Florida is famous for its beautiful weather and 1,350-mile beach-filled coastline, second in size after Alaska. However, the state isn't just known for sunny weather. Its positioning between major bodies of water–the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the south–leaves it vulnerable to bad weather: hurricanes with strong winds, heavy rains, floods, storm surges, and even tornadoes.
This geographical location and resulting weather have led state officials to create stricter building codes to ensure all structures are strong enough to withstand the intense weather Florida can experience. One city, Punta Gorda, Florida, is a testament to the importance of these codes. In 2004, Hurricane Charley devastated Punta Gorda, and many structures that had been built according to the old building code were destroyed. Since then, the structures have been rebuilt in compliance with the new building codes and remain largely unscathed from storms.
One crucial detail the building code addresses is roofing. Choosing the best roofing material for Florida is vital, as the roof provides critical protection from Florida's climate and unpredictable weather.
Florida's Climate
Florida wasn't coined the "Sunshine State" for nothing. The state is known for its hot, humid summers, ranging from 88ºF to 91ºF. Sometimes, humidity levels can make it feel like 100ºF or more, though afternoon breezes and thunderstorms provide some relief. Winters are significantly cooler temperature-wise, ranging from 51ºF in the Northern part of the state and 68ºF in the southern part. Frontal systems cause a few days of rain.
Tornadoes are prevalent in Florida, sometimes occurring in the winter and spring. June to November brings hurricane season, which can be filled with tropical storms.
Hurricane Weather and Roofing
Florida is no stranger to hurricane season, which lasts six months between June 1 and November 30–0 with the peak of the season around mid-August.
This is why having a storm-ready roof—and choosing the best roofing material for your Florida home—keeps your home safe in Florida, regardless of where you are in the state. By choosing a hurricane-proof material, you are giving your roof and your home the best chance at surviving even the worst of storms.
However, as you know, you'll want a material with the highest wind and impact ratings possible. You also want to ensure the roofing material is water resistant and protects the underlayment of your roof.
Florida Roofing Considerations
Understanding the need for a hurricane-ready is only part of the picture. You must also understand the various building code requirements that specify installation procedures and acceptable materials. Here are some guides to help you understand and navigate these various codes:
Materials for Installation
Florida's roof-related codes provide specifications regarding acceptable installation materials, from the type of screws and clips to what type of hurricane straps are suitable. There are also codes regarding roofing materials from asphalt shingles to cedar shakes and more.
Underlayment
Water infiltration caused by storms is a significant concern. It can damage the roof decking, leading to leaks inside your home that can cause mold and rot. That is why Florida's building code requires roof decking to be sealed using approved materials. If a roof deck isn’t sealed, and is damaged or compromised, it can allow up to 60 percent of rainwater during a storm into your attic. While the roof may still be compromised, a sealed roof deck can greatly minimize water infiltration by up to 95 percent.
Humidity
The humidity also poses a moisture risk for roofing, seeping into cracks and causing mold and mildew growth. If mold reaches the decking, it could compromise the roof and the building.
Heat and UV Exposure
Heat can cause many materials to expand, and some expand more than others. This can lead to cracks that worsen over time, allowing water and moisture in and causing more damage. Over time, the cycle of expanding and contracting can cause significant damage to the roof material and cause it to need replacing much sooner.
UV rays also damage the roof, causing the colors to face and materials to crack and peel.
Importance of Choosing The Best Roofing Material In Florida.
Choosing the right material is extremely important. Here are factors to consider to ensure the best choice.
Roof replacement Costs
Cheaper, lower-quality materials need to be replaced more often, especially after severe weather, making them more expensive. A high-quality, storm-resistant roof material will be more durable and last longer before needing to be replaced.
Aesthetics
Choosing an aesthetically pleasing material will help boost your curb appeal.
Resale Value
While you want your home to be unique, you want it to be distinct from the other homes in the neighborhood, as it will make it less desirable. You also don't want to choose cheap materials. High-quality, aesthetically pleasing materials that offer durability will attract more potential buyers.
Protection
High-quality materials will offer more durability, making them a better option for protecting your home, especially in Florida's climate.
Best Roofing Materials for Florida Homes
There are many reliable roofing solutions Floridians can consider for their homes. Here are some of the best options
1. Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are a popular material in hot and humid southern climates because of their durability and ability to withstand extended UV exposure. Because the tiles are curved, they allow air to circulate between the surface of the roof and the roof deck which helps keep the roof and interior of the home cooler.
Because of their weight, roofs often need to be reinforced to support their weight. It is also difficult to replace tiles and conduct roof maintenance and repairs because the tiles are difficult to walk on and can become brittle, which can cause them to break under the added weight. This is also an expensive option especially when lifetime maintenance is factored in.
2. Concrete Tiles
The thickness of concrete tiles means that they will heat up slower than other materials, which keeps the roof and home cooler for longer. The thickness also makes them extremely heavy, and they need roof reinforcement to support them.
3. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles aren’t the most durable option, but they are lightweight and can often be repaired by the homeowner in the event that they wear out or are ripped off in a storm. They are also an affordable option for homeowners who are working within a budget.
4. Metal Roofing
Metal shingles are lightweight and can withstand high winds up to 160 mph and they are resistant to hail damage.. They can also mimic the look of other types of roof tiles. They are often more expensive than other types of roofing.
5. Composite Tiles
Composite tiles by Brava are the ideal roofing material for Florida. They are lightweight and easy to install, and they also come with a 50-year transferable warranty. They are weather-resistant and UV resistant and don’t conduct heat, making them the ideal choice to stand up to the challenging Florida climate.
They are a maintenance-free option, and only need to be cleared of debris periodically, so you will be able to spend time enjoying your home rather than worrying about cleaning and maintenance.
How Long Do Roofs Last in Florida?
It is important to consider how long a roof will last in Florida. While materials like clay, concrete, and composite roof tiles are known for their longevity, not all offer the same quality. Considering they are high-quality products:
Clay tiles can last 25 to 50 years and sometimes even longer. However, this is dependent on the maintenance. The better you maintain the tiles, the longer they will last.
Concrete tiles can last up to 50 years with the proper maintenance and care.
Asphalt shingles offer the least longevity in Florida, lasting about 15 years if subjected to storms. If not, they can last a few years longer. The higher the quality of the shingles, the better their longevity.
With routine care, a metal roof in Florida can last 15 to 50 years.
Composite roofing can last 50 years in Florida without needing maintenance or repairs.
So, What is the Best Roofing Material for Florida?
Multiple roofing materials are suitable for Florida homes, but many have drawbacks. Asphalt has a short lifespan and isn't the most insulating or environmentally friendly. Clay and concrete are expensive and heavy, and metal is expensive and difficult to install. Composite roofing, however, offers all of the same benefits without these drawbacks, which makes it the best roofing material for Florida homes.
In fact, Brava is one of the leading manufacturers of composite tiles. Their roofing tiles offer ultra-realistic versions of popular roofing materials, including cedar shakes, slate, and Spanish barrel tile, without the drawbacks of these materials. Brava tiles offer the highest impact and fire ratings products, with additional wind ratings up to 211 MPH. It can also withstand UV exposure without peeling, fading, or cracking. There are also many more benefits to Brava's composite roofing materials, which make it the best roofing material for Florida.
Brava in Action in Florida
Many Florida homeowners have discovered the value of composite roofing, choosing to install the products on their homes. Brava is one of the favorite brands throughout the state. Here are some houses that showcase the beauty of the products.
1. A Dual-Toned Roof
This West Palm Beach homeowner chose to mix tile colors for their Spanish barrel tile roof, using Brava’s two Cool Roof options “Cool Terra Cotta” and “Cool French Clay” to create a roof with varying colors that add a unique touch. The colors contrast with the light-colored stucco siding, adding vibrancy to the property.
2. Slate in Florida
Slate isn’t a common choice for homeowners in Florida, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Brava allows homeowners to have the look of slate, without the weight or cost. Old World Slate comes in many colors, and this Ormond Beach homeowner opted for the Arendale color, a beautiful medium gray.
3. A Beach House With Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes are a popular choice for beach and waterfront homes, but require a great deal of maintenance. Brava’s composite cedar shakes allow homeowners to have the look, without that maintenance. This Longboat Key resident chose Brava’s “Aged Cedar” shakes, which add a rustic touch to an otherwise more contemporary design.
Build With Brava To Get The Best Roofing Materials for Florida Homes
Brava composite roof tiles come in a variety of different colors and styles, which offer each and every homeowner the opportunity to add qualities of design durability to their roof.
If you’re interested, contact Brava today to learn more about our composite roofing and why it is the best roofing material for Florida homes.