Best Shingles for Florida Homes

The best shingles for Florida homes will be resilient against severe weather, energy-efficient, and long-lasting. Installing a shingle roof with these characteristics will have a significant impact on your family’s finances, as your choice of roofing material can affect your insurance rates, your monthly energy bill, and how much you spend on maintenance.

The best way to come to a wise long-term decision is to consult a roofing expert in your area with experience of its challenges who can recommend the best roof shingles for your project.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are affordable, durable, and versatile, making them a popular choice among homeowners who opt for shingle roofing. They come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and textures, allowing people to customize the look of their roofs to match their home’s architecture and boost its curb appeal.

Modern asphalt shingles offer a reasonable lifespan, typically ranging from 15 to 25 years. Professional installation by a trusted and respected roofing contractor will be key to extending this for as long as possible. This is especially true in Florida where intense UV exposure, humidity, and extreme weather conditions impact your shingles’ durability.

How to Maximize Asphalt Shingles’ Lifespan

The following are key factors in ensuring your asphalt roof shingles last as long as possible:

1. High-Quality Asphalt Shingles

Choose a high-quality asphalt shingle brand that offers durability and proven protection against Florida’s weather. Raising your initial budget slightly to allow for higher quality shingles will pay dividends as they offer:

• Wind and impact resistance: Expertly crafted shingles are designed to stay secure, making them ideal for Florida’s frequent storms.
• Heat reflectivity: Heat resistance and/or reflectivity will help regulate your home’s temperature and reduce energy costs.
• Algae resistance: Algae is unsightly and can impact your shingles over time.

One assurance of quality when looking for a roofing contractor is a certification from one of the leading shingle brands. We are proud of our CertainTeed Master Craftsman status, which guarantees excellence in material selection and roof installation. CertainTeed are the best shingles for your home based on our experience and customer feedback.

2. Proper Installation and Regular Maintenance

Expert installation and ongoing maintenance are two crucial factors in determining a roof’s lifespan in Florida. Always choose insured, licensed, and bonded roofing contractors with years of expertise behind them. Look for trusted and reliable roofers in your area with a proven record of high-quality work. This is vital as improper roof installation can lead to costly problems like leaks or even structural damage to your home. General contractors are permitted to install shingle roofs on new constructions in Florida.

It’s particularly important to get expert insight into the state of your asphalt shingles after severe weather as the durability of an asphalt shingle is most related to its asphalt coating (page 7 of the PDF). This outer layer is affected by oxidation and UV exposure over time and the loss of its outer granules will have a considerable impact on your shingles’ performance. Only an expert eye can catch signs of damage before they become a much bigger (and costlier) problem.

It is also important to maintain and monitor your roof regularly to catch minor issues before they turn into much more serious problems. This includes cleaning your gutters, checking for loose or damaged shingles, and scheduling an annual roof inspection.

Different Types of Asphalt Shingles

After deciding on asphalt shingles, you must then choose which type is best for your roof and budget.

3-Tab Shingles

3-tab shingles are a simple, single-layer type of asphalt shingles. These shingles are thinner and more lightweight than architectural shingles. While this makes them a budget-friendly option, they’re less durable and wind-resistant than architectural shingles and more prone to damage from high winds and heavy rain. These factors make architectural asphalt shingles a better overall choice for Florida homeowners.

Architectural Asphalt Shingles

Architectural asphalt shingles (AKA dimensional shingles) are a popular choice in Florida as their thicker composition offers better protection and increased durability against high winds and heavy rainfall. Many homeowners also find architectural shingles more aesthetically pleasing than simple 3-tab shingles. For this reason, they’re often required by HOAs.

Luxury Shingles

Luxury shingles are the most expensive type of asphalt shingles. They’re designed to look like other more expensive roofing materials like slate. Luxury shingles are made of the highest quality materials, meaning they’re an excellent choice for homeowners looking for the best possible protection for their homes.

Solar Shingles

Solar shingles are an innovative option for homeowners concerned about sustainability and energy efficiency. These shingles offer a green and renewable energy source and can reduce your utility bills. Ask your roofing contractor for guidance on whether your home would benefit from solar shingles.

Choosing an Asphalt Shingle Type

Your choice of asphalt shingle will impact the cost of a new roof considerably. However, the initial costs are only one factor when assessing the overall costs of a new roof. Higher-quality materials will likely require less maintenance over the years, making them a more cost-effective option over their lifespan.

Metal Roof Shingles

Metal roof shingles are one of the best materials for your roofing project due to their durability and strength against harsh weather conditions. Metal roof shingles can last for 50 years or more and offer a stylish alternative to regular asphalt shingles.

Metal roofs mimic the appearance of traditional asphalt shingles but are made from high-quality metals like steel. The steel sheets are coated with stone granules during manufacturing, giving them the texture and dimensions of asphalt shingles but without common drawbacks like cracking or warping.

Some of the disadvantages of metal roofs—like the potential for issues caused by thermal expansion and greater installation complexity—will be offset by choosing a highly skilled and trusted roofing contractor for your roof installation.

Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are one of the best options in terms of durability and curb appeal. They’re thick, solid, look natural, and can last a lifetime with minimal maintenance if installed correctly. Slate is an excellent option in Florida as it can withstand harsh weather conditions like rain storms, high winds, and extreme temperatures.

Slate shingles are typically square or rectangular. They also come in a range of colors to fit in with your home’s aesthetic or HOA regulations.

However, natural slate shingles are relatively heavy. This means they’re only suitable for certain types of roofs that can bear their weight. Slate shingles are also on the pricier side, meaning your initial costs will be higher.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are typically made of durable woods like cedar or redwood. Wooden shingles are rectangular, uniform in thickness and width, and offer a natural and rustic appearance. Many homeowners love the warm and organic look that complements more rustic architectural styles.

Wood shingles can last anywhere from 20-50 years. However, they may need more maintenance than other materials, especially in Florida’s humid tropical climate. This can make them susceptible to weather damage, warping, or even insect infestation. Always ask your trusted contractor for advice on whether wood shingles are recommended in your area.

Shingle Materials Compared

Take the following considerations into account when choosing materials for your roof replacement or new roof installation:

Feature	Asphalt Shingles	Metal Shingles	Slate Shingles	Wood Shingles
Cost	Low to moderate	Moderate to high	High	Moderate to high
Lifespan	15-25 years	25-50 years +	75-200 years +	20-50 years
Durability	Moderate. Susceptible to wind, hail, and temperature extremes.	High. Resistant to wind, hail, and fire.	Very high. Highly resistant to weather and fire.	Moderate. Susceptible to rot, insects, and fire. Requires maintenance.
Maintenance	Low. Periodic inspections and repairs.	Low. Minimal maintenance required.	Moderate to High. Requires skilled repairs.	High. Regular treatments and inspections required.
Aesthetics	Wide range of colors and styles.	Modern, sleek look. Various colors and styles.	Natural, elegant appearance.	Natural, rustic appearance.
Weight	Moderate	Light to moderate	Very heavy	Light to moderate
Fire Resistance	Moderate. Some fire-resistant options.	High. Non-combustible.	Very High. Non-combustible.	Low to Moderate. Can be treated for added fire resistance.
Sustainability	Moderate. Petroleum-based.	High recyclability. Energy efficient.	High. Natural material, long lifespan.	Moderate. Depends on sourcing and treatments.

FAQs

Which Are the Best Shingle Brands for Florida?

The best shingle brands for Florida are CertainTeed, GAF shingles, and Owens Corning shingles as they offer heavier and more durable options. Robust, thicker shingles will make your roof more secure during storms and lengthen its lifespan.

Can You Install Shingles on a Flat Roof?

You can’t install shingles on a flat roof as water doesn’t drain off them quickly enough. Premium flat roofing materials that offer lasting quality and protection include built-up roofs, modified bitumen, and single-ply membranes.

Seek Expert Advice Before Choosing Roofing Materials

Selecting the most optimal shingles for a Florida home is an investment in both protection and longevity. Whether opting for the durability of slate shingles, the proven resilience of architectural asphalt shingles, or the energy efficiency of metal shingles, homeowners must prioritize materials that can withstand hurricanes, torrential rains, and intense UV exposure.

The best shingles for your home will depend on a range of factors. Even the color of your shingles will be important. However, consulting experienced roofing professionals is the best way for Florida homeowners to ensure their roofs provide reliable protection and maintain their aesthetic appeal for years to come.