Whether building a new Sarasota home or renovating your current residence, the choice of which type of new roof you need is both an aesthetic and a practical decision.
Many people wonder which are the best roofing materials for our climate and region, given the heavy rainfalls and persistently strong UV rays. While it is important to have a beautiful roof which compliments your home, it is also critical to make sure the roof will be durable, easy to maintain, and that it fits your budget. With these criteria in mind, which type of roof is best for you?
Which Roofing Materials Will Work for Your Taste?
The good news is, these days all roofing materials provide a reasonable expectation of lasting at least 25-30 years, barring a major hurricane or other catastrophe. Most materials will offer you a longer lifespan. The key for all materials is not to cut corners on quality. The very few dollars you save could cost you a decade or more of effective roof life. Here are the basics of the most common roofing materials utilized for Sarasota and Longboat Key area homes.
- Asphalt Shingle: Traditionally asphalt shingle roofing has been the most commonly utilized material in Florida. This is due largely to the fact that it is so much more affordable, sometimes only 25-40% of the cost of a tile roof. However, the affordability came at a cost as shingle roofing lasted only 20 years on average, was prone to dirt, algae and moss, and had to have missing or deteriorating shingles replaced often. Shingle roofs could also look a more industrial and less stylish than other materials. However, new innovations in this type of roofing have given homeowner’s longer lasting and durable roofs, and improvements such as varied color palettes and UV protected coating are bringing shingles back into favor with homeowners.
- Clay Tile: Because of the pervasive Mediterranean design style in the Sarasota community, clay tile was the darling of every homeowner over the last twenty years. Although it was more expensive, these roofs were aesthetically superior in many ways- providing color, style and sophistication to custom homes. Clay tiles are inherently more durable than asphalt shingle and can last 40 years or more with proper maintenance. Still, clay tile is easily cracked when walked on, and may require a customer doing a renovation to reinforce their roof to withstand the added weight. Tile roofs resist algae and moss, and are required in many HOA communities.
- Metal: Although not as prevalent in traditional Sarasota home construction, many custom home builders look to metal for a distinctive look and character. Metal is exceptionally resilient and long-lasting, easily giving a homeowner 50 years of more of effective use. It is also energy efficient and contrary to popular belief, will not be any more noisy during rainstorms than tile or asphalt roofing. Metal roofing may be a bit more expensive, but many think well worth it, given its unique aesthetic, versatility and durability.
- Stone or Slate: This type of roofing is the “most of everything”. It is them most expensive option – but also the most distinctive, the most energy efficient and the most durable. Many Sarasota homes which are a century old still have their original slate or stone roof. The stone naturally buffers the residence from heat and UV rays, but is a heaviest material you can choose, typically requiring reinforcement to your existing roofing structure and framing. Slate roofs are an excellent choice for those looking for an extraordinary roof which stands out from the crowd.
No matter which roofing materials you choose for your custom home or renovation, your choice of a general contractor is critical. Lindahl Construction has been building distinctive custom homes for decades, and we look forward to helping you in designing the home of your dreams, Call us today.