When building a Sarasota custom home – or renovating an existing home – the materials used to construct your roof may not come to mind as your top design decision.
However, the roof is a critical element is your home’s overall structure. After all, if the roof is not sound, the entire home is vulnerable to water intrusion, inefficient heating and cooling, and interior erosion. Knowing this, does your roofing material choice matter?
The Basics of Roofing Materials
There are five basic types of roofing materials: asphalt shingle, clay tile, metal, stone/slate and wood. Although some homeowners do choose wood for their Sarasota roof construction, it is very rare in this climate, so we will exclude from our discussion.
It is important to point out that a quality built roof by a qualified general contractor should last you for decades, no matter the material. At Lindahl Construction, our experts are experienced professionals who are committed to excellence. Therefore, these descriptions speak more to the nuances, pros and cons of each roofing material. No matter which you choose for your new roof installation, you should enjoy many years of beauty and protection.
- Asphalt shingle roofs are very common in the South Florida region. They are the most cost effective of all the roofing material options, and are relatively easy to maintain and repair as you can fix a single shingle if necessary. Traditionally, shingles only came in the familiar gray palette – however today you can purchase shingles in a variety of colors and textures. Shingles are made with a fiberglass or cellulose mat, petroleum based asphalt and covered with a mix of ceramic and mineral granules which reflect heat. You can further coat an asphalt shingle roof with a U coating which will help it to reflect even more heat. New shingle roofs are expected to last approximately 30 years, although severe weather may damage individual tiles or cause erosion of the granules.
- Clay tile roofs are among the most popular for luxury homes, especially those who choose Mediterranean architectural design. Like all roofing, the tiles are the third layer of protection on your roof, installed on top of a mat underlayment, which in turn is attached to the roof deck. Therefore losing tiles in a hurricane will not automatically cause water intrusion, although they should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent subsequent intrusion. Tiles come in a variety of colors and are aesthetically beautiful – they are also less susceptible to the algae or mold which an asphalt roof can exhibit. However, clay tiles are more vulnerable to damage, often cracking when struck with a falling tree branch – or under the weight of a human walking on the roof. Clay tile can last up to about 40 years if not damaged by an act of God.
- Metal roofs are gaining in popularity, both for unique aesthetic design and durability. A metal roof is estimated to last for up to a century, meaning you should never have to replace it; and even possible damage is thought to be quite limited. (Of course, a direct hurricane strike is always a variable which cannot be predicted.) Metal roofs are considered one of the more expensive options, but are energy efficient, reflective, and long-lasting.
- Stone or slate roofs are the longest lasting – let’s face it, some historical homes are hundreds of years old and still sport their original stone roof – but also have their own design challenges. For one thing, the weight of the material requires a reinforced roof decking. Stone and slate is gorgeous and will keep your home cooler in summer heat – but can be the most expensive option. But for many luxury home owners, the resilience and uniqueness of a slate roof is worth it.
So which roofing material is best for your Sarasota home? That all depends on your style, preference and budget. When making your decision, be sure to speak to your roofing contractor about costs, benefits, longevity and warranties; then speak to your insurance agent as to any benefits of one material over another. No matter which design you choose, Lindahl Construction is a great choice to build your Sarasota or Longboat Key custom home.