Homeowners on the coastline need to be prepared for every type of weather: torrential rain, heat, humidity, hail, hurricanes, and even snow. The best way to protect your home is a weatherproof roof. That is because the roof is the first line of defense against the elements.
If you are about to design or build a home, you may wonder what type of roofing materials you should buy. Roofs for Life, Inc. has you covered. Here is everything you need to know about popular roofing styles in southwestern Florida.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are by far the most common residential roofing material. That is because they are the cheapest. They come in three different varieties, including three-tab, architectural, and designer, costing $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot installed.
Of course, cheap products often have their drawbacks, and asphalt shingles are no exception. The roughly 20-year life span is significantly shorter than its competition as they are more prone to leaks and cracks. Asphalt also has less insulating capacity than other roofing materials.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are gaining popularity; despite the many misconceptions people have about them. For instance, it is widely assumed that metal roofs are noisier, more prone to lightning, and dent more easily than asphalt. However, none of these assumptions are true.
Metal is an all-around powerhouse in the roofing world. It lasts up to 70 years, has low maintenance, is recyclable, and provides a tremendous return on energy bills. If you are willing to pay more for high-quality roofing material, metal is the way to go.
Clay Tiles
For starters, clay is gorgeous, and most houses would look fantastic with it. We understand that people do not pick roofing materials based on aesthetics alone. How about this then? Clay tiled roofs have an average lifespan of 50 years and can last for more than 100.
While clay tiles are heavy and expensive to install, the long-term savings are worth it. Because of their high thermal mass, the tiles do a superior job of regulating a home’s heating and cooling. Plus, clay is all-natural, which makes it easily recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Synthetic Roofing
Synthetic roofing is a combination of rubber, plastic, and polymers. This mixture provides an aesthetic similar to natural textures like slate and wood. Synthetic shingles also have the benefit of being fire-resistant and easy to maintain.
The average synthetic roof is warrantied up to 50 years. Moreover, it comes with a price tag of $300 per 100 square feet installed, which makes it affordable on most budgets. The only concern for Florida residents is synthetic material’s porous complexion and vulnerability to water.
