The Evolution of Florida Roofing: Why Homeowners Are Trading Asphalt Shingles for Metal Roofing Systems
For decades, asphalt shingles have been the roofing material of choice for most homeowners across the United States due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. But a major shift has been observed in Florida, where an increasing number of homeowners are replacing these conventional roofing systems with metal ones. This transformation can be attributed to several compelling factors that we shall delve into.
Impact of Florida’s Climate on Asphalt Shingles
Florida’s tropical climate, characterized by intense heat and high humidity, inflicts substantial damage on asphalt shingles. While these shingles may last up to 30 years in colder climates, in Florida, they tend to succumb to wear and tear within a span of 15 years. This is largely because the relentless UV radiation breaks down the material, causing it to become brittle, leading to premature failure. Conversely, metal roofs display extraordinary resilience, offering homeowners much-needed peace of mind.
The Superiority of Metal Roofs over Asphalt Shingles
The superiority of metal roofs over their asphalt counterparts can be attributed to their enhanced resistance against UV rays. This attribute is particularly advantageous in the Gulf Coast and Florida’s Atlantic Coast regions where sunlight is abundant.
Insurance Requirements and Roofing Systems
Florida, with its susceptibility to hurricanes and high winds, presents unique challenges for homeowners. Asphalt shingles, despite being cheaper, fail to withstand such adversities and have shorter lifespans in the sultry Florida summers.
Asphalt shingles, owing to their water-absorption propensity, can ripple or buckle under wet conditions, similar to what you’d observe with a paper towel placed on wet paint. Further, they are prone to cracking under heavy snowfall.
Insurances companies’ reluctance to insure homes with asphalt shingle roofs older than 15 years adds another compelling reason for homeowners to consider metal roofing systems. In many instances, homeowners must replace their roofs to maintain their homeowners insurance policy, making durable and long-lasting metal roofs an increasingly attractive option.
Metal Roofs: Durability and Resilience
Metal roofs, with their unrivaled longevity and durability, make a compelling case for homeowners. They can withstand several decades without needing repairs or replacement, significantly outlasting asphalt shingles. Furthermore, they are impervious to fire damage, a trait not commonly shared with most synthetic materials. Metal roofs are resistant to combustion, making them a safer alternative for homes.
Environmental Impact and Resale Value
When considering the environment, metal roofs prove to be a more sustainable choice over asphalt shingles. The former, with their exceptional lifespan, need replacement far less frequently than the latter, reducing landfill waste and conserving valuable resources.
Moreover, a metal roof can enhance the resale value of your property. Given that a metal roof can last for up to 50 years or more, it becomes a selling point, offering potential buyers a durable and Eco-friendly roofing solution.
Varied Aesthetic Choices with Metal Roofs
A vast array of colors, patterns, and styles are available for metal roofs, enhancing the architectural aesthetic of your home. Smooth, textured, or pebble-textured options, each with its unique advantages, are available to homeowners. Additionally, metal roofs can be molded into various shapes and profiles, perfectly suited to diverse architectural styles.
Conclusion
The benefits of metal roofs clearly outweigh those of asphalt shingles or other roofing materials in Florida’s demanding climate. If you reside in Orlando and are considering a roof replacement, a metal roof could be the ideal solution for you. To learn more about the benefits of metal roofing systems, contact Gold Key Roofing Orlando at (407)851-0680 or schedule a free roofing consultation online here: https://goldkeyroofing.com/free-quote-request/
About Gold Key Roofing
Our highly trained, certified roofing professionals inspect, test, evaluate and calculate all the necessary data from your project to provide your home with the ultimate protection – providing you with time-tested peace of mind.
In an industry where many roofers are in business today and out-of-business tomorrow, it is unusual to find a company like Gold Key Roofing with our experience and proven record of quality and reliability since 1975.
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