4 Best Roofing Materials for South Florida
Blog Post
Because we have a challenging climate here in South Florida, choosing the right roofing materials for your property is essential for the longevity, energy efficiency and durability of your roof. So, which building material is best for our particular area? And what are the pros and cons of each option?
Our team at Top Construction and Roofing is here to help you find the best roofing material for your property. Here’s our guide to Florida-friendly roofing!
What our roofing is up against here in South Florida
Before we take a look at some of the best roofing materials for our area, it’s helpful to think about what challenges our roofs need to face here in South Florida.
For one thing, there’s the humidity. South Florida is known for our high levels of humidity, which can not only warp shingles and paneling but also lead to mold growth and wood rot. So, we’ll talk about materials that are most likely to maintain their structure under humid conditions.
Another challenge here in Broward County and surrounding areas is hurricane season. Our roofs must be built to withstand hurricane-force winds and heavy downpours. It’s not only important that shingles and panels stay in place even with significant wind lift, but also that water can be adequately channeled away from the walls of the home or building. Shingles must also be able to withstand being hit by flying debris or hail.
Finally, property owners in South Florida need a roofing material that can ward off pests such as termites and other insects, reptiles, birds, and small nesting mammals.
It may seem like a tall order to find a roof that can withstand all of these potential threats! But, there are plenty of modern and traditional materials that are up for the challenge.
Best roofing materials for South Florida
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
If you’re looking for an affordable option, architectural asphalt shingles are some of the most-budget friendly options on the market. They’re also popular because they offer easy and fast installation and come in a variety of different colors.
Here in South Florida, you’ll want to make sure that you opt for architectural asphalt shingles that are on the thicker end of the spectrum to give you more durability and wind-resistance. Still, asphalt shingles are among the least weather proof of the options we’ll share on this list and will therefore give your roofing a shorter lifespan. It’s also important to keep in mind that asphalt shingles can be prone to mold growth and won’t give you the best insulation for energy efficiency.
Typically asphalt shingles range from $4 to $9 per square foot here in South Florida.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are built to last here in Florida as they offer a range of benefits for our unique climate. On the one hand, they’re durable, sturdy, and reliable in all weather conditions. They’re also uninviting to pests and, when properly sealed, resistant against water damage. What’s more, they can be great for energy efficiency during the summer, as the metal panels reflect heat away from your home.
Some drawbacks to consider with metal roofing is that they can be a bit noisy during rain and hail storms. This can be countered with some extra sound-buffering insulation underneath, at extra cost to the homeowner. Depending on the quality of the panel, metal roofs can also be prone to dents and knicks from hail and falling debris, which will need to be repaired in order to keep the exterior of your property looking well maintained.
Compared to asphalt shingles, metal panels do tend to be more expensive, ranging from about $5 to $15 per square foot. Some higher quality metal roofing or roofing with sound-proof underlay can reach up to $30 per square foot.
Clay Tiles
Terracotta tiles are some of the most popular roofing materials here in Florida, which is what makes them so quintessential to the landscape here! As it turns out, clay tiles aren’t just popular because they’re trendy. They also offer many advantages for South Florida property owners.
For one thing, they offer great longevity. Well-made terracotta tiles are thick and heavy, which means that they’ll hold up well in hurricane-force winds, heavy downpours, and hail, and they’ll even protect your home from fire damage. When properly installed, terracotta tiles do a great job of warding off nesting animals by creating a tight, unmovable seal. And, unlike some materials that fade with UV exposure, terracotta tends to hold its gorgeous color for years.
While the pros for clay tiles are certainly compelling, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of. The big one is the cost. Terracotta tiles are one of the more expensive options on the market, and can range from $12 to $25 per square foot here in Florida. It’s also important to keep in mind that this is a heavier material than many other options. So, when installing a terracotta roof, your roofing company may need to reinforce the roof structure in order to accommodate the extra weight.
Natural Slate
There are many similarities between natural slate tiles and terracotta tiles. For example, both materials are considered the gold standard when it comes to weather resistance, longevity, and protection against fire, humidity, and pests.
Natural slate tiles also tend to come with similar challenges as terracotta in that they’re quite heavy and expensive. In fact, this roofing option can set you back as much as $10 to $30 per square foot. Because natural slate is often imported and hand-crafted, you might also experience some delays with manufacturing and shipping.
Roofing materials to steer clear of in South Florida
Didn’t see your favorite roofing material on the list of best options for South Florida? Unfortunately, that might be because it’s not well-suited to our climate. For instance, we typically recommend that homeowners and property owners steer clear of:
- Wood shingles. There’s no denying that wood shingles are aesthetically beautiful, but when it comes to withstanding our South Florida climate, they can struggle to maintain their shape and strength with high humidity and severe storms. Wood shingles also require special treatment and underlay to make sure that they are protected against structural fires.
- Roll roofing. Roll roofing is a type of synthetic, affordable roofing that you might find on commercial properties, stand-alone garages or other structures. But, it’s not a great long-term option because of its susceptibility to cracking, warping and leaking.
- 3-tab asphalt shingles. While architectural asphalt shingles can be a good option for Florida homeowners, we would recommend against 3-tab asphalt shingles. That’s because they’re thinner, lighter, and more vulnerable to damage from weather, humidity and UV exposure.
Still considering your best roofing options?
Top Construction and Roofing has been installing roofing for homeowners and property owners here in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas for years. So, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about which roofing materials would be appropriate for your home or commercial space. Give us a call and let’s talk about longevity, curb appeal, and budget so that you can choose the right roofing material with confidence!
