Roofing Options As A Florida Homeowner
One of the most important aspects of a home is roofing. The roof is what keeps the weather out and protects your loved ones and belongings. It is crucial to choose a roof that will provide safety while enduring the forces of mother nature. Depending on the climate and weather patterns of your home’s location, there are different options to consider. Below, we will discuss the differences between shingles vs. metal roofing for a Florida homeowner.
Shingle Roofing
Shingle roofing is one of the most popular and common roofing options for homeowners. Shingles are pieces of asphalt, composite, or other roofing material that are flat and rectangular. Oftentimes, shingles are applied from the base of the roof and overlap to provide full coverage.
Shingle Roofing Benefits
One of the things to consider when choosing the best roofing option for your home is the look and curb appeal. Shingles come in a variety of colors ranging from black to more earthy tones. Another thing to keep in mind is that shingles can be textured to mimic different materials such as wood, tile, or slate. Shingles are an excellent option for roofing without the need for sacrificing style. When it comes to shingles, there are two main types of shingles, 3-tab and architectural. 3-tab shingles are oftentimes more affordable because they do not last as long as architectural shingles. 3-tab shingles are one piece that appears to look like 3 separate shingles. They lay flat against the roofing installation. Architectural shingles are thicker, and they add a more dimensional look to your home. Along with this, they also perform better and last longer than 3-tab shingles.
Shingle Roofing Drawbacks
Living in Florida, it is important to note that shingles are far more susceptible to heat damage when compared to other roofing options. To add to this, shingles can easily tear or lift due to strong winds. Living in a wet, humid environment also causes shingles to be more susceptible to mold and algae. Shingle roofing is also not as durable and does not last as long as other roofing options.
Metal Roofing
The way that metal roofing works are through a system made up of metal pieces, panels, or tiles. This metal covers the entirety of your house while keeping noise, weather, and debris from entering your home.
Metal Roofing Benefits
There are numerous benefits that come along with metal roofing. One of the most important is its durability and longevity. Metal roofs can last from 50-70 years with proper maintenance whereas the best shingles last up to 30 years. Metal roofing reflects solar radiant heat, so it helps in reducing your home’s electric bill up to 25% lower! Metal roofs are usually made with recycled materials and are therefore environmentally friendly. Lastly, metal roofing is not noisy as many people believe it to be. In fact, metal roofs do not make more noise than a typical asphalt roof.
Metal Roofing Drawbacks
Metal roofing is quite expensive as it usually goes for $120-$900 per 100 square feet. Along with this, metal roofing can be dented due to heavy hail, debris, falling branches, etc. It is also important to keep in mind that although this can occur, metal roofing is still much stronger than shingles.
A Final Note:
To conclude, each roofing option has benefits and drawbacks. When living in Florida, we must contend with the elements such as heat, humidity, rainfall, and even hurricanes/ tornadoes. It is important for every homeowner to know the difference between shingles vs. metal roofing and to weigh the importance of protection, price, and curb appeal.
