What Roofing Material is Best for my Florida Home?

If you live in Florida, you probably enjoy beautiful weather year-round. While owning a home in Florida may come with tax incentives, you still have to deal with the regular upkeep and maintenance that any other homeowner will deal with. Roofing replacements make up a large portion of the overall North American roofing market, making up over 90% of both the market's volume and value. When it's time to replace your existing roof, what type is best for your Florida home?

Asphalt

When people think of American homes, they often picture an asphalt roof. One of the great benefits of this type of roofing is how versatile it is in terms of color and style. If you're in southern Florida, you're surrounded by homes consisting of many bright colors, and you can easily match that with your asphalt roofing. Plus, you'll eventually get back a decent amount of your initial investment, since a new roof with asphalt shingles can have a rate of return of about 62%. Since the weather in Florida is quite hot, some of your asphalt tiles may begin to curl or fall off after too much exposure to UV rays. However, these tiles are easy to replace compared to other roofing. If you're concerned about the environment, rest assured that these tiles are recyclable.

Metal

Do you want a roof that can stand the test of time? If you want an everlasting roof for your Florida home, look no further than metal. According to Rare Manufacturing Inc., the typical metal roof can last at least 50 years, and in some cases 70. So, your new roofing installation can easily outlive you and remain intact if you decide to pass your Florida home on to your heirs. In other words, anyone who inherits your home will have one less repair to worry about for several decades. Another reason to use metal on your Florida home is for its reflective properties. Metal roofing can keep your Florida home nice and cool because the metal will reflect heat away from the home.

Slate

Luckily, metal isn't the only long-lasting material you can consider for your Florida home. The lifespan of a slate roof is just as enduring since it can also last up to 70 years. Another benefit of slate is how it can mimic the appearance of metal. You pay a little bit more for a slate roof but also get the benefit of having a roofing that's as fire-resistant as metal. Having a fire-resistant roof comes in handy in a state that is known for hot weather.

Tile

Tile roofing is absolutely stunning to look at. This type of roofing is prevalent in areas along the Mediterranean. Such roofing can also come in different earthy colors that can add to a beautiful aesthetic. Since tile roofs are often made from clay, they're heavily resistant to hail and high winds and also have great fire resistance. They're very resistant to hot weather and can last more than 100 years. The main con of this type of roofing is they are expensive and heavy, but the pros seem to outweigh the cost for a Florida home.

As you take care of your Florida home, don't forget about the benefits of quality roofing. In addition to nice aesthetics, you want a roof that's durable and can withstand the Florida climate. So, it's imperative to have a roofing that has great heat resistance and won't fold under intensive UV rays. Plus, you want a roofing that looks beautiful and can fit the overall aesthetics of the rest of your home, as well as fit in well with your Florida neighborhood.