What is your roof made of?
Truth be told, many of us don’t give much thought to the roof over our head – unless it is leaking! But the material which you choose to construct your roof influences more than you think, from aesthetics to cooling your home and providing adequate drainage after big storms.
Here is a rundown of the most popular roofing materials used for Florida homes in the past year.
Whether you are building a new Sarasota home or are looking to replace your old and dated roof – we can help you to choose the best roof for your needs.
Popular Florida Roofing Materials
- Clay Tile: Tile just may be considered the quintessential “Florida roof”. With a Mediterranean flair and rich, earthy tones, tile is a popular choice for the Sarasota sub-tropical climate. They are beautiful, insect resistant, fire resistant, and can help to keep your home cooler. Tile roofs are also long-lasting, with a reasonable lifespan of 30 to 40 years. Just be sure to take into account the extra weight involved with tile, and remember it can be delicate to walk on – tiles crack easily and should be replaced in the event of that damage.
- Asphalt Shingle: Asphalt shingles are often considered the “cheap alternative” to clay tile, and in fact, they do offer a more cost-effective solution. However, they are highly versatile, easy to repair and replace and come in a wide variety of styles which can simulate a myriad of looks. As with all roofing materials, some products are better than others, so ask for upgraded tiles which incorporate impact-rated materials and fiberglass mats for fire protection. Properly maintained, your asphalt shingle roof can last up to 20 years.
- Slate Tile: Slate tile offers the most natural roofing materials, as they are made of 100% natural stone. This makes them exceptionally durable and virtually guarantees that barring a catastrophic event, your roof can last well over 100 years. Slate and stone are the most fireproof and environmentally friendly roofing materials, and the tiles don’t give off VOCs or other pollution. There are two detriments to slate roofs, however – the weight, and the price. This is the costliest roof to install, and you may need to reinforce the framing of your home to handle the additional weight. But the beauty of a slate roof is hard to rival!
- Metal Roofs: Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, giving them more durability than even the tile roof. Metal roofs can sustain hurricane force winds, will not corrode or crack, and don’t generally need the level of maintenance other roofing materials may require. They will not ignite in a fire and can handle even a lightning strike – although they can be quite loud in a heavy rainstorm! Perhaps most importantly, metal roofing materials can reduce your cooling costs by 10-25% as they reflect solar radiant heat. They are known to be environmentally friendly, with up to 95% recycled content, depending on the material used. Homeowners will be glad to know that these roofing materials are also 100% recyclable should the roof ever be replaced.
No matter your choice of roofing materials, it is imperative that you choose a licensed and insured Sarasota roofing contractor to install your new roof.
Be sure to ask if your contractor has experience with the type of roof which you are preparing to install, and ask advice as to any questions or concerns you may have.
By choosing the right materials for your home style, needs, and budget – along with the right Sarasota roofing company – you can rest assured that your home will be safe and dry for decades to come.
Your Local, Trusted, Sarasota Roofer
