When you purchase a Sarasota home, whether resale or new construction, you rarely have the opportunity to select a  roofing material which you prefer.

But for those who are having a custom home built or need to replace their residential roof, there are several beautiful choices from which to choose.

How do you begin to choose? Here are a few considerations which may affect your decision.

Which is the Best Material for My Residential Roof?

It is fair to say that there is no “best” material for your residential roof. There are many factors which go into choosing the best roofing material for your specific situation.

For instance, an asphalt shingle roof is not only the most affordable option for your residential roof, but it is by far the most popular option when homeowners replace their roof.

Asphalt shingles can withstand winds up to about 80 miles per hour.

Here in the Sarasota area, you may wish to choose industrial grade shingles, which are certified for approximately 110 miles per hour. This material is lightweight, comes in beautiful colors to match your home, is relatively easy to install, and is also easy to repair or replace individual damaged shingles.

This type of roof has the shortest lifespan of the most common residential roof options, at approximately 25 years.

Did You Know? Many Sarasota homeowner’s associations have rules as to what type of roof you are allowed to install. If you are unsure as to these guidelines, be sure to check before the installation of your new roof!

A clay tile roof will cost you more than an asphalt shingle roof, but will also double the expected lifespan of your new roof.

Clay tiles have a distinctly Mediterranean aesthetic, which is very popular here in South Florida. A tile roof stands up well to harsh sunlight, wind, and rain – but is fragile if you walk on it. If you love the look of tile but want an option less likely to crack, consider a cement tile or slate tile roof.

A slate tile roof is made of 100% natural stone, and as such it offers unrivaled beauty. People choose slate for its unique visual appeal and durability. Utilize slate for your residential roof, and you will never have to worry about a new roof again – in fact, a slate roof is known to last over 100 years, and often outlasts the actual home. However, slate has two major drawbacks for some homeowners.

It is exceptionally heavy and therefore usually requires reinforced framing and eaves to handle the extra load. And as you may expect, it is the priciest of the residential roof options. Still, if you are looking for a standout roof, a slate roof is hard to beat.

Metal roofing is also exceptionally durable and is nearly impervious to damage during some of our wild weather. Like slate, it will last for a century or more, but it will also cost more than either an asphalt shingle or tile roof.

What About Wood? A wood roof is fairly uncommon in this region, but for reasons of preferred style, not substance. Wood is actually a great choice for a residential roof in a waterfront community, as it does well holding up to the salt air and can withstand winds over 200 mph.

However, wood shakes are the most labor intensive to install, and offer a comparatively short lifespan, at 20 years.

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when deciding on a material for your new roof. If you have any further questions or would like some advice as to the options best for you, give Avery Roof Services a call. We are proud to install high quality residential and commercial roofs throughout Sarasota.