Everything you need to Know about Choosing Roof Shingles in Florida
Shingle roofing is incredibly popular because of the nominal expense and functionality. Many homeowners make this decision in light of affordability as opposed to quality. While others gravitate towards whatever recommendations are put forward by their roofing contractor. If you’ve decided to invest in a shingle roof to protect your property, it’s crucial to learn more about shingles and their utility.
What type of shingles are the best for a sturdy roof in Florida? You have to consider various aspects, such as climate conditions, roofing structure, architectural design, and of course, affordability. Each state and locality has its own distinctive climate and weather conditions, and since the roof is directly exposed to the elements, weather-friendliness is a crucial consideration.
Keep reading to explore all the information you need to know about buying the best roof shingles in Florida.
The Best Roof Shingles for Florida
Florida’s weather is marked by heavy rainfalls, fierce storms, and strong winds. All these elements combine to wreak havoc on the roof and damage its shingles. Homeowners who relocate to Florida are often surprised that the heavy rain spells continue longer after summer has ended and winter has arrived.
Florida is also notorious for its wind storms and hurricanes, and there are very few homeowners who can claim they’ve never witnessed a hurricane. The weather conditions are extremely harsh and unforgiving, demanding a robustly fortified roof to preserve your property’s structural and cosmetic integrity.
Therefore, you need high-performance roof shingles that offer superior durability and a longer lifespan. Aside from the weather concerns, you also need to comply with the regulations and building codes mandated by the State of Florida. With regards to roofing structures, homeowners must ensure that all roofing materials is algae-resistant to prevent damages.
You see, algae-resistant shingles offer lasting durability and enhance the lifespan and functionality of the roof. Florida has unique roofing requirements given its harsh weather conditions, and picking the right shingles is integral to constructing a sturdy and functional roof.
Here are the two most common shingles used for roofing in Florida:
- Single-layer 3 tab shingle roofs
- Architectural asphalt shingle roofs
Choosing the Right Roof Shingle
Now that we’ve discussed Florida’s home roofing requirements and introduced you to the two most common shingle roofs, how will you make the final decision?
Choosing the right shingle roofs for a Florida home isn’t as daunting as it may seem. All you have to do is understand the functionality and maintenance needs of each type to make a well-informed decision. The shingles must add strength and durability to your roof structure, and compliment the architectural style of your property.
Single-layer 3 tab shingles
3 tab shingles are most commonly used in Florida’s housing market as they are the most functional choice, given their flat surface. They are adequately lightweight, which allows them to be easily installed on any given roof structure. They complement almost all architectural styles, and do not require excessive structural support to ensure a sturdy fit.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, 3 tab shingles might prove a great fit. But before you make the investment, it’s wise to examine the pros and cons of this investment.
3-tab shingles provide a sturdy grip and support against harsh winds and storms, because lifting these shingles requires a lot of force. They put up a good resistance against wind uplift, but when compared with architectural asphalt shingles, they are a budget option.
If you live in an area prone to high winds, 3 tab shingles are not the right choice to make. They not hold well against harsh weather conditions and storms. Heavier shingles with thicker structures are a better choice.
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Architectural asphalt shingles are highly recommended and they are extremely popular in Florida’s construction industry. As compared to their 3 tab counterparts, they are quite expensive, which dissuades many homeowners from making this investment. But if a protective and well-fortified roof is a priority, these are the best choice for Florida homes.
They have a longer lifespan and offer unmatched durability. Architectural shingles have a long lifespan, ranging between 25 to 30 years. So basically, even if the cost is high, it’s a one-time investment that will last over 3 decades with proper care and maintenance. The installation process is a crucial determinant of how long the shingles will last.
We advise hiring experienced roofing contractors who use specialized equipment to install the shingles diligently in order to increase their lifespan and durability. Maintenance is equally important and plays a crucial role in increasing the lifespan and durability of the shingles.
So, why are architectural asphalt shingles a better alternative to 3 tab shingles? These shingles have a double-layer design, and their structure is packed with more material. Naturally, more material delivers robust protection and superior fortification. Their design and structure makes them immune to high wind uplifts, heavy rainfall, and hail storms.
Architectural shingles are constructed in one piece, which makes it highly unlikely for them to get uprooted and blown away by high winds during a storm. They are super-functional, and offer superior durability. But that’s not all, architectural asphalt shingles are aesthetically pleasing, and their 3D accents will enhance your curb appeal and add a distinctive charm to your roof structure.
Amazingly, they don’t have many daunting drawbacks, but they are not suitable for low-slope roofs. Lightweight roof structures and low-slope roofs cannot withstand the excessive weight of architectural shingles.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right roof shingles for your Florida homes is a decision that requires a lot of thought and consideration. We advise working closely with a certified roofing professional while exploring your options. An experienced professional can give you an accurate recommendation to help select shingles that are the perfect fit your chosen roofing style and material.
You may be gravitating towards architectural shingles, but can your roof withstand their weight? Be sure to work with a roofing professional to make the right choice.
About Gold Key Roofing
Our highly trained, certified roofing professionals inspect, test, evaluate and calculate all the necessary data from your project to provide your home with the ultimate protection – providing you with time-tested peace of mind.
In an industry where many roofers are in business today and out-of-business tomorrow, it is unusual to find a company like Gold Key Roofing with our experience and proven record of quality and reliability since 1975.
Roofing Services Offered in Orlando and surrounding Central Florida Areas:
| Residential Roof Repair | Roof Cleaning |
| Residential Roof Replacement | Roof Claims Assistance |
| Commercial Roof Repair | Blown-In Insulation |
| Commercial Roof Replacement |
