If you have determined your home’s structure and your HOA are both in favor of exploring other roof types you’ll want to consider the following factors:
- Resistance to hurricane-force winds
- Hail resistance
- Long-term durability against elements
Due to its strength and durability, tile roofs meet all the criteria of the optimal Florida roof. Let’s dive into the other benefits.
THE BENEFITS OF TILE ROOFS
Tile roofs are durable making them a gold standard. Plus, besides the obvious durability and cost concerns, tile also wins based on variety alone. You have a variety of styles and colors to pick from making tile adaptable to any home’s aesthetic.
LONG-LASTING
You want a roof that will withstand Florida’s thunderstorms and hurricanes. Long term durability is a major benefit of installing a tile roof. There are centuries-old tile roofs still intact and going strong.
With a tile roof you know you’re protected against hail, rain, and hurricane-force winds.
LOW LONG-TERM COSTS
Tile roofs have a lower lifetime cost than all other roofing options. With a new tile roof, insurance premiums will often be lower. Plus, you can expect fewer repairs over its lifespan if the roof has been installed correctly..
Interested in a tile roof for your home?
DRAWBACKS TO TILE ROOFS
As we’ve already mentioned, tile roofs are longer-lasting, durable and low-maintenance. However, they do have some drawbacks. The most significant is the initial cost of installation.
INITIAL COSTS
Tile roofs may cost two to three times the price of alternative roofing materials, like shingles. 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. A shingle roof is unlikely to last as long as a tile roof, hence the lower price. But a tile roof is still the more expensive option by far.
It may be pricey upfront, but (if installed correctly) the low-hassle nature of a tile roof will make the bigger price tag worth it in the long run. You’ll have fewer replacements in your time in owning the home, making it an investment well worth the cost. It’s important you ensure your contractor is reputable and has correctly installed your roof. If your roof has been incorrectly installed it will result in more maintenance and headaches down the road.
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. You’ll need to consult with a structural engineer to determine if your home can stand up to the weight of a tile roof. Your roof’s ability to support weight, unfortunately, isn’t something you’ll be able to judge on your own.
You’ll need to speak to an engineer about adding structural reinforcement if you’re set on a tile roof despite your home’s inability to support the weight. Remember to check with your HOA before getting invested in tile roofing. If your neighborhood consists of shingle roofs, it’s unlikely you can install a tile roof on your home.
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 so be sure to have an inspection after a hurricane. This makes tile roofing 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 contracts when there are discrepancies in color variation or small defects in a batch of tiles. These manufacturers want to secure business with roofing contractors and will work with them to ensure the customer stays happy.
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 with enough variety to match the preferences of any homeowner.
THE BEST TYPE OF TILE ROOFS FOR FLORIDA
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, and flat tiles, and clay tiles. The question is: Which type of roof tile is better for Florida?
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 are a more common alternative to clay tiles. Concrete tiles hold the same aesthetic appeal and durability. Concrete tiles will hold up better than clay tiles because clay tiles are less durable.
This type of tile roof is heavier than other options. You’ll need to talk with a roofing expert to decide what option is best for you.
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, which can inevitably cause 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 because the tile itself does not help conserve energy enough to make a difference. 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 air flow 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 perform the installation of 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 if it will be the roof on your home for many years to come. Most roofing contractors will gladly send you a sample kit as you make your decision.
Step Two
Your roofing contractor will schedule a start date for when the current roof will be removed from your home. 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 professional begins the installation process. Tarps and plywood will be placed at driveways in order to protect your driveway form dumpsters and building materials. Tarps will also be placed around plants, shrubs, and over grass for best protection.
Step Five
Your 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.
“Francisco is an amazing contractor and his company and crews are just as good. Had to opportunity to experience his work at home in Windermere and the office building in Altamonte Springs. Both flooring and tile work were fantastic. Helped with selection and got job done quickly.”