What Type Of Roofing Material Is Best? Tile, Shingle, Metal?
The type of roofing material you select for your Custom Home is important. In Central Florida the choice usually comes down to Shingle, Lightweight Concrete Tile or Metal. Other materials such as wood (cedar) or plastic polymer are just not suitable for our climate conditions.
The first hurdle, what material matches the architectural style of the home you want to build? Somehow, a shingle roof just never looks quite right on a Mediterranean style home and a metal roof is the product of choice on a Florida traditional or coastal style. With other home styles, you can use a flat concrete tile on a shingle and it will look great!
What’s the next decision? How long will the roofing material last?
Fiberglass shingle- I don't care what the manufacturer says, in the Orlando area a shingle roof only lasts about 18 years, if you are lucky. The norm is 15 years. I know, the manufacturer will try and sell you the new and improved thicker shingle with the 30 year warranty but don’t believe it! Their warranty isn’t worth the powder to blow it to hell! It’s only going to last up to 18 years, no matter what. The intense Florida sun just knocks the crap out of shingles.
Lightweight concrete and clay tile- is going to last a long time. Basically, the tile doesn't wear out its what’s under it that counts, the underlayment. Most tile roofs will last 30+ years if installed properly. A color through tile is best rather that a top glaze.
Metal roofing- normally lasts approximately 30 years depending upon the product you select. Like tile, the life of the roof really depend upon what was installed under the metal because the product you normally see is not completely water proof. Water leaks down to the underlayment below and drains out until the underlayment wears out.
Let’s talk about underlayment. For years, the only product available was an asphalt material call a base sheet. Builders installed a 15 or 30lb tar paper with a 43lb base sheet (heavy tar paper with granules) over. The 15-30lb paper was just to dry in the structure during the framing stage and the 43lb base sheet was an integral part of the tile roofing system. The problem, the underlayment wasn’t self sealing and didn't last long enough. Over time it became brittle and subject to leaking. About 10 years ago a new product came on the market that is a rubberized roofing membrane. It has a peal away backing and sticks to the roof sheathing. It is also self sealing so and tile fasteners are sealed when they penetrate the underlayment. It’s a great product and extends the life of any roofing system. It can be installed under shingles, tile or metal roof. Frankly, it's the only way to go. Sure you can cheap out with normal tar paper but it will bite you in the end.
Additionally, the new rubberized underlayment is a secondary barrier if the top material gets damage in a storm. It’s not going to blow away like the 15-30lb tar paper because it stuck to the roof sheathing.
Cost: As you probably suspected, shingles are the least expensive followed by metal roofing, concrete tile then clay. Your product choice is determined by home style and how much you want to invest in your roof?
Have an awesome day!
Mike
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