Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason. It’s known for its warm, sunny weather. In the summer, however, it can get extremely hot and humid and is also prone to hurricanes between June and November. Your roof is what protects your home from the Florida heat and storms. But what kind of roof is best for a Floridian home?
Should you install a tile roof on your Florida home?
Many homes in Florida have tile roofing. Along with shingle roofs and metal roofs, tile roofs are among the most common types of roofing installed in Florida. However, before you make any decisions regarding your roof, you should consider the pros and cons of a tile roof as well as whether or not you’ll be allowed to have one installed on your home.
If you live in a neighborhood that has an HOA, you should consult with them first because they may have rules regarding what type of roofing the homes in the neighborhood can have.
Pros of tile roofing in Florida
Tile roofs meet all of the criteria for a roof in Florida:
- Resistance to hurricane-force winds
- Hail resistance
- Long-term durability
- Reflecting heat away from the home
These are just some of the benefits of having a tile roof in Florida.
Longevity
A tile roof can last for a long time, even in an area with bad weather. Provided that the roof is installed properly and has flashings, it can last on average between 25 to 50 years. There are centuries-old tile roofs still intact and going strong.
Durability
Long-term durability is a major benefit of installing a tile roof. Durability is especially important in Florida, where extreme weather conditions can cause damage to a home. Tile roofs are able to withstand the high-speed winds that come with a hurricane in Florida. Tiles are also resistant to things like rot and insect damage that might affect a shingle roof.
Low Maintenance
Tile roofs don’t require a lot of maintenance. If your home has just been through a hurricane, it’s still a good idea to have your roof inspected to ensure that there aren’t any issues.
Lower Cost over the Lifetime of the Tile Roof
Although tile roofs may have higher initial costs than other types of roofing, they may also have lower costs over the lifetime of the roof. This is because they’re less expensive to maintain and can last longer than shingles.
Energy-Efficient
Tile roofs are also more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. This is because they are better able to reflect heat away from your home rather than absorbing it. This means that your home will naturally be cooler and you can save some money on energy bills.
Fire-Resistant
Tile roofs are also fire-resistant. While a tile roof can’t completely prevent your house from catching fire, it can help to protect your home because it won’t catch fire itself, thereby spreading the fire.
Aesthetically Attractive
Tile roofs come in a variety of colors and styles. If you’re installing a tile roof, you can choose the color and type that best match your house.
Cons of tile roofing in Florida
While there are many benefits to tile roofs in Florida, there are also some drawbacks. These include a high initial cost and the weight of the roof.
High Initial Cost
Tile roofs can cost up to two or three times as much to install initially as a shingle roof. However, with a higher cost comes a longer lifespan. Shingle roofs last around 15 to 20 years while a tile roof will last for 40 to 50 years. Additionally, homeowners typically save more money in the long run because of lower maintenance costs and the longevity of a tile roof.
Heavier Material
Tile roofs can be between 850 and 950 pounds per roofing square.
Not every home is built to support the weight of a roofing material this heavy. Your roof’s ability to support weight, unfortunately, isn’t something you’ll be able to judge on your own. You’ll need to consult with a structural engineer to determine if your home can stand up to the weight of a tile roof.
Tip
Remember to check with your HOA before getting invested in tile roofing. If your neighborhood consists of exclusively shingle roofs, you may not be allowed to install a tile roof on your home. But, it never hurts to ask!
The best types of tile roofing
Tile roofs can come in a variety of options from large format to low pitch roof tiles. But the most common types are concrete big barrel tiles, small barrel tiles, flat tiles, and clay tiles. The question is: Which type of roof tile is better for Florida?
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are made of all-natural materials giving them a boost in the eco-friendly department. But that comes with a price – a much higher price tag. Clay tiles are also more prone to breakage than competing options.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are a more common alternative to clay tiles. Concrete tiles hold the same aesthetic appeal and durability as clay tiles but will hold long-term. Concrete tiles are heavier than other options. You’ll need to talk with a roofing expert to decide what option is best for you.
Frequently asked questions about tile roofing
Can tile roofing stand up to hurricanes?
Yes, tile roofs can stand up against hurricane-force winds. Tile roofs can handle the strength of wind gusts and sustained wind. Tile roofs can withstand higher hurricane-force winds than shingles. However, the tiles may shift ever so slightly after such an event. You should always have an inspection after a hurricane. The durability of tile roofing makes it a great option for protecting your home from the hurricane-prone nature of living in Florida.
Best roofing tile manufacturers for florida roofing
When you invest a significant sum into a roofing replacement you want to trust the brand of tiles installed on your roof. The best roofing tile manufacturers for Florida roofing will provide quality tiles, aesthetically pleasing designs and colors, and a positive reputation. Good manufacturers will work with reputable contractors when there are discrepancies in color variation or small defects in a batch of tiles to ensure the customer stays happy and gets top-quality roofing materials.
The best roofing tile manufacturers we’ve found for Central Florida, used on all of Central Home’s roofs, come from Eagle Roofing Products and Boral. We have selected only top-quality roofing material for use in all of our installation projects. This manufacturer not only provides quality they also have enough variety to match the preferences of any homeowner.
Are tile roofs eco-friendly?
Yes, clay and concrete tile roofs are eco-friendly options. This makes tile roofs a great fit for environmentally-conscious homeowners. Plus, the long lifespan of tile roofs means fewer roof replacements on the same home, decreasing negative side effects on the environment.
If you have concerns about the manufacturing and disposal process of your chosen roofing material, contact your roofing contractor for more information.
Are tile roofs energy-efficient?
Don’t allow a roofing company to sell you on a specific roof type based on claims of conserving energy. This is an advertising gimmick. The tile itself does not help conserve energy enough to make a difference. So, what does affect energy efficiency in a home?
- The amount of insulation your attic has
- Having enough roof attic insulation to start with
- Having enough soffits to allow airflow into the attic
- Installation of energy-efficient windows and AC units to replace older, inefficient models
How we install tile roofing on Florida homes
For proper installation and an extended lifespan, always have an experienced roofing contractor install your new tile roof.
The process of tile roof installation is completed in six steps.
Step One
You’ll need to pick the style and color tile you want installed. This should be carefully considered as it will be the roof on your home for many years to come. Most roofing contractors will gladly send you a sample kit to help you make your decision.
Step Two
Your roofing contractor will schedule a start date for the removal of your home’s existing roof. This will be in coordination with the arrival of your selected roof tiles.
Step Three
A roofing underlayment will be installed. This protects your home from water and moisture.
Step Four
Tarps and plywood will be placed to protect your home as the experienced roofing professionals begin the installation process. Tarps and plywood will be placed at driveways in order to protect your driveway from dumpsters and building materials. Tarps will also be placed around plants, shrubs, and over grass for the best protection.
Step Five
Your new tile roof will be installed over a six to ten-day period.
Step Six
Your roofing contractor should provide complimentary clearing of the debris. This should never be left on the homeowner to handle.
When you’re ready to get started, contact us to speak with an experienced roofing professional about your new tile roof.
Want the aesthetic and durability benefits of a new tile roof?
Contact us to begin the process of installation.