When it’s time for a roof replacement, you might be wondering what materials are best for your Central Florida home or commercial space. Should you prioritize curb appeal, longevity, or affordability? Or, is there a material that can give you all of the above?
Here at AGU Roofing in Orlando and surrounding areas including Orange, Lake & Seminole counties, we want our clients to be confident that their roofing material will fulfill all their needs. In this article, we’re giving you the pros and cons of some of our most popular roofing options so that you can make the best decision for you!
Whether you’re in Orlando, Minneola, Kissimmee or elsewhere in Central Florida, roofs in our area need to be ready for some unique challenges. And knowing what your roof is up against can be helpful in your search for the perfect material. Consider, for example:
Clearly, there are a lot of factors that can take a toll on your Florida roof, but the good news is, we’ve got some recommendations that are ready for the challenge!
Here are some of the options that we’re most likely to recommend for our clients here in Central Florida:
We’ll start with one of the most popular roofing options in the US, in general: asphalt shingles. They are affordable, easy to install, low maintenance, and generally aesthetically pleasing.
But, it is important to note that the low price point does come with some drawbacks when it comes to longevity. Because while asphalt shingles can last for a few decades, they are more prone to curling, warping and shedding of their granules than other options. They can also be vulnerable to moisture damage and offer lower energy efficiency than other options.
So, while they’re a decent, accessible option for homes and businesses here in Florida, there are some better materials for our climate. That being said, If you are going to go with this option, we would recommend you opting for architectural, premium or impact-resistant shingles that are more likely to withstand our area’s storm conditions.
Metal roofing is a great choice for Central Florida for a number of reasons. For one thing, it’s durable and holds up well to weather damage, high winds, temperature fluctuations and UV exposure. Metal is also lightweight and easy to install, and does a good job warding off pests or mold. Plus, it offers property owners a modern look that is not only appealing but will continue to look new for many years. Finally, there’s the energy efficiency factor; metal roofing reflects UV rays more efficiently than asphalt shingle roofs, meaning that it does a better job insulating your home from external heat.
Taking all of that into consideration, you might wonder why all homes in Florida don’t have metal roofs. Well, it’s partly a personal preference and partly a budget decision. While metal roofs are available in a variety of gorgeous materials and styles, including aluminum, metal shingles, exposed fastener roofs and more, some people simply prefer a non-metal aesthetic. And, metal roofs tend to be more expensive than asphalt shingle roofs. That being said, given the longevity and other benefits of metal roofings, it’s easy to see why this roofing material is so popular here in Florida.
Clay tile roofing is timeless, beautiful, durable, and energy efficient. Well-made tile holds up fantastically against damage from rain and high winds, and it scores well in fire resistance. And, this roofing material does an excellent job of insulating your home against outside temperature fluctuations and providing your attic with proper ventilation.
The biggest downsides when it comes to tile roofing are cost and installation complications. Clay roof tiles are some of the more expensive building materials available, as well as the heaviest. Because of this, roof replacement with tiles can sometimes require reinforcement of the roof structure as well as a more involved installation process. Of course, once installed, tile roofs are projected to last between 20 and 50 years, even with our tough Florida conditions!
Another question we often get from our clients here in Orange and Lake counties is what roof materials we wouldn’t recommend for our climate. In general, anything that is too fragile or susceptible to humidity or temperature fluctuations is something that we would be hesitant to install. For instance, wood shingles are prone to warping and wood rot while natural slate shingles may be too brittle to withstand flying debris during storms.
If you have solar panels or are thinking of installing them, this should factor into the material you choose for your roof replacement. For instance, metal roofs, especially standing seam metal roofs, are an excellent option for solar panel installation. Clay roof tiles can also be appropriate given how much they boost energy efficiency, but may need additional care to avoid damage while placing the solar panels/
Even though Florida weather can be hard on roofs and siding, there are quite a few viable options for a range of different budgets and aesthetic preferences.
If you want to learn more about whether a type of roofing replacement material is right for your property and price point, reach out to our team at AGU Roofing & Solar. We work with homeowners and business owners throughout Orlando, as well as surrounding communities like Windermere, Clermont, Horizon West, Minneola and more.
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Except the best in service, work and products when you choose AGU Roofing & Solar.
We won’t sacrifice anything for our integrity. We’ll always be transparent with you about the costs, the process and the expected outcome.
Our roofing contractors always show up on time and clean up after themselves. Professionalism is very important to gaining your trust, and we know that.
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