roofing materials

For many homeowners, the decision of choosing the right roof shingles for their home is a difficult one. There are many options to choose from with different price ranges and features.

The best shingle brands have a variety of price ranges, styles, and colors that make it easy to find the perfect match for your home. But let’s start from the beginning.

What is a Shingle Roof?

A shingle roof is a type of roofing that is made up of overlapping flat or curved tiles. There are 4 types of shingles, but the most popular in Florida are:

• Asphalt shingle
• Metal shingles

How long do shingles last?

Depending on the shingles you choose, the time may vary:

Asphalt Shingles: Homeowners in the US favor asphalt shingles due to their longevity and range of qualities. Some high-quality shingles can last up to 50 years.

Metal Shingles: Metal roofs resist fire! Not only do they last for over 75 years, but they also provide excellent fire resistance.

A shingle roof is usually used on residential buildings, and they are often seen in Florida because they efficiently protect houses during heavy storms and hurricane season. Flat roofs and metal roofs are also used on residential buildings in Florida and are similar to a shingle roof except that the roofing material used on a flat roof allows it to be more water (for flat roofs) and more accessible, but still effective (for metal roofs).

How to Choose the Right Shingles for Your Home?

We all know that the shingles are the most important part of the roof, so choosing the right shingles for your home is a must.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a shingle, such as:

• The type of roof you have
• Your budget
• Your personal taste and preference

Shingles Brands in Florida

The best Shingle brand options in Florida are:

• Atlas
• Tamko
• IKO
• Interlock
• Tesla
• CertainTeed
• GAF
• Owens Corning

When considering these factors and brands, you can talk to the professional roofers you trust and ask for assistance. They will help you make the best decisions that will make your roof a safe one to last for years.

Looking for a reputable roofing contractor? Roofing Recovery is one of the outstanding roofing contractors in South Florida with superb quality, customer service, and extensive experience. Call 954-799-4069 to request a quote today!

If you have lived in Florida long enough, you know that all types of roofs have a tough job to do here. Not only are they beaten down by UV rays, rain, and humidity, but then along comes a hurricane and its cohorts with high wind and hail. Together they can hit your roof hard enough to cause serious damage. Once your roof is gone, water gets inside and creates even more devastation. Certainly, some roofs can take this sort of punishment and keep on going, but every material has its breaking point. 

Today, we are talking about different types of roofs, what they are, and how they can hold up on your Southern area home. If you are shopping around for a roof replacement and feel confused over which roof material is best for your needs, this blog post will help you to decide.

The Most Common Types of Roofs in Florida

Because of our torrential weather patterns, not every roof type will survive. But a select few are tough enough to withstand the Florida climate and storms. Let’s take a look at which ones you have to choose from!

1. Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States and that’s also true for all of Florida. It’s affordable price makes it the go-to for many homeowners. Since the material costs less, it’s also cheaper to repair.

But not all asphalt roofs are created equal!

It’s important to avoid 3-tab shingles because they only offer a wind rating of 60 to 70 miles per hour. That means that when the winds exceed that limit, your shingles will fly away!

Quality architecture asphalt shingles are what you want if you are choosing an asphalt shingle roof. When they are properly installed, they can withstand winds of 130 to 150 mph depending on their manufacturer rating and the number of nails used. Six nails in an architectural asphalt shingle can withstand up to 20 mph more.

2. Wood Shake Roofs

Wood shake roofs are commonly seen along the eastern coastline and inland. This roofing material will not hold up in high winds and it’s more costly to repair. If your area is hit by hurricanes every year, pass on a wood-shake roof.

If you live in a location that does not experience strong storms, then well-maintained wood shakes will last up to 40 years! They have a rustic charm that sets them apart and offers a striking look to any building. 

3. Slate Roofs

You may have seen these gorgeous roofs on some of the upscale homes in Florida. You won’t see it often because in comparison with other choices, it’s pretty expensive and it’s super heavy. Not every house will be capable of supporting its weight.

The advantages of slate roofs are so numerous that we have to include them in this list.

1. Low maintenance
2. Withstands hurricane-force winds
3. Waterproof
4. Durable
5. Doesn’t rot
6. Fireproof
7. Environmentally friendly
8. Customizable
9. Long life (75+ years)

The biggest downside to slate is replacing the tiles. Finding replacement tiles that match your existing slate can be extremely difficult. That’s why we recommend that you buy extras to set aside and use for repairs. 

4. Clay Tile Roofs

Clay tile roofs are common in South Florida. They are less expensive than slate roofs with nearly all the same benefits. They are known to be durable, but you’re likely to see more cracks and chips after hail strikes than you would with slate. Clay tiles will also break when walked on. 

Clay tile roofs are very useful for property owners who are looking for an energy-efficient roof that prevents the hot sun from seeping indoors. They do not absorb the rays of the sun like asphalt shingles and do even better at blocking the heat than metal.

5. Cement Tile Roof

Concrete roofs are a smart choice for Florida properties on the coastline. They’re stronger than clay tiles which is a happy benefit if you suffer from hail storms. Concrete tile is also fire resistant and handles strong wind well.

The only drawback to cement roofs is that they are coated with an enamel that will eventually chip or wear off. That may take about 50 years if you’re lucky, but most manufacturers do not cover them with a warranty for that long. 

6. Metal Roofs

We’ve left the best for last! Metal roofs are a moderately priced material that offers the strength and resilience you need with a ton of stylish options to choose from. As a material, metal is the strongest you can choose when picking your roof, offering protection against 160mph winds.

It is a classic look that has been used for centuries to adorn homes, businesses, churches, and landmarks alike. Now more than ever, metal roofs have been designed to withstand the elements with ease and reflect the heat. 

Metal roofs are low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean “no maintenance”. Regular inspections are essential because rust will compromise the durability and longevity of your metal roof. If the protective coating is compromised, corrosion will result. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to fill in those scratches!  

Roof Replacement in Miami, Dade, Broward, and West Palm Beach

Now that you have an overview of the different types of roofs: If you need a new roof installed on your residential or commercial property, turn to a reliable roofing company. Roofing Recovery is one of the outstanding roofing contractors in South Florida with superb quality, customer service, and extensive experience. Call 954-799-4069 to request a quote today!

Metal roofing is for homeowners and businesses that want an attractive roof that can regulate indoor temperature and protect your property for a few decades. But they aren’t all rainbows and sunshine; to keep them functioning and looking good while they do it, metal roofs require frequent (but minor) maintenance.

If you are looking to buy a metal roof or have one and want to learn more about it, we have collected the top pros and cons of metal roofing for you!

The Pros of Metal Roofing

Styles

When you think about a metal roof, an image of tin sheets may come to mind, but that is hardly the only look available today.

Metal roofs have come far in recent years with a wide variety of colors and designs that mimic shingles, slate, tile, and shake! Odds are, you have neighbors with metal roofs and never noticed.

Durability

Metal roofing is being made to last longer than ever! With new protective coatings, innovative brands like Galvalume® are much more resistant to corrosion and natural wear and tear.

A corrugated metal roof in Florida will last anywhere between 40 to 50 years. That’s right in between asphalt shingles (15 years) and clay tile (100 years). Depending on how old you are, a metal roof will last the rest of your life!

Energy efficiency

You don’t just save energy, you save money. With a metal roof, you can pay 20% less on your energy cost annually.

The modern cool paint technology that many manufacturers use today reflects up to 85% of heat from the sun. On an 80-degree day in the Tampa Bay Area, a metal roof will only heat up to about 90°F degrees while asphalt shingles will cook at 130°F!

Environmentally friendly

Metal is a natural resource that can be 100% recycled. In fact, some metal roof manufacturers use recycled materials for their roof panels.

If you care about the environment, then a metal roof is a great alternative to asphalt shingles. Toxins from asphalt run off of your roof every time it rains, polluting your property! However, when you have a metal roof, the rainwater remains clean for plants and animals alike.

The Cons of Metal Roofing

A metal roof can have many disadvantages and issues. We can’t cover them all. But we will go over the most common problems, especially the ones that all other issues lead to.

Rust

Metal roofs are made of painted aluminum or galvanized steel. Any abrasion, scratch, or cut in the surface of the paint will tear away the protective coating, exposing the pure metal to the elements. Brands like Galvalume® roofing can help to control the spread of rust, giving you more protection and time to repair.

If the wrong combination of materials is used, dissimilar metal corrosion will occur. Steel doesn’t play nice with most metals, including copper and aluminum. And they don’t even have to touch. If water runs off of one onto another, it can cause rust to form.

A metal roof can entirely fail if a rusting problem is not remedied. When you own one, you should schedule a roof checkup once or twice a year. Your trusted roofing contractor will look for damage and repair it to prevent further deterioration.

Poor installation

This is not the time to save money by finding the cheapest roofers in town. Inexperienced roofers struggle with metal roofing material, and their poor installation can lead to devastating water damage.

If the screws are under-driven or off-center, the fasteners are not well set and leave openings for water to get in. Sometimes rookie roofers will not completely finish the roof and forget to add all of the flashing. Another common mistake we see from other contractors is large gaps left in between panels.

The best defense against a bad installation job is research. Pick the roofing material you want and make sure the roofers you hire are approved by that manufacturer. When a manufacturer backs up a roofing company like Roofing Recovery, you know that they have been trained to install that product perfectly.

Scratching and scuffing

It’s difficult to avoid scratching and scuffing. Foot traffic is the #1 cause, but hail and debris caused by severe storms can also be a problem.

Roof abrasions can be manually filled in with a paint pen from the manufacturer of the metal roofing material. If you don’t fix them, it will leave these areas vulnerable to corrosion.

Metal Roofing Installation Near Me

They are worth the effort if you’re willing to make it. If you invest in a metal roof, you must be prepared to stay on top of damage. Schedule an annual maintenance checkup so that you never forget.

If you own property in West Palm Beach, Broward, or Dade, and want a metal roof installed, replaced, or repaired, contact Roofing Recovery for consultation. With over 3 decades of experience, we have mastered the art of roofing. Be rest assured that your metal roof will be perfectly serviced by experts in the field who take pride in their craftsmanship and care about your full satisfaction.

An asphalt roof shingle roof is a budget-friendly option that has the shortest lifespans compared to metal and tile roofs. Since they last over a decade, it’s just enough to make the investment worth it for people who cannot afford stronger materials.

Architectural asphalt shingles are a step up from 3-tab asphalt shingles, but the pros and cons are still the same. Before you decide whether you want an asphalt shingle roof, let’s go over the advantages and disadvantages of this popular choice.

Pros of an Asphalt Shingle Roof

Asphalt is the most economical choice in roofing materials. It’s also the most common roof type in America for a few reasons including their price and decent lifespan. Let’s look at those benefits in more detail.

Cost-Effective

Nobody enjoys spending thousands of dollars on their home or business out of the blue. When your old shingles curl or your flashing rips and water is pouring into your home, a fast fix at the right price sounds like the perfect plan.

With shingles costing anywhere from $3 to $5 every square foot, it’s a sweet deal many can’t resist. To put it into perspective, a metal roof will run you $5 to $10 per square foot.

Maybe you’re trying to sell your home, and that old roof is turning off prospective buyers. An asphalt shingle roof is the most affordable option. When you add “Brand New Roof” to your listing, it’s going to make homebuyers’ eyes light up.

Adequate Protection

Let’s face it! Sometimes you just need a roof over your head. You don’t want anything fancy, just something that does the job.

Asphalt shingles are a solid choice for people who want a roof that simply protects their home or business from the elements. When properly installed, they are a surefire way to keep moisture out for over a decade.

Hundreds of Options

Asphalt shingles are fully customizable to suit your property and neighborhood. Many manufacturers make asphalt shingles, each with a large array of colors and styles. You can also choose between organic and fiberglass waterproof coatings.

Easy Installation and Repair

Asphalt shingles are lightweight and a piece of cake to cut. That makes them faster and easier to install and repair, which means less labor cost for you. If saving time is a big factor that weighs heavily on your roofing decisions, you’ll be pleased to know that we can do a full asphalt roof replacement in 2 days or less.

Cons of an Asphalt Shingle Roof

We won’t lie to you, Asphalt shingles are not our top choice in roofing materials. There are a lot of disadvantages to them, especially in Florida where hurricane winds will plague your area year after year.

Wind Damage

Asphalt shingles crack, lift, and blow off. When they are exposed to high temperatures during the Summer, it will eventually make the shingles brittle.

If your area experiences powerful storms with high winds, you need to choose your asphalt shingles wisely. We recommend you buy a higher-end shingle, specifically a Class A asphalt shingle with UL 2218 Class 3 and 4 impact resistance. That should hold off 130mph winds until the materials deteriorate through age, granule loss, and UV ray damage.

Overall, you’re better off with a metal roof because it can withstand winds up to 160mph. They also don’t blow off in tiny pieces that could injure people on the ground. Although a hurricane can damage every type of roof, a metal roof will bend or dent before it breaks and exposes your home to the elements. If you are interested in an upgrade, read the Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs.

Toxic Pollutants

They make asphalt from semi-solid petroleum that is not environmentally friendly at all. Shingles also contain asbestos and other nasty chemicals. When it rains, traces of these toxins can run off and pollute the soil. If you like to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs around your home, the idea of toxins might not appeal to you.

Some contractors may offer to recycle your old shingles so that they can be made into street pavement in the future. Ask your roofers if they can recycle your shingles.

Heat Absorbing

Asphalt shingles will actually heat more than the surrounding air. On an 80-degree day, your shingles will be 30 to 40 degrees hotter. That’s completely opposite to metal and tile which actually reflect heat and stay cooler.

This isn’t splendid news for your attic space or your energy bill. The best defense against this increased heat is a balanced ventilation system that supports ample airflow in your attic space. An expert roofing contractor will explain your options to make your roofing system as energy-efficient as possible.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing Installation and Repair in Dade, Broward, and West Palm Beach, Florida

If roofing materials make your head spin and you need answers fast, get in touch with local roofers you can trust! Roofing Recovery has been servicing your neighborhood for over 30 years and we can help you decide what roof will suit your taste and budget.

Tile roofing is the Mercedes Benz of roofing materials. You really can’t get better than tile. It’s long-lasting, thermal, strong, quiet, and easy to maintain. But there is a very good reason why it’s not on every building in the world. It’s expensive and heavy. It’s also not very DIY-friendly because of how easily tiles crack underfoot.

Before you decide if tile roofing is right for you, you need to read our list of pros and cons. First, let’s focus on the highlights.

Pros of Roof Tiles

Long Lifespan

You may live your entire life without ever needing to replace your roof! Talk about a low-maintenance solution!

Roof tiles can last 75 to 100 years or more. Clay tiles typically last longer than concrete tiles. There are clay roofs in Asia that have been known to last hundreds of years!

Heat Distribution

Concrete and clay tiles regulate the internal temperatures of your home. They prevent heat flux transfer from the sun to your attic and actually reflect over 75% of the heat, lowering the indoor temperature and the energy cost to cool your home in the warm weather months.

Like a kiln, in the wintertime, tile roofing holds more heat inside. You use less energy to keep your house warm because it’s not escaping like it would with other roofing options.

Strength

Due to their mass and density, concrete and clay tiles are extremely durable when facing the elements. Unlike their asphalt and metal alternatives, they stand up to UV rays, rain, and wind like a champ.

Outdoor Sound Reduction

Tile roofing has been tested to reduce the noise of outdoor sounds by 30 decibels, offering you a quieter living experience, even if you live in high-traffic areas or near an airport.

Easy Repair

Once a tile is cracked or broken, the risk of water leaking in is high. If it’s a small crack or hole, it can be filled with plastic roofing cement. If a single tile is beyond repair, the tile is carefully removed, roofing cement is put down and a new tile takes its place.

Cons of Roof Tiles

Clay and concrete tile don’t have many cons to it. It’s a highly protective roofing material that lasts a lifetime. However, there are a few drawbacks you should know about before choosing to have a tile roof installed on your property.

Paper Replacement

The paper under the tiles will need to be replaced every 20 to 30 years. That means a professional roofing contractor will remove all of the tiles carefully from your roof, discard the old paper, and lay down the new paper. Then, the original tiles can be reinstalled.

Broken Tiles

Simply walking on the roof can crack the tile. There are a number of techniques out there that roofers use to get across a tile roof without harming the clay, but accidents still happen. If you are not a trained professional, you should never climb up on your own roof.

Improperly treading across will damage your beautiful tile. They are designed to withstand Mother Nature, not over 150 lbs of pressure from one foot. So keep off!

Also, if a tree limb or other heavy flying debris were to strike your roof during a storm, you may have to replace a few tiles. It’s a good idea to buy more tiles than you need when your roof is installed and keep them in a safe place. This way, when repairs are needed, you have more on hand.

Weight

A tile roof is heavy, and not all buildings are capable of handling the weight. To put it into comparison for you, a 10×10 foot square of asphalt shingles weighs approximately 200 lbs. The same square of tile roofing will weigh 3 to 5 times that amount. That’s 1,000lbs above your head at any given moment. There is no doubt that you will want to be 200% certain that the roof’s rafters and the building’s infrastructure are able to hold it. That’s why it’s imperative to hire experts with decades of experience under their belt when you have a tile roof installed.

Expense

The initial cost of a tile roof will be significantly more than an asphalt shingle roof. But when you consider that an asphalt roof will last a maximum of 20 years, the total cost evens out. The amount of money you will spend on your roof in your lifetime is less when you choose a tile roof because they are low maintenance, cheaper to repair, and last up to five times longer.

If your house can support the weight of tile roofing and it’s within your budget, it is an economical investment in the long run, especially since it saves on energy costs. However, since it has a high initial price tag, many people can’t afford the expense and choose asphalt because it’s cheap. But you get what you pay for.

Roofing Recovery Can Install and Repair Your Tile Roofing in the Dade, Broward, and West Palm Beach Area, Florida

Looking for a reputable roofing contractor for a tile roofing installation? Roofing Recovery is one of the outstanding roofing contractors in South Florida with superb quality, customer service, and extensive experience. Call 954-799-4069 to request a quote today!