What are the Best Roof Shingles for Florida?

How to select the best roof shingles for your Florida home
 

What are the Best Roof Shingles for Florida?

How to select the best roof shingles for your Florida home
What are the Best Roof Shingles for Florida?

In Florida, you typically have two choices of shingles for your roof: architectural shingles or 3-tab shingles. Architectural Shingles are the best shingles for Florida because they have a longer lifespan and better durability than 3-tab shingles. Additionally, the price difference is not significant. Architectural shingles are great for homeowners who want shingles but need their roof to withstand harsh weather and intense humidity.

Architectural versus three-tab roof graphic

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ROOF SHINGLES IN FLORIDA

Florida’s humidity and weather are major causes of a shortened roof lifespan. Selecting the best roof type, ensuring proper installation, and following up with consistent care will help your roof fight off damage caused by Florida’s climate.

Harsh Weather and Durability

Florida’s consistent rainfall and storms cause roofs and shingles to take quite a beating. They have to be expertly installed and maintained to keep their look and effectiveness over time. It also means that we recommend the most durable shingles from the get-go to mitigate the amount of maintenance required in the future.

Algae-Resistant Shingles

The state of Florida requires that all roofs be installed with Algae-Resistant shingles. Many other states don’t have this requirement, but we would use algae-resistant shingles even if it wasn’t mandatory. Algae-resistant shingles offer a superior level of durability for a longer-lasting roof.

FLORIDA’S BEST ROOFING SHINGLES BRANDS

When it comes to shingle brands, CertainTeed is the preferred option because they create a heavier shingle. This makes your roof more reliable during heavy storms and increases its overall durability.

CertainTeed creates a reliable shingle and their business practices are just as reliable. They have never had a class-action suit and their warranties are the best in the business.

We also install both GAF and Owens Corning shingles upon request, but these brands tend to be more expensive than CertainTeed. At Central Homes Roofing, we want to install the best roof shingles for your home at the best price possible. That’s why we recommend CertainTeed.

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Shingle company comparison graphic

SHINGLES AFFECT ON HOME TEMPERATURE?

Shingles affecting the temperature in your home is a myth and a sales tactic. The temperature in your home is dependent on the age of your air conditioning unit, proper ventilation in your attic, and the age of your doors and windows. We do not recommend paying extra for white “Energy Star” shingles.

ARE ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES LESS LIKELY TO BE DAMAGED IN A STORM OR HURRICANE?

Architectural shingles are far less likely to blow away in a storm because those shingles are all one piece, unlike the 3 tabs. The 3 tabs have tabs that flip and flop in heavy winds leading to a higher likelihood of damage during harsh Florida storms.

Architectural shingles can withstand up to 130mph winds when secured with six nails, equivalent to what it would endure in a category 5 hurricane.

Three-tab wind damage on roof of house

HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT THESE SHINGLES TO LAST BEFORE NEEDING A REPLACEMENT?

In Florida, you can expect your shingles to last between 10 and 20 years depending on the type:

  • 3 Tab Shingles: 10 to 15 years
  • Architectural Shingles: 15 to 20 years

With proper maintenance, you can prolong the life of your architectural shingles even further. Maintenance packages usually include cleaning gutters and roof, caulking any cracked areas or nail pops, and using a soft wash chemical to kill off algae. This costs an average of .24 to .30 cents per square foot.

Hurricanes and hail will shorten the lifespan of your shingles. However, by using more durable shingles like architectural shingles your roof stands a better chance against the elements.

Check your homeowner’s insurance policy. Most will cover your roof, especially in the case that it needs repair or replacement within the first ten years of installation. Insurance coverage for roofs depends entirely on your policy and the situation.

When should your roof be replaced?

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WHEN I EVENTUALLY GET A REPLACEMENT, WILL I NEED TO REPLACE ALL OF THE SHINGLES OR JUST ONES THAT SHOW WEAR AND TEAR?

If it’s just a few shingles that are showing damage, it may be in your best interest to simply hire a contractor to replace those. However, if there’s a large number of damaged shingles, you may need to completely replace the roof.

We recommend replacing the roof entirely when you have had several active leaks in different areas. That is a sign that the roof is beyond repair. Contact us if you’ve noticed damaged shingles or leaks in your home.

ARE THESE SHINGLES MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE ALTERNATIVE(S)?

All of the Architectural shingles are about the same price. The architectural shingles are only a couple hundred dollars more than a 3 tab. That is why we recommend always going with an architectural shingle over a 3 tab because the cost difference is very small and will result in a longer-lasting, more durable roof.

DO I HAVE DIFFERENT COLOR OPTIONS?

Central Homes Roofing offers roughly 35 color options – they are different shades of brown, black and gray.

Choose your shingle colors wisely as it will likely be on your roof for upward of 15 years. That’s a commitment, so make sure you love the way it looks.

Consider the color of your home. For example, pair a light gray house with a black, blue or gray shingle.

Light shingle colors can make a house appear larger, with darker colors having the opposite effect.

 

 

Roof color swatches graphic

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES?

Architectural shingles are easier and faster to install than 3-tab shingles. All roof replacements are broken into a series of phases:

  • The old roof will need to be removed.
  • Any problems will be repaired.
  • A protective barrier will be placed.
  • New shingles will be installed.

Your roofing company will be able to give you a projected timeline for your roof replacement.

IS THIS THE MOST COMMON CHOICE FOR SHINGLES IN FLORIDA (WILL THE STYLE MATCH THAT OF MY NEIGHBORS)?

Architectural shingles are by far the most common style in Florida. In fact, most HOAs are making it mandatory to only install architectural shingles. We always recommend checking in with your HOA about manufacturer and color before we begin the re-roofing process. Going against HOA guidelines can be a costly mistake that can otherwise be easily avoided.

Have questions about the best roof shingles for Florida?
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