The extreme climatic conditions of St. Petersburg, Florida make it necessary for homeowners to consider the pros and cons of different roofing materials thoroughly. It should be sturdy enough to resist the storms and frequent hurricanes in this area. The material should be water-resistant to a great extent, as Florida experiences continual rains throughout the year. The severe heat of the coastal area necessitates the choosing of a robust material that will not warp in the heat. As Florida lies along the coastal area the wind is always salty. So, the homeowners go for roofing materials that are impervious to the corrosive quality of salt. Bearing in mind, these facts we can consider the roofing materials on a priority basis.
1. Concrete Tiles
Concrete is unaffected by salt. So, you can count corrosion out. It is sturdy, and storms and hurricanes will have little effect on them. Florida is very damp throughout the year due to frequent rains. Concrete incurs little or no water damage. Roof leaks are unheard of in the case of a concrete roof. The concrete is fire-resistant. It stands up to floods also. It is one of the most durable roofing materials. Insects and pests will not damage a concrete roof. These aspects of concrete make it the favorite of homeowners.
However, a concrete roof may not look very stylish, even if it is very functional in Florida’s climate. The weight of concrete is also a liability. You will have to install sturdier roof frames that would bear the weight of the concrete tiles. It costs extra expense. Installation of a concrete roof, on the whole, is expensive. When considering the durability and other benefits of concrete, the upfront cost does not pinch the homeowner much.
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2. Slate Tiles
The most attractive aspect of slate tiles is their sophisticated look. A slate roof lends a special elegance to all architectural styles. It is durable also. Slate can be termed as life-long because you can expect the slate roof to last through the life span of a human being. The slate roof is not flammable, and so, it is very safe.
Like the concrete tiles, slate also is highly wind resistant. It sustains little water and flood damages. The heat of Florida does not affect slate tiles. So, you don’t have to worry about discoloration. The slate roof also defies pest invasion. Its capacity to withstand salty wind from the sea is another advantage to Florida homeowners. Apart from this, slate is a natural material. So, it is a green roofing option.
These multiple advantages cannot, however, discount its disadvantages. Slate is heavy, and so it requires an extra-strong roof structure. Another downside of slate is its breakability. In case of any added installations on the roof, the workers have to be extra careful about walking on a slate roof. Flying debris during a storm also can hurt your slate roof. Violent hail storms also can affect a slate roof adversely.
3. Metal Roof
Metal roofs are very suitable for Florida conditions. It does not have many of the downsides of concrete and slate. Metal sheets are very light and so you don’t need to spend extra dollars to strengthen your roof frame. All the same, metal is highly durable. The most important advantage of a metal roof is its energy conservation. In summer it reflects the sunlight and keeps the inside of your home cool. During winter it does not allow the heat from your hearth to escape, thus keeping your home warm.
Besides, it is also fire-proof. Metal resists rot and water damage. As the heat reflectance of metal is high, it is not impacted much by Florida’s arid weather. Metal resists strong wind to a certain extent, even it is not as much as concrete or slate. It is not as stylish as slate but more visually attractive than concrete.
4. Clay Tiles
Clay tile is another option for Florida roofing. It can stand up to storms. Clay is not affected by rainstorms and relentless Florida sun as these tiles are made in scorching furnaces. Sun does not affect the color or texture of clay tiles.
The clay gives your roof an unaffected elegance with its natural color tones. It does not rot or absorb water. It is a great vermin repellant and fire-resistant. Clay tiles are durable with a life span of more than 50 years. The clay tiles are easy to replace as they are small units.
Despite all these advantages, its disadvantages cannot be overlooked. The heavy clay tiles will need a sturdy frame. Working on a clay-tiled roof is risky as they are highly breakable. Flying tree limbs and hails storms are also injurious to the clay roof.
5. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt tiles are the most favored roofing option all over the country by the virtue of their affordability. It is very light and you can install them on an ordinary frame. Maintenance of asphalt tiles is easy and it is available in many beautiful shades of color. It has a service life of 20 + years.
However, they are affected easily by the Florida sun and rain. The frequent and unexpected storms will wreak havoc on the asphalt roof. Unless constant attention is given to your asphalt roof it is likely to deteriorate easily. All the same, the low initial expenditure is an attraction to homeowners.
