The best roof material for Florida depends on many factors: location, climate, and budget.
There are several types of roofs that can withstand the heat and rain in Florida – but each has its own set of pros and cons.
Read this blog post to learn more about five different roofing options for your home!
With extreme weather conditions, it makes it difficult for homeowners to find an ideal and best roof material for Florida, because – if you’ve ever walked outside at noon on a warm sunny day – you know, it feels like the sun is frying your brain.
The heat and humidity in Florida make it virtually impossible for some type of materials to last long.
What Should Be the Best Roof Material for Florida
It’s no secret that the weather affects your roofing choice.
While some might be tempted to skimp on their maintenance, this is a costly mistake that will only lead to more problems down the line.
You may think you’re saving money now, but it could end up costing you hundreds of dollars in repairs later.
The first thing to consider is durability; some types of shingles are better suited for warmer climates than others so be sure to do research before buying any materials!
For example, slate roofs are beautiful but can be more expensive and difficult to maintain than asphalt.
Another factor to consider is the life expectancy of the material.
Some materials such as tile or slate last longer than shingles, which must be replaced periodically due to weather damage.
If you’re on a budget, it might not make sense to install an expensive roof that will outlive its usefulness in just a few years.
At the end of the day, it is all about finding what works best for your unique situation.
While one person might have to save up their money before being able to afford a tile roof, another homeowner might be able to install slate right away.
The Most Common Florida Roofing Materials for High Heat & Humidity
There are actually many different types of roofs – but we’re going to focus on the top four most popular materials in Florida including tile, asphalt, metal, and slate.
But before you make a final purchase for your new roofing material, make sure to do your research about each type!
Let’s take a closer look at each roofing option.
In the summer, high heat and humidity can cause a roof to deteriorate faster than in other seasons.
This is because of the increased temperature change which causes more water evaporation.
In order to keep your roof healthy withstanding these conditions, you will want to use a material that has thermal resistance properties such as asphalt shingles or metal roofs.
Tile Roofs
Tile roofs are extremely popular in Florida because tiles do not absorb moisture, unlike other roofing materials that will warp or rot if they are exposed to moisture.
Tile roofs are considered the best roof material for high heat and humidity because tiles have a high insulation factor – which means less heat is transferred through the roof to your home, so it stays cooler.
Tiles also do not break for a long time, unlike other materials that can decay or crack with exposure to natural elements.
Because tiles are thicker than other roofing materials, they can withstand hurricane-force winds that would break the windows of a home with a standard shingle roof.
Tiles have been known to last 50+ years in Florida’s high heat and humidity, but it is important to note that if the homeowner fails to regularly clean and maintain their roof, tiles can crack or break.
If that happens – the entire roof will need to be replaced, which is expensive.
Tiles are highly customizable, which means you can change the color of your roof quickly and inexpensively.
However, tiles are fragile – so it is important to have a professional roofer install them correctly for maximum protection from the elements.
A concrete tile roof is similar to a standard clay tile roof but is cost-efficient but it requires a skilled craftsman to install.
Concrete tiles are stronger and thicker than clay tiles, which means they can withstand high winds better.
Because concrete tile roofing does not absorb moisture, it too will stay cool in the hot Florida sun.
If properly installed, concrete tile roofs can last 50+ years.
However – as with standard clay tiles – the homeowner must make sure to keep their roof cleaned and maintained.
Asphalt Shingles
If you want a cost-efficient option that is both durable and aesthetically-pleasing, then consider asphalt shingles.
They are made from a combination of natural resources such as oil, limestone, and shredded tires – which makes them environmentally friendly.
Asphalt tiles come in many colors and patterns, which make them versatile.
Asphalt tiles are made to resemble clay or slate tile roofs – many homeowners will not be able to tell the difference if their home has an asphalt roof!
These tiles are durable but they should only last 20-30 years in Florida because of exposure to high humidity levels.
The homeowner must keep up with the cleaning and maintenance to ensure they last that long.
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing tiles in Florida because they come in so many different colors and patterns.
They are inexpensive, easy to install, and not too heavy – which means they can be installed by homeowners themselves or with the help of a friend or family member.
Asphalt tiles absorb no moisture so they will keep your home cool during the summer.
However, these roofs are extremely susceptible to fire damage, which is why some people believe that asphalt tiles should not be used on homes that are located in areas known for brush fires or ember showers.
Asphalt tiles have a lifespan of around 20-30 years – but it depends on your geographical location, your home’s exposure to the elements, and how well you maintain your roof.
If you want a cost-efficient option that will keep your home cool during the summer without breaking the bank – asphalt tiles are an ideal choice.
Metal Roofing
The last type of roofing material is metal roofing. Metal roofs come in many different styles and colors – but the most commonly used are corrugated metal.
These roofs are made from steel or aluminum, which are then coated with various substances to give them color and durability.
They are popular because they can resist fire damage.
These roofs require regular painting to ensure that they remain rust-free at all times.
Metal roofing is another cost-efficient option because it can last up to 50 years – but it all depends on how you maintain them.
If your metal roof is regularly painted and you keep up with the cleaning, then they can potentially last even longer than that!
For homeowners who are on a tight budget, metal roofing is an ideal option because it comes in many styles and colors.
Metal roofing does not absorb moisture, so it will keep the interior of your home cool during the hot Florida summers.
These roofs can last up to 50 years, but exposure to extreme weather conditions can shorten that lifespan.
These tiles are thin, which means you need a skilled roofer to install them correctly for maximum protection against the elements.
Metal roofing is known for being extremely durable, but it can rust – so regular painting is required if you want your metal roof to last longer than 20-30 years in Florida’s high heat and humidity.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is beautiful, long-lasting, and sustainable.
It comes in many different colors and patterns – but the best thing about it is that it will last 100+ years!
Slate tiles are made up of extremely thin pieces of stone or minerals like quartz or mica – which makes them heavy.
This means they need to be installed by a skilled roofer that knows how to properly support the weight of these tiles.
These tiles absorb moisture and expand during the summer, which can cause them to slip out of place.
Slate tiles are ideal for Florida homeowners who want to make an environmentally conscious choice because they do not contain toxic substances like other types of tile materials do.
If you want a beautiful and sustainable roof that will last 100+ years, then slate tiles may be the right choice for your Florida home.
However, they are heavy and will cost more to maintain than other types of roofs.
They can also slip out of place due to the absorption of moisture and expansion during the summer months.
If you want a beautiful roof that will last, then slate tiles are the right choice for you – but keep in mind that they require professional installation to ensure your home’s safety.
Regardless of what type of roofing material you choose, it’s important to remember that Florida homes are susceptible to high humidity levels, lightning strikes, and brush fires.
Make sure to hire a roofer that you can trust so your roof receives the protection it deserves!
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