Roofs

When it’s time to replace your roof, you have several material options. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, but tile, concrete, copper, slate, and even wood are also possibilities. To know which roofing material you need to choose, you must compare the material’s strengths and weaknesses with what you need in your climate. For example, here in central Florida, roofs must be able to withstand extreme heat, high humidity, algae buildup, and high winds.

Clay tiles check off all the boxes as a premium roofing material for Florida’s climate. (more…)

Building a home in Florida has very unique considerations. The hot and humid climate means roofs must be resistant to extreme heat, moisture, and algae buildup from the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Even if a roof can withstand all that, it still may fall victim to another of Mother Nature’s villains — high winds. 

How fast does the wind get in Florida?

A strong thunderstorm is enough to stir up some pretty serious winds, but it’s the hurricanes that really take it up a notch. Hurricane winds in Florida have been recorded as high as 185 miles per hour, and that’s fast enough to cause major devastation. (more…)

Your roof is one of the most expensive parts of your house, which is why it is such a big factor in your home’s overall value. Whether it be old, improperly installed, or poorly maintained, a bad roof can allow water and debris to enter your home, causing mold, structural damage, and safety hazards.

Here in Florida, roofs are also subject to algae accumulation. Because of this, roofing materials that are used here must be algae-resistant to protect them from the damage that algae buildup causes.

Some of the most popular roofing materials to use here in the Sunshine State include: (more…)

Your home is one of your biggest assets, so it’s no surprise that you want to do all you can to protect it from damage! One of the best ways to do this for the exterior of your home is to install a sound gutter system. 

What do gutters do?

Gutters ensure proper and adequate drainage of rainwater off of your roof. Gutters also route this water away from your home’s foundation and into an appropriate area. Since a new roof can cost tens of thousands of dollars, installing a high-quality gutter system is imperative to protect your investment. (more…)

Being one of the first things people see when they look at your home, your roof is an important factor in your home’s curb appeal. An old, dilapidated roof can decrease your home’s value by thousands of dollars. Even worse, an improperly installed or ill-maintained roof can leave your home open to infiltration of water, and if not repaired even structural damage.

Roofs in Florida have the extra requirement of being algae-resistant. Officials added this requirement due to the frequent occurrence of algae buildup on roofs, especially those near coastal areas, and the extensive damage this causes. (more…)

Hurricane season is in full swing, and we’ve already had over 10 named storms in the Atlantic this year. When a hurricane is headed your way (and they always are in Florida) it’s important to prepare for possible roof damage. Follow these tips to minimize damage and get a head start on repairs to your roof during a hurricane:

• Check your insurance policy

Before a storm hits, discover how much insurance coverage you have for hurricane damage. If you don’t understand your policy documents, call your insurance agent right away and they should be able to explain everything to you. One of the most important pieces of information to gather is your deductible for storm damage since that’s the amount that you will have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage picks up the tab.
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Your roof makes a big statement about your home and its value. As one of a home’s most expensive and visible features, you want a roof that is sturdy, stable, and attractive. Florida’s hot, humid climate poses unique challenges for roofers, as some roofing materials just can’t stand up to the blazing sun or hurricane-force winds. Roofing materials must meet strict standards set forth by the Florida Building Code, including the unique requirement that all roofing materials be algae-resistant. The most popular materials used for roofs in Florida are:

• Shingles

Shingles stand strong as the most popular roofing material in Florida. Known for their durability and affordability, shingles can withstand brutal temperatures and high winds. As long as they are installed correctly, shingles can tolerate winds of 150+ mph, are waterproof, and receive up to a Class A fire rating. If you choose shingles for your roofing project, opt for asphalt, fiberglass, or laminate. Consider installing lifetime premium shingles (if money is not an obstacle). Avoid 3-tab shingles as they are too flimsy for Florida’s high winds and heavy rain, especially considering high-quality laminate shingles cost only a little more. Most shingles will last 15-20 years. (more…)

Decided to get solar panels and if you should get a new roof first? Many people choose to
get a new roof before solar panel installation. Whether you’re considering adding a solar
panel system to a commercial building or a residence, it’s easier than ever to install solar
panels on a roof.
Depending on the type of roof you have will determine how your solar panels are installed,
as each roof type requires a specific solar panel installation process.

See the below popular 4 roof types to learn more.

Shingle

Asphalt shingle roofs last between 15 and 30 years. Solar panels are attached using panel
mounts, the roof is sealed, and flashing is added to prevent water leaks.

Tile

Slate, clay, and concrete tile roofs last between 30 and 40 years. Tiles must be removed to
install solar panels on a tile roof, which are either replaced or modified to accommodate
the panels.

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Asphalt shingles are by and large the most popular roofing material in the great state of Florida. Even with several other roofing materials readily available on the market, asphalt shingles still reign supreme. But why? There are lots of reasons shingles are viewed as the best roofing material in most applications, including:

1. Affordability

Asphalt shingles have long been the gold standard for roofing application and are widely available nationwide, so their cost is lower than all other roofing materials. While the cost of different types of asphalt shingle roofing can vary greatly, it’s hard to beat them overall in terms of cost-effectiveness.

2. Versatility

Asphalt shingles can be used in almost any roofing application and design. They are easily cut into any shape to cover all the creases and dips of your roof seamlessly.

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If your roof is having problems, you have two options: rip off your existing roof and install a new one or lay your new roof down on top of your old roof. In some cases, it’s best to add another layer to your flat roof, but not always. Here’s what you should know. 

What Is a Flat Roof?

A flat roof actually isn’t entirely flat, but it’s close. A “flat roof” is installed on a very subtle angle so that it appears flat but actually contains a slight slope. This slope allows rainwater to drain off the roof. It is for this reason that a flat roof is also often known as a low-slope roof.