What Is The Best Roof Material For Florida?

The average annual amount of rain in the US is 38 inches. In Florida, the average rainfall is 51 inches. The Florida climate can cause damage to many structural components, including the roof. The roofing system’s life expectancy will be affected by the amount of heat, humidity, sun, and rain that a location experiences. When choosing the right roof material for Florida weather, it is important to consider the type and design of the roof. Here we will discuss the best roof material for Florida homes.

Weather and Climate in Tampa Bay, Florida Area

Roofing.co has years of combined roofing experience maintaining and installing Tampa-area roofing systems. We know a lot about the impact of weather on residential roofing systems. We also know the best roof material for Florida homes.

What Is Unique About Tampa’s Weather And How Does It Affect Roofs?

One reason is that Tampa Bay has a tropical, humid climate. The Tampa area is home to a tropical monsoon climate. It’s unlike any other part of the US. Tampa has two seasons: Hot and humid, and mildly dry. We will see most of the rain between June and September.

Your Florida home must be able to withstand the extreme weather changes, from hot, humid, and rainy to dry, mild weather. Clay tiles, metal, concrete, and slate are all good options for Florida weather. Below, we’ll discuss why these materials are the best for Florida homes.

Clay Tile

A home or business owner will often consider aesthetics when choosing a roofing material. Clay tile is a good choice for Florida because it blends well with the architecture and aesthetics of the homes. Clay tile can also be used in extreme Florida weather conditions.

Clay tiles are resistant to high heat, humidity, and sun. If they are properly maintained, clay tiles will last for a very long time. A clay tile roof can last between 50 and 70 years. What are the other benefits of a clay tile roof?

• A clay tile roof home will sell for more than one with asphalt shingles.
• Homes with clay tile roofing tend to sell faster in Florida than those with other roofing materials.
• If properly installed and maintained, a clay tile roof can last many decades.
• Clay tile roofs look great.
• Clay tile roofs can be used in Florida and absorb heat well, keeping the interior of buildings cooler.

A clay tile roof might not be the right choice for your particular building or situation. Clay tile has its downsides, just like any other material. Here are some cons to clay tile roofs.

• Clay tile can be damaged by acid from bird droppings. A professional will need to pressure wash the roof.
• It is a heavy material and may not be possible for it to be installed in a building.
• The underlayment can be damaged by even minor cracks caused by storm damage or debris.
• Clay tiles are a favorite spot for plants to grow roots. Dirt can build up on clay tile roofs and cause plant growth.

Clay tile or slate? It all depends on several factors. You can have a professional roofer help you determine if clay tiles would be a good choice for your commercial or residential building.

Metal Roofs

Metal is an excellent choice for your Florida roof. Metal is suitable for both hot and cold climates. Metal can reflect the sun well and keep the interior of your building cool for longer. A metal roof can reduce your electricity bill in summer. Metal roofs can last up to 50 years and are more resistant than other roofing materials to moss and fungus. It can be expensive to install metal roofs so it is worth looking into financing.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are a more recent roofing material on the Florida market. Concrete tiles can mimic the appearance of traditional slate or cedar shake tiles. They can look similar to these materials but they have some disadvantages, such as susceptibility to rot and heavy-weight.

Concrete can also look like clay tile but it is lighter. Many Florida buildings are unable to withstand the heavy weight of slate or clay. Concrete tiles may be the best option if you love the look of these materials. Concrete tiles are resistant to moss and rot as well as pests. However, they have their downsides.

• Concrete is a more expensive option.
• Material can take on a different color.
• Concrete tiles are more likely to curl and fall than metal roofing.

Slate Roofs

Slate is long-lasting, durable roofing material. There are many varieties of slate that have been used in roof construction for centuries. Many countries have rich traditions of slate roofing, including Australia and Wales. Many homes in the US still have their original slate tiles, especially in the older areas.

• Slate is durable.
• Slate is an excellent material for roofing.
• Slate is resistant to insects and rain.
• Slate tiles are resistant to extreme weather conditions, such as those found in the Tampa Bay region.

Slate tiles are not the most common material, however. It can be expensive and difficult to find materials. It can also be difficult to find an experienced contractor in slate roofing. Slate is one of the heaviest roofing materials.

How About Asphalt Shingles for Florida Roofs?

The most popular roofing material in America is the asphalt shingle. This material is affordable and easy to find a contractor who can work with it.

Asphalt shingle is a good option for homeowners in dire need of a roof replacement who cannot afford to use a stronger, more sustainable material. If you are looking for a new roof, we offer affordable financing for better-quality materials.

Wood Shingles

Although wood shingles look great, they are not the best material for Florida roofs. Wood is susceptible to insect and rot damage, as well as being highly porous. Cedar shakes, and shingles are not able to withstand high heat, humidity, and sunlight. These weather conditions are common in Florida.

Florida is also known as the lightning capital of America. A cedar shake roof can be a fire hazard in storms when lightning strikes. Wood shingles are not used in the United States anymore for fire safety reasons.

Florida Roofing Materials: The Bottom Line

Finding the best roof material for Florida homes that can withstand Florida’s extreme weather conditions and fits within your budget can seem overwhelming for Florida residents. It is important to decide what type of roof you want. If you intend to live in your home for many decades, a more expensive, long-lasting roofing material may be the best option. Call Roofing.co to discuss your roofing needs.