Florida is a vacation destination known for major amusement parks and attractive beaches. However, Florida is one of the most hurricane-prone regions in the United States. Roofs take the brunt of the damage from hurricanes. That’s why it’s important for Florida residents to have stable roofs on their homes.
Choosing the Right Roofing Material
Florida residents have several roofing materials to choose from. However, when it comes to withstanding hurricane-force winds, some of the best options are metal, clay, concrete, asphalt shingles, and slate tiles. Each roofing material has pros and cons when it comes to standing up to hurricanes.
Metal Roofing
In addition to providing great curb appeal, metal roofs are designed to stand up to high winds. According to specifications, a properly installed metal roof can stand up to gusts of up to 180 mph. This makes them one of the best choices for enduring gale-force hurricane winds. This is also a roof investment that can last more than 50 years.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a waterproof roofing material. They are known for their longevity and durability. They are relatively inexpensive when compared to other roofing materials, making them the number one choice for roofing materials in North America.
Asphalt shingles have a base on the bottom that is covered with waterproof asphalt and protected by ceramic granules. The granules are what give the shingles their colors, so you can adjust the color of your roof to match the style of your home.
Although asphalt shingles do not stand up to high winds as well as metal roofing, they are still rated to withstand winds of up to 110 mph. Normally, asphalt shingles are rated to last between 20 and 30 years. However, in areas like Florida with constant hurricane activity, they are rated to last for around 15 years.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Clay and concrete tiles are aesthetically pleasing to look at. They are also well-equipped to stand up to hurricanes. When properly installed, they are rated to have a wind resistance of up to 130 mph. Strong hurricanes can produce winds that exceed 130 mph, but with concrete and clay tiles, you may only need minor repairs after the storm. Clay and concrete tiles are more expensive, but the price is worth it for the added hurricane protection they provide.
Slate Tiles
Slate is one of the strongest, most eco-friendly roofing materials on the market. There are buildings all around the world that have the original slate roof that was installed centuries ago. Slate is the most expensive of all the roofing materials on this list.
Like asphalt shingles, slate shingles are rated to withstand winds up to 110 mph. The main issue with slate tiles is their weight. Slate tiles are very heavy, creating a dangerous situation if they become loose or airborne during a storm. This could damage other areas of your property.
Is Your Florida Roof Ready For a Hurricane?
A category-one hurricane can include winds ranging from 74 to 95 miles per hour. A category-five hurricane can have sustained winds of over 157 mph. The best way to improve your roof’s chance of making it through a hurricane or severe storm is to arrange for a preseason inspection. During this inspection, roofing professionals can check for cracks, loose shingles, and damaged flashing. They can also provide options to help you strengthen your roof in the case of strong winds.
Professional roofing contractors will discuss the pros and cons of additional supports like collar ties, braces, and strapping. If you are installing a new roof or having repairs done, quality products and having the installation done by experienced, trained contractors is imperative.
Work With a Professional Roofing Company in Winter Park, Florida
At Roofing & Construction Solutions, we have decades of experience providing roofing solutions for residential and commercial properties in our area. We are happy to provide in-depth inspections and free estimates. We pride ourselves on only using high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. We are there for our customers if they experience a roofing emergency or plan to change their roofs to make their homes look more attractive.
Our services include roof repair, replacement, and inspection. We offer ground-up residential and commercial construction, additions, and remodels. We repair storm damage and install shingle, tile, metal, and solar roofs. Contact Roofing & Construction Solutions today and see for yourself why we are Winter Park’s most trusted roofing professionals.
