-50 years | 70-80 years | 70-80 years | 20-30 years | 25-30 years | Over 100 years |
| Heat resistance | High | High | High | High | High | High |
| UV resistance | Resistant to UV damage with proper coating | High | High | High | Moderate | High |
| Insulation levels | Moderate | High | High | High | Moderate | High |
| Style versatility | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | High | High |
| Costs per square foot | 5$-15$ | $12-25$ | $12-25$ | $4-10$ | $4-8$ | $15-30$ |
Wrapping Up
If you have the budget to pay for exceptional lifespan and performance, slate roofing is your best option in Florida. On the other hand, you will get a modern look and great features with flat roofing made of PVC or TPO membranes.
Concrete and clay tiles have similar performance and are suitable for the hot Florida climate, and metal roofing is arguably the most budget-friendly option.
However, discuss the materials with your contractor to make sure you decide without regrets!
FAQ
- Is a metal roof worth it in Florida?
Metal roofs might not be the best roofing material for Florida homes, but it will impress you with its incredible resistance to different weather. - What type of roof is most reliable?
Slate roof has proven itself as the most reliable and durable roofing with a lifespan longer than 100 years. - What roof resists the hurricanes in Florida?
Metal roofing has superior wind resistance, a feature to look for if you want the best roof for Florida hurricanes. - Is replacing a clay tile roof in Florida expensive?
Contractors form prices differently based on labor costs, but if you need to replace the entire clay roof in Florida, expect to pay from $12 to $25 per square foot. These numbers include the construction material expenses and labor costs.
