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Residential Roofing Pensacola - Better Roofs, Better Homes
Florida has a hot and long summer, and the winter season is short and windy. Tropical storms and hurricanes are also common in Pensacola, Florida. Your roof is your first line of defense against harsh weather conditions.
You need a professional roofing contractor to ensure that your home is well-maintained and protected from inclement weather and unforeseen events for years to come.
What Type Of Roofing Material Should I Use?
We can use different types of roofs in Florida homes. As professional roofers, we will help you decide on the best roofing materials you can install on your roof.
The common types are clay tiles, concrete roof tile, asphalt shingles, slate roofing, wood shakes, and metal roofing. It is essential to make sure that your home will withstand fierce tropical storms and high winds.
To give you a better idea of what type of roofing material you should choose, we’ll discuss each type of roofing material.
Clay Tiles
The design and aesthetic of clay tiles are perfect for homes with steep slopes. Clay tile is a traditional type of roofing that is also called “Spanish tile” that has been used for centuries. Clay tiles are durable and typically last for 50 years to 100 years.
Clay tile is a popular choice among homeowners due to its natural earth color and is heat and fire-resistant. The shape and arrangement of the tiles on your roof also makes your whole house very attractive.
One of the best advantages of clay material is that it does not rot and is insect-resistant. Clay tiles also help regulate your home’s temperature, and it also provides excellent air circulation within your home.
Unlike other roofing materials, clay tiles do not expand. It maintains its shape and color when exposed to extreme weather conditions. For instance, clay tile is unaffected by the sun’s intense heat and harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Clay is also resistant to salt and frost. The overall appearance of the clay tile can complement a variety of sidings of modern home designs. However, clay is one of the heaviest and most expensive types of roofing material.
Clay tiles are difficult to install and require a professional roofing contractor to install them. Also, clay tiles are susceptible to damage on massive impact, and it is not suitable for all types of roof slopes.
Overall, this is an excellent type of roofing material, merely considering clay’s longevity, and it does not require regular maintenance.
Concrete Roof Tile
Concrete roof tiles can be used as a replacement for expensive traditional roofing materials such as clay. Concrete roof tiles are also durable, just like clay tiles, and if it is made from high-quality materials, it could last for 100 years.
Concrete is a tough and durable material that is very easy to maintain; all you have to do is clean them regularly. Similar to clay tiles, concrete is also fire-resistant. You can choose different sizes and shapes that will complement the aesthetics of your home.
There are certain drawbacks to concrete, and just like clay, they are heavy and are not easy to install. Your home’s roof reinforcements should be sturdy to handle the weight of concrete.
Another downside of concrete is that it is not fully weather-resistant. It can crack and can become stained. Moss can grow on concrete and may result in costly damage.
Asphalt Shingles
One of the most popular choices for homeowners is asphalt shingles. It is versatile and can be used in most types of roofs. It can seamlessly cover a large or complicated roof. You can choose between a wide variety of designs, colors, and styles. It can adapt to the traditional style of slate or cedar shakes.
Asphalt shingles are easy to install, and they are light, so you do not have to worry about your roof’s reinforcement falling apart. There are different types of asphalt shingles, namely dimensional asphalt shingle, 3-tab asphalt shingle, and luxury asphalt shingle.
This shingle’s dimensional feature is achieved through an additional layer of asphalt laminated on the lower part of the shingle. Dimensional asphalt shingles are thick, and they weigh heavier. On the other hand, 3-tab shingles only have one shape, size, and layer.
They are thinner and lighter as compared to dimensional asphalt shingles. They are affordable and still used by many homeowners. Luxury shingles feature a dimensional look, and they are made with extra layers. However, they are heavier in terms of weight.
This is also an excellent choice for areas with severe storms and high winds. In terms of price, asphalt shingles are very affordable as compared to clay tile and concrete tile. They are also straightforward to install, so you do not have to spend much on labor costs.
When it comes to asphalt shingles’ lifespan, it may reach a maximum of 20 years if it is made from high-quality materials. Extreme weather conditions and algae growth can also affect the lifespan of asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles are still the right choice of roofing materials since they are fire-resistant and weather-resistant. They can also help reduce outside noise. However, there are certain drawbacks to asphalt shingle roofing.
Buckling and swelling are some of the most common challenges that you may face with asphalt material. It also requires that your attic has proper ventilation; this prevents moisture from being trapped on your roof. Asphalt is a durable material, but extreme or severe weather conditions can cause asphalt shingles to dislodge.
Slate Roofing
Slate is a sedimentary rock that is composed of clay or volcanic ash. This means that this type of material has been around for centuries. Slate roofing can last for a lifetime, and it does not require regular maintenance. Slate roofing offers different patterns, colors, and styles.
Slate is an elegant roofing material that will enhance your home’s aesthetic that will last for years. When compared to other roofing materials, slate is resistant to molds because of its low water absorption. Also, slate is resistant to freezing and frost damage.
However, slate is also one of the most expensive types of roofing material. Still, given the benefits, it will protect your home from harsh weather. They are also extremely heavy, and your roof’s reinforcements need to be restructured to make sure they will be able to hold the weight of slate roofing.
Wood Shake Roofing
Wood shake roofing is an excellent choice, mostly if you prefer a natural, handmade look. Wood shakes roofs made from high-grade wood material will last for 20 years. This type of roofing material is also resistant to extreme weather conditions.
Unlike clay tile or concrete tile, it is resistant to impact. Since wood shake is made from natural materials, they are recyclable and environment-friendly. Wood shake roofing will look better as they age. Cedar is one of the most common materials used in wood shake roofing.
It offers superior insulation similar to clay tile, and it is energy-efficient. It will keep your home warm during the winter and cool during summer or hot weather.
Cedar is pest-resistant and has natural preservatives that prevent the absorption of moisture. It also maintains its original form, and it does not shrink even in humid conditions. Wood shake is one of the most attractive roofing materials you can use to improve your home’s aesthetic.
The main disadvantages of wood shakes are that they are expensive. Since they are more challenging to install, it may require additional labor costs.
Also, wood shake roofing would require regular maintenance to prevent mold, moss, and mildew growth. On the other hand, treatment preservatives are often added to preserve the wood.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs can last for 50 years or more, and it will depend on the type of material. In terms of durability, metal roofing can withstand strong winds, which is common in Florida. Unlike concrete tile or clay tile, it does not crack, and it is fully resistant to impact.
They are fully recyclable that make it an environment-friendly option. Metal roofs are also energy-efficient and can deflect the sun’s heat, reducing cooling costs. It also requires little to no maintenance as long as it is regularly inspected to ensure that no repairs are needed.
Besides, metal roofing is fire-resistant, and it does not ignite into flames when struck by lightning. The downside to metal roofing is the cost and installation time. Metal roofs are also noisy, especially during heavy rain.
You can add additional insulation to solve this problem, and it will increase your roofing costs. Metal roofs are also prone to dents and rust. In terms of aesthetics, if you need to replace your home’s metal roof, the colors may not match the installed original metal roofing.
It may be challenging to find an exact match of the metal, not unless you are changing the entire roofing material. If your metal roofing is not installed correctly, water will also accumulate on the roof and cause severe damage.
Which Type of Roofing Material Is Perfect For My Home?
All of the roofing materials mentioned above are great options for your Florida home, and a roofing contractor will recommend most of them. Everything depends on your preference.
The weather conditions and climate in your area are also factors you would need to consider in choosing the best roofing material. It is always best to refer to an expert roofing contractor to ensure that you will get the best roofing material for your home.
We will help you decide and provide you with more information regarding roofing materials and installation requirements for your home. We offer a free quote, and we will give you the best solution for your roofing requirements.
