By Harden Custom Homes 25 Jun 2015
There are many ways to finish a roof. These can range from wood shakes to built-up bitumen. Built-up roofs are generally flat, tarred or gravel roofs and most common in commercial construction. For houses, which usually have pitched roofs, the most common roofing materials in Florida are asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and clay or concrete tile. But what should you consider when deciding what kind of roof you want for your new home?
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material because they are generally the most inexpensive and easy to install. However, asphalt shingles are not as durable as other roofing materials, and can often be easily stripped from the roof in high winds. Nevertheless, their low cost and easy installation make damage easy to repair, and asphalt shingles provide a walkable surface on the roof. They are not generally eco-friendly as for the most part they are not recycled but taken to landfills, being made from petroleum-based fiberglass with infused asphalt.
Metal has returned as a popular roofing alternative. It’s generally applied in strips that are fused together and have a corrugated appearance, although some metal roofs are made to resemble tiles or shakes. Metal roofs are durable but relatively expensive. Despite being lightweight, they resist wind damage. In addition, they are eco-friendly, as they are often partially made of recycled materials. They can help with savings in cooling the house as the metal reflects a larger portion of the sun’s heat than asphalt instead of transferring it to the attic.
Clay or concrete tile is a very popular roofing choice in Florida. These kinds of roofs are so durable that they can potentially outlast the understructure that holds them in place. However, the tiles can be quite heavy and may require structural reinforcing to support them. Unlike asphalt shingles, people should not walk on them, as they can be fragile. This can make maintenance more difficult. They are eco-friendly in that they are made out of natural materials, but because they are baked in kilns, they do require quite a bit of energy to produce.
Although asphalt shingles, metal, and clay or concrete tiles are the most common materials for roofs in Florida, there are other options for roof materials such as cedar shakes, PVC, or rubber. Another important consideration for your roof is its appearance. For example, clay tiles will give homes a traditional Italian or Spanish look. Ultimately, you’ll have to consider many different factors in selecting the kind of roofing material you want for your new home. If you have any questions about constructing a custom or semi-custom home, be sure to call Harden Custom Homes at (239) 603-6083.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material because they are generally the most inexpensive and easy to install. However, asphalt shingles are not as durable as other roofing materials, and can often be easily stripped from the roof in high winds. Nevertheless, their low cost and easy installation make damage easy to repair, and asphalt shingles provide a walkable surface on the roof. They are not generally eco-friendly as for the most part they are not recycled but taken to landfills, being made from petroleum-based fiberglass with infused asphalt.
Metal has returned as a popular roofing alternative. It’s generally applied in strips that are fused together and have a corrugated appearance, although some metal roofs are made to resemble tiles or shakes. Metal roofs are durable but relatively expensive. Despite being lightweight, they resist wind damage. In addition, they are eco-friendly, as they are often partially made of recycled materials. They can help with savings in cooling the house as the metal reflects a larger portion of the sun’s heat than asphalt instead of transferring it to the attic.
Clay or concrete tile is a very popular roofing choice in Florida. These kinds of roofs are so durable that they can potentially outlast the understructure that holds them in place. However, the tiles can be quite heavy and may require structural reinforcing to support them. Unlike asphalt shingles, people should not walk on them, as they can be fragile. This can make maintenance more difficult. They are eco-friendly in that they are made out of natural materials, but because they are baked in kilns, they do require quite a bit of energy to produce.
Although asphalt shingles, metal, and clay or concrete tiles are the most common materials for roofs in Florida, there are other options for roof materials such as cedar shakes, PVC, or rubber. Another important consideration for your roof is its appearance. For example, clay tiles will give homes a traditional Italian or Spanish look. Ultimately, you’ll have to consider many different factors in selecting the kind of roofing material you want for your new home. If you have any questions about constructing a custom or semi-custom home, be sure to call Harden Custom Homes at (239) 603-6083.
