Whether you’re building a new home in Florida, doing a remodel or just replacing the roof, it helps to know what roofing material is going to not only look the best but also provide adequate protection from the elements. Your roof needs to effectively hold up to Florida’s punishing summer heat, humidity, daily thunderstorms and yes, hurricanes. It should also look aesthetically pleasing as well in order to maintain and increase curbside appeal and market value. Several options exist to attain the level of style and elegance your house deserves.
COPPER
Copper has been used for roofing as well as general architecture for thousands of years dating back to ancient Egypt. Both functional and amazingly stylish, its use was and is a sign of grace and prosperity. Tests conducted on 18th Century copper roofs in Europe have revealed the distinct possibility of this material lasting for a good thousand years, making it a very worthy investment. (Wikipedia) Today, copper is used throughout roofing systems, including gutters and downspouts, as well as in domes, spires, vaults and other design elements.
Besides its durability, a big selling point for copper roofing is the natural blue-green coloring, or patina, that appears over time due to oxidizing. The patina is also a protective coating that the copper produces. This process is what gives the copper a distinguished aged look as it grows in beauty and grace over the years. You may have noticed roofs that have a bit of sparkle and shine around southwest Florida. It’s a sign that the owners went the extra mile to install copper, as they possibly hope to create a piece of history in their community.
CLAY TILE
Clay tile is also a popular roofing option in Florida, shares Orlando-based Performance Roofing, as it not only stands up quite well to the elements, but also fits with the southwestern home design style that is seen in much of our local architecture. These tiles have an extremely long lifespan compared to traditional asphalt shingles. Clay roofs provide a beautiful and luxurious statement while complementing the natural design style of many area homes. Aside from bit of cleaning from time to time, clay tiles don’t need very much maintenance at all. Another appealing fact about clay tiles is that they are highly wind and fire-resistant.
Design Roofing in Miami shares additional advantages of a clay tile roof:
Solar Reflectance
Color Stay (non-fading)
Color Selection
Fungus and Mildew Resistant
Wind/ Weather Resistant
CONCRETE TILES
While providing a sophisticated look to your roof, concrete tiles also have additional water locks, or interlocking ribs on the edges, to prevent water infiltration, itself a key advantage here in Florida. Concrete tiles come in three main looks, shares Roof Cost Estimator:
Flat profile – no curves
Low Profile – small curves and has a rise to width ratio equal to 1:5 or less
High Profile: large curves and has a rise to width ratio greater than 1:5
Concrete tiles can simulate the appearance of traditional clay tiles, wood shake, slate and stone, and are resistant to the elements like hail, wind, and fire, making them a very safe roofing material when properly installed. Similar to clay, concrete tile surfaces can be textured or smooth, and tile edges can be ragged or uniform. They are a relatively newer option for your Florida roof, (You could be the first on the block to have one!) and are also low maintenance and durable.
It’s nice to know that in our beautiful yet challenging climate, that there are several options to choose from for the finishing touch, and crowning glory, atop your home. J. Sweet Construction can offer experienced advice backed with honesty and integrity, as to what would work best for you.