Florida homes have a lot to deal with: heat, humidity, the occasional hail, and hurricane season. As a homeowner about to replace their old roof, you may be wondering what roof material can best withstand Florida’s weather. Our roofing experts in Hollywood, FL specialize in residential and commercial roofing services throughout South Florida, so you can say they’re experts on the subject. Here are 3 of the best roofing materials for homes and businesses in Florida.
Clay
There is a reason clay is among the most popular styles in South Florida. Not only is clay aesthetically pleasing, but it is also easy to maintain and long-lasting. It is a strong material that can withstand high temperatures and humidity, which South Florida is well known for, and it is also resistant to rot and pests. With proper maintenance, it is possible for your clay roof to last between 50-70 years. Just make sure to contact J&K Roofing about our residential roofing in Hollywood, FL for your maintenance needs.
Metal
In recent years, metal has become a popular option for homeowners, especially in warm climates. Because metal reflects sunlight, it will keep heat away from your home, making it more energy-efficient throughout the year. As a result, your AC won’t work as hard to keep your home cool, which is a significant benefit for South Florida homeowners, particularly in the summer months. It has a higher upfront cost than most materials, but many people believe it pays for itself in reduced energy bills.
Additionally, metal won’t rot and it’s more resistant to fungus, insects, and moss growth than other materials. It requires very little maintenance and you shouldn’t expect to replace it anytime soon, as it can last up to 50 years. If you don’t think the look of metal is right for you, the good news is you can find metal designs that imitate other roof types, such as wood and clay.
It’s recommended to hire a professional for maintenance and repairs of metal roofs. Even though it requires little maintenance, care is key. Contact J&K Roofing for necessary maintenance, repairs, and other residential roofing needs.
Concrete
While concrete may not be many homeowners’ first option, it comes with several advantages, such as durability and low maintenance. It is also impervious to rot, insects, mold, and mildew. Much like metal, concrete has the versatility to look like other roofing materials. As a result, if you don’t like its industrial style, you can change it up. It can withstand heat and humidity as well as clay, but concrete is surprisingly less heavy.
Other Materials
You may not see one of the most popular roof types on this list: asphalt. If you currently have an asphalt roof, you may be wondering if you should replace it with a different material. Let’s look at the downside of asphalt:
- Shorter lifespan – can only last up to 30 years with proper maintenance
- In high temperatures, its lifespan is shortened
- In hot and humid temperatures, it can fade, soften and curl quickly
- Not environmentally friendly – its materials are petroleum-based
Slate is another material that we have omitted from this list. This fine-grained rock has been used as a durable roofing material for many years and can withstand extreme weather conditions and rot. It is also surprisingly long-lasting, as it can last up to 100 years. However, slate is also more fragile, expensive, and heavier than other materials.
We also did not include wood shingles, which are considered the worst material to use in Florida. As you may have guessed, this is because wood and water do not go hand in hand. In this climate, your wooden roof will be susceptible to rot, insects, mold, mildew, and will not hold up well in heat and humidity. Finally, it is a fire hazard, and Florida is considered the lightning capital of the world. Because it is a fire hazard, wood shingles are rarely used as roofing materials in the U.S.
Contact J&K RoofingNow you know the best (and worst) roofing materials to use in South Florida. We hope this article has helped you when it’s time to decide on your new roof and hope to be your first choice when it’s time for your roof installation. With over 30 years of experience servicing South Florida residents, your home will be in good hands. Contact our roofing experts in Hollywood, FL, or call (954) 961-9879 about our roofing services.
