A Guide to Choosing the Best Roof Material for Florida

Choosing the best roof material for a Florida home or business is a big decision to make. You’ll have to live with your choice for decades, and it’s no cheap investment. Nevertheless, installing a new roof can be a precious upgrade for your existing building.

If you want to make sure that the decision you make is the right one, read on. You’ll learn about your options, how Florida weather can impact your decision, and other factors worth mulling over.

How Florida Weather Impacts Roofs

They don’t call it “The Sunshine State” for nothing.

Florida is known for its beautiful weather. It’s one of the main reasons people flock there for vacations and retirement, but what slips most minds when they settle down permanently is how the sunny weather could impact their roof. Don’t worry, it’s nothing worth packing your bags over, but the more you know, the easier it will be to choose the best roof material for Florida.

Heat: With summer months ranging from the low 80s to 100° Fahrenheit, it’s fair to say that Florida can get toasty. Extended periods of high temperatures can cause certain roofing materials to expand. This can lead to cracks that water can seep through. Aside from the heat, constant UV rays can also wear down a material’s structural quality.
Rain: Despite the state’s nickname, Florida is prone to regular rainfall. Usually, this wouldn’t be an issue, but combined with the state’s high heat and humidity, you run into an increased risk of leaks and mold.
Humidity: The humid climate in Florida makes it highly susceptible to moisture, regardless of if it rains or not. This moisture works its way into your roofing material, posing the threat of mildew and mold.
Storms: As many know, tropical storms are frequent in Florida. Hurricanes and other severe weather bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and flooding that can cause significant damage to residential and commercial roofs.

Sunny Florida weather is undoubtedly beautiful, but roof damage from hurricanes is a very real possibility. Learn more about hurricane roof damage and what you can do about it here:

Hurricane Roof Damage

Additional Factors to Consider

Aside from the climate, there are additional factors to consider when selecting the best roof material for a Florida home or business.

Cost: The cost of roofing a home or building will fluctuate based on the types of roofing material, ranging from somewhat affordable to expensive. Choosing the best roof material for Florida might depend on the size of your roof and how much you can spend. For example, shingle roofs are known for being quite affordable, while the cost of metal roofing is considerably higher. The height, steepness, layout, and labor costs will also impact the total price.
Appearance: While it might not affect the functionality of your roof, appearance can be an important deciding factor for many people. Color, material, slant, and texture all play a role in the design of a roof and making sure its appearance corresponds with the style of the home or building it covers for the best results. For the price, a roof might as well look as good as it functions.
Longevity: If you intend to continue using a building or home for many years, spending more money on a longer-lasting roof is often best. You may be discouraged by higher prices for durable materials, but when you factor in their longevity, it might be better than

Common Types of Roofing Material

There are many types of roofing materials to consider. The best roof material for Florida will depend on various factors, and no single option reigns over the others. Considering the cost, appearance, longevity, and style of a roof—as well as factoring in the climate and whether you are working with a commercial or residential roof—will help you make the best decision for your specific needs.

Some of the most common types of roofing material include:

Concrete Tiles: Thick concrete tiles will keep your home cooler than other roofing materials, but their weight might require reinforcing to support them.
Asphalt Shingles: While not the most durable material, shingles are lightweight and easy to replace. They are a decent option if you don’t intend to stay in a home for long or are working with a budget.
Metal: Metal roofing, while expensive, provides excellent protection from storms and hail. The highly durable material can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years with proper maintenance, essentially double the lifespan of a shingle roof.
Clay Barrel Tiles: Clay barrel tiles are highly durable against humidity, heat, and UV rays. While strong, they are also brittle, making repair difficult if needed.
Composite Tiles: Lightweight, weather-resistant, UV resistant, and unaffected by heat, composite tiles are one of the best roof materials for Florida. They can also withstand strong winds from potential storms and require little maintenance.
EPDM: As a durable synthetic rubber membrane, EPDM is one of the best flat roof materials and can be used for residential buildings, too. It is highly resistant to hail, wind, and UV rays.
Modified Bitumen: Made of a base and cap sheet system, Modified Bitumen roofing membranes are ideal for low-sloped commercial and residential roofs. They provide long-term protection, and their self-adhering qualities help prevent unwanted leaks.
Silicone Roof Coatings: Silicone roof coatings act as an extra protective barrier for your existing roof, sealing it from moisture. It can be applied to various roofing materials, including metal, EPDM, TPO, and modified bitumen, making it an excellent choice for nearly all commercial roofs.
TPO: TPO roofing material is a single-ply membrane system perfect for commercial roofing. Cost-effective and long-lasting, TPO prevents water leaks, resists mold, and reflects the sun’s heat.

Image of TPO being installed on a flat commercial roof.

Can’t Pick a Material? Let Floridian Roofing & Solar Help

With so many great options, choosing the best roof material for a Florida home or business can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. If you want the opinion of a trusted professional, all you have to do is ask a fully licensed and insured Florida roofing provider like Floridian Roofing & Solar.

As Florida natives, our team has over 20 years of experience providing residents and business owners of the Sunshine State with safe, aesthetically pleasing homes. We can assist you with any and all roofing needs in the areas of Jacksonville, St. John’s, Duval County, Nassau, and the Palm Coast. Whether you need more information about roofing materials, are looking for a team to install your new roof, or simply want our opinion about aesthetics, we’d be glad to talk.

A Guide to Choosing the Best Roof Material for Florida

How Florida Weather Impacts Roofs

Additional Factors to Consider

Common Types of Roofing Material

Can’t Pick a Material? Let Floridian Roofing & Solar Help

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