Most people don’t think too much about the material on their roof. But there are a range of different materials that modern builders can use to protect and style your home. Specifically in Florida, there are 3 main types of roofing materials that homeowners choose to put on their roofs. These materials are tile, metal, and asphalt shingles. There are a range of differing subsets of each of these materials, but these are the most popular options for residential roofing.
Tile Roofs
Clay tiled roofs are a staple of Florida and tropical regions around the world. The most common being the orange curved tiles that can be found across the state on commercial and residential structures. Tiled roofs give off that classic look many homeowners are looking for. This look does come at a cost however. Tile roofs can cost anywhere from 3 to 5 times the amount of a shingled roof. Tile roofs can last a long time if maintained properly, but are fragile and can break very easily. However, when it comes to tile roofs, the actual clay tile isn’t normally the problem, the underlayment has a lifespan that can compromise a tile roof in less than 20 years. Compared to a modern shingle roof that can last upwards of 35 years. Tile roofs can be great for aesthetics, but the price and risk involved is exponentially higher than shingle roofing.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are coming into fashion for many modern homes and for good reason. Certain metal roofs can easily last you above 50 years, but not all metal roofing systems. There are two main metal roofing systems in use for residential roofs: Exposed Fasteners and Fitted Sheets.
Exposed fasteners are the most common and frequent metal roofing systems, which have fasteners exposed in rows on the outside of the metal roof. These are easily identifiable because you can usually see the fasteners on top of the roof, even from the ground. We caution homeowners when buying exposed fastener metal roofs that this specific metal roofing system can become a pain to maintain and a liability to the safety of your home. These roofs easily cost 2-3 times the amount of shingle roofs, but promise a lifespan exceeding shingled roofs. This comes with a warning, however, with the fasteners being exposed, this exposes them to the UV rays from the hot Florida sun. The UV rays can break down the rubber washers protecting the exposed fasteners to allow leaks in through those holes. This means that homeowners must replace all of those rubber washers every 10-15 years to ensure the safety of their home. Increasing the investment in your roof even further, especially as time goes on.
Fitted Metal roofing systems do not have any exposed fasteners and are a very good roofing system for protecting your home long term. These roofs, however, are extremely expensive and are rarely an option residential homeowners consider. It would be a good option if the homeowners are planning on living there for over 50 years, but having your shingle roof replaced 2 or even 3 times over that span is still cheaper.
Shingled Roofs
Asphalt shingle roofs have come a long way in the last few decades. Being the cheapest of the three mentioned may lead you to believe that shingled roofs don’t last as long or are lower in quality. That is definitely not the case. Today shingle roofs can last between 15-35 years.. if you choose a quality manufacturer. The shingle manufacturers worth putting on your roof are GAF, Owens Corning, and Certainteed. Because of this quality, shingled roofs are the most common type of roofing material used in residential roofing.
Whichever home roofing style you chose, make sure that you hire a trustworthy professional. Regal Roofing is dedicated to providing expert roofing installation and the best warranties in the industry. Our team of professional roofers in Florida has installed over 1,300 roofs and is an A+ BBB Accredited Business. So if you are looking for professional help for your home roofing, Regal Roofing is here for you.
