So you’re finally thinking about pulling the trigger on a new roof. Whether your insurance company is actually paying out a claim, you’re thinking about selling soon, or you just know it’s time to invest in the long-term safety of your home and family, a total roof replacement can be daunting—especially in Florida.
In this day and age, you face a lot of options for roofing materials to use. Prices on these materials can vary widely, as can their longevity. And there are other factors to consider, too, like energy efficiency and ability to withstand storms.
Before you even start contacting Sarasota roofing companies, consider your preferences and weigh your options. Knowing the type of roof you’re looking for can help shape your whole roof replacement journey for the better.
Why You Should Understand Roofing Materials Before Picking a Roofing Company
Here, the experts from LD Total Roofing, Bradenton, FL, provide an overview of the types of roofs available right now, and their pros and cons specific to southwest Florida. Not every roofing company specializes in every material (or every type of residential architecture, for that matter), so knowing what you want can help you find the right total roofing company—rather than picking a company and letting them push you toward their own preferences.
Florida Roofing Materials
Asphalt Shingles
These are the most common type of roofing material nationwide. And with good reason: Asphalt shingles are affordable and easy to install, but they’re also relatively effective. Just make sure you’re getting wind-rated shingles, which should last you at least 15 years—and up to 30—even through hurricane-strength winds and other rough Florida weather.
Pros: Ease of installation—you can at least count on your roof being installed relatively quickly and effectively. This is also the most cost-effective roofing material, and among the best for wind-resistance. The right quality, properly installed asphalt shingles should withstand storms and last you multiple decades.
Cons: As the most common roofing material, asphalt shingles can attract less-qualified roofers to the job. And if they’re not installed properly, then you’ll have plenty of problems here in Florida, and you’ll wind up paying way more than you thought you saved. Additionally, asphalt shingles provide relatively poor insulation and are not eco-friendly in their manufacturing process.
Metal Roofs
Make way for metal. This durable, heat-reflecting roofing material is gaining major popularity among Florida homeowners and insurance companies alike.
Pros: Metal roofs can significantly your home’s cooling costs, and they’re durable against wind as well as moisture and mildew. Metal roofs are known to last at least 40 years—and up to 70—even in coastal Florida.
Cons: Even if you save money on utility bills, you’ll pay more for the roofing material up front. You will also want to make sure you’ve found a qualified roofing company to do your metal roof installation, and it will probably take closer to a week to complete.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are especially popular for Florida’s Spanish and Med Rev architectural styles, but they’re also practical. They resist the elements better than asphalt or concrete, they provide good, old-fashioned insulation, and they look great while doing it.
Pros: Clay tile roofs can last for up to 50 years, resisting humidity as well as salt and wind while lowering your AC bill. And never discount their timeless curb appeal.
Cons: There’s no way around it: Clay tile roofs are expensive, both as a material and for installation. And while they’re resistant to wind, rain, and salt, they can crack from falling or flying debris, making for annoying repairs.
Concrete Tiles
Versatile, durable, and cheap, concrete tiles cost a little more than shingles and last, on average, a decade or two longer.
Pros: Affordable and can be made to fit the aesthetics of a variety of architectural styles.
Cons: Concrete roofs are heavy, and not every structure can support them. They’re also more susceptible to humidity and can be stained by mold and mildew—which 100% will happen in Florida.
The Roofing Replacement Bottom Line
If you’re still not sure what typing of roofing replacement would work best for your house, your family, and your finances, then turn to LDTotal Roofing, Bradenton, FL. We’re a family-run, locally owned business that has more than 20 years of experience doing complete roofing and repair for the Bradenton-Sarasota area. We’re happy to advise you of all your options and give you an honest consultation regarding your best and safest bet for your money.
Deckard & Company