The Best Roof Types for Florida Homeowners

When it’s time to get a new roof, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the various roof types. And deciding on a roofing material can be especially challenging in Florida, where you know your roof will have to stand up against high winds, heavy rains, and year-round intense UV exposure.

Luckily, we’re your local roofing experts on all of the different types of roofing materials. John Hogan Roofing has been helping Floridians with their roofing for more than 30 years. Today, we’re continuing that legacy by explaining the different roof types and how well each of them stands up to Florida’s unique climate.

Roof Types That Work Best in Florida

For Florida homes, there are three main types of roofing materials that people use: shingles, tiles, and metal. Each has its own pros and cons, so let’s look at these roofing materials and see which one could best suit your needs.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Shingles are easily the most popular roof type in Florida. And there are a lot of reasons for this: For one thing, their low price is certainly a factor. Architectural shingles are the most affordable residential roofing material, usually coming in around four to five dollars per square foot.

But although they’re affordable, shingles aren’t flimsy or weak. In fact, shingles are generally rated for winds of up to 110 mph. And thanks to their durable asphalt composition and mineral coating, shingles are resistant to fire, water, and impact damage.

So why are shingles so much less expensive than other roof types? In a word: longevity. On average, architectural shingles last for 20-25 years. While this is a reasonable lifespan given the low cost of shingle roofing, shingles will still need replacing much sooner than tiles or metal. Still, for most homeowners in Florida, shingles are a great, budget-friendly option.

Roofing Tiles

Tile roofs are a staple roofing material in Florida. You’ve certainly seen plenty of local homes with this type of roof—especially Spanish- and Mediterranean-style homes. But how do tiles compare to other roof types?

Tiles come in two materials, clay or concrete. And in either case, you’re getting a great product. Concrete tiles last for around 50 years, while a clay tile roofing system could last for a century or more with proper maintenance. Tile roofs are durable as well—they usually have a Class A fire rating and are approved for winds up to 125 mph. And since tiles create a barrier that guides water away from your roof, you don’t have to worry about leaks.

So what’s the downside? Well, tile roofs are a luxury roofing material, which means they come with a daunting price tag. Concrete tiles can cost up to eight dollars per square foot, whereas clay tiles usually cost around $10. Tile roofs are also harderto install, so they come with higher roof installation costs than roof types like shingles.

Metal Roofing

In hurricane-prone Florida, metal roofing can be a lifesaver. Metal roofing is unmatched in its durability, and while its aesthetics have been an issue in years past, new types of metal roofing like standing seam offer great aesthetics for Florida homes.

Let’s talk numbers: metal roofs can generally withstand winds of up to 140 mph, and they don’t run the risk of being soaked through with water like shingles do. Metal roofs are also inhospitable places for both pests and mold, two common roofing issues for Florida homeowners. Given this robust protection, it’s no surprise that metal roofs last for up to 70 years when properly installed.

Of course, like with tile roofs, this roof type is expensive. The exact figures for how much your metal roof costs will vary a lot depending on the type of metal you use and whether you have hidden or exposed fasteners. But the average price of metal roofing in Florida falls somewhere near $15 per square foot.

Flat Roof Types in Florida

All of the above roof types are sloped roofing materials. But plenty of residential and commercial roofs in Florida have low-slope roofs, which require different kinds of protection. Let’s look at some of the most popular flat roofing materials in Florida and how they hold up against our local weather patterns:

• Modified Bitumen: Made of asphalt supported by rubber or plastic, mod bit is an affordable flat roofing material. It lasts for up to 20 years, and of all the flat roof types on this list, it’s the best at standing up against storm debris and hail. That said, modified bitumen is also the most vulnerable to being damaged by trapped water. For this reason, it’s essential to make sure your flat roof is properly installed so that water runs off of it and doesn’t start to pool.
• TPO: Thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO, is a membrane roofing system, meaning that it is rolled across your roof and then applied as a single layer of protection. While this does make it more vulnerable to puncture damage from storm debris, it also makes it more resistant to water damage. As a result, TPO lasts for 20 to 30 years.
• EPDM: Ethylene propylene diene monomer, EPDM, is also a membrane roofing system. But unlike TPO, this rubber roofing system can last for 40 years or more. However, EPDM is black, whereas TPO is typically white. This means that over time, your EPDM roof could attract more heat to your roof and raise your energy bills.

Get the Perfect Roof Type for You

For both the sloped and flat roof types above, there is no “best” roofing material. Instead, there are pros and cons to each. Our job is to give you the information to help you pick the best roof type for your home.

Whether you want to discuss your options further or you feel ready to start the roof replacement process, John Hogan Roofing is here. When you schedule your free roof installation estimate, we’ll listen to what you want and answer any questions you have about the different types of roofing materials. Using that information, we’ll then prepare you a personalized estimate that’s tailored to your needs and your roof.

Let the professionals at John Hogan Roofing help you get the perfect roof for your home or business. Reach out today and see why we’ve been Florida’s favorite roofers for over 30 years!