Although style is a big factor when choosing a new roof, the type of roof you choose has a lot more to it than the way it looks.
When you need to replace your roof, how do you decide what the best type of roof is for your home? Or, if you don’t need a roof replacement, what kind of roof do you currently have and what can you expect from it in terms of durability, life span and what kind of roof maintenance does it require?
When you’re getting a roof replacement and you need to decide what type of roof to get or when you are buying a new house, knowing the different types of roofs and their pros & cons can help you make the best decision.
In an earlier article, we covered the main types of roofs you will find in Florida and their average life span, here we will briefly touch on each kind of roof and their basic pros and cons:
What Are The Different Types of Roofs?
CLAY TILE ROOFS
Pros: Clay tile roofs, also known as tile shingle roofs, have two main benefits. Their looks and their life span. Shingle tile roofs give a fantastic Mediterranean feel to any home and, due to their price, will also increase the value of your home. As far as their roof life span, homes and buildings in Europe have been using tile roofs for hundreds of years. Clay tile roofs in Florida can last between 50 and 80 years, if not sometimes over one hundred years. They are generally the longer lasting type of roof.
Cons: One of the biggest cons is their price. Installing a new clay tile roof can be expensive. The installation process also requires a very skilled professional roofer. Clay tile roofs also require very sturdy roof framing, to be able to hold their weight. Lastly, walking on them can cause them to break.
ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFS
Pros: In Florida, the most popular kind of roof type will be an asphalt shingle roof. Asphalt shingle roofs are good quality and can be installed at low costs. They generally last between 15 and 25 years and with good maintenance could last up to 30 years.
Cons: Most asphalt shingle roofs are made of thin shingles that corrode over time due to Florida’s weather. They are also prone to mold and are not super storm resistant. Thicker than normal asphalt shingles can be purchased for additional costs that will be more resistant and last longer.
WOOD SHINGLE ROOFS
Pros: While clay tile roofs give a home a lovely Mediterranean look, a lot of homeowners prefer wood shingle roofs for their beautiful appearance. Many older homes in America were built with wood shingle roofs and this kind of roof is very fit for certain style homes. The kind of wood you choose for the shingles contributes to the roof’s life span, but generally, a redwood or cedar shingle roof can last between 30 and 50 years, with good maintenance.
Cons: Wood shingle roofs are more expensive than asphalt tile roofs. While they require a good installer, one of their bigger cons is that they need to be immediately replaced if damaged to prevent further and more costly roof repairs. The Florida sun can also cause wood shingle roofs to dry and crack.
METAL ROOFS
Pros: Metals roofs are perfect for roofs that are either very steep or flat. If you like the look of a metal roof, metal roofs are a very affordable roof option that will last up to 50 years. Metal roofs can also be painted various colors to match the style of your home and can be coated so that they reflect UV rays and help keep your home energy efficient.
Cons: Metals roofs can be noisy when it rains. While due to their price, they are becoming more and more popular, they offer a simple and less elaborate look as opposed to shingle or clay tile roofs. But if you are on a budget and you have a steep or flat roof, this is a great option for a new roof.
What Do I Need To Know Before Choosing A New Roof?
Now that you know the basic types of roofs you will find in Florida homes, how do you choose what roof type is best for your home? Here is a list of questions you should get answers to when choosing a new roof and a professional roof installer to do the job:
1. What kind of natural elements is your roof exposed to and how will these elements affect your new roof. Florida’s weather can be very extreme and it’s important to look at how each roof type withstands Florida’s direct sunshine and heavy storms.
2. Price aside, what type of roof best compliments your home’s style and look and what type of roof is most visually appealing to you.
3. Calculate your roof’s cost beyond your roofer’s quote. The type of roof you choose also has an impact on your energy efficiency and insulation. What are the repair and maintenance costs and what is the roof’s durability?
4. Can your house’s roofing frame support the kind of roof you chose? And is the kind of roof you chose the best fit for the style of roof you have?
5. How long will the roof last and what kind of warranties come with the new roof? With Florida’s weather, roof warranties are very important as well as workmanship warranties.
6. Is the type of roof you choose covered by your insurance policy and your insurance company’s performance standards?
7. Do you plan to make any future changes to or additions to your home, and if so, how will your new roof fit into that?
While these aren’t all the questions you should ask, these are some of the main ones that we feel will help you find the roof type that best fits your home’s and your needs. We hope that you find this information helpful. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free onsite roof inspection. We will be happy to answer any and all roofing questions you have and provide any education that will help you make a comfortable decision about your new roof.