In this two-part blog series, we’re going to look at two of the most common questions we get from homeowners:
- Does the roofing material make a difference?
- Is one brand really better than another?
There’s not an easy yes or no answer to either of these questions. We’re going to dive in by looking at the roofing material. Stay tuned for next week’s blog about the brands.
Asphalt, Tile and Metal Roofing
For residential properties, the three most common roofing materials in Orlando are asphalt, tile and metal roofing. When you need a new roof, you may consider any of these materials. The decision often comes down to your HOA, budget and what you’re looking for out of a roof. Let’s assume that either your HOA has no preference or you’re not in an HOA controlled community. That means you’re focusing on cost and features.
Evaluating Lifetime Cost
Overall, asphalt roofing is the cheapest roofing material to purchase and have installed. However, if you’re planning on looking at the total cost of the roof over the time you plan on living in your home, you want to think about more than just the quote you get from various roofers.
First, understand that any roofing you choose that’s ENERGY STAR® rated will save you on cooling costs which may factor into your decision. Tile roofing is naturally more insulative against both heat and sound even when it’s not an ENERGY STAR rated color.
Also, look at maintenance for each product. Asphalt roofing has the most maintenance costs associated with a roof over its lifetime. Metal roofing has the least. Plus, call your homeowners insurance company and ask them about discounts you would receive if you upgrade your asphalt to tile or metal roofing. You may find some significant savings because these materials are more resistant to damage from the average storm.
Comparing Materials
There are two main categories of asphalt roofing – 3-tab and architectural shingles. Three-tab shingles are the cheapest, but have the shortest expected life, sometimes only 10-15 years with the sun and weather in Orlando. That means if you plan on being in your home for any length of time, you’ll end up replacing a 3-tab shingle roof much sooner than other options. Architectural shingles are more durable and last about 20 years because they are made with more material and have more built-in features including wind and hail resistance which are both a bonus with our weather.
Tile roofing also has two categories – clay and concrete. Both can last about 50 years with good maintenance. No matter which one you choose, it will cost more than asphalt or metal roofing. That’s, in part, because when you choose an experienced tile roofing company, you’ll find that installation is significantly more. It takes more time to install tiles than strips of shingles of large pieces of metal. The benefit is that a well installed tile roof will require little maintenance and look great for decades.
Metal roofing is the middle ground as far as cost goes. Installation is about the same as shingles. Materials cost vary based on the style and finish of the product. FEMA now recommends metal roofing as their material of choice in Florida because of how well it stands up to high winds. As you look at various metal roofing options, you’ll find it’s no longer the wavy looking silver metal you may associate with this type of roofing. It comes in many styles, some emulate tile, and virtually any color, some of which are ENERGY STAR rated.
Call Russ Noyes Roofing
Russ Noyes Roofing offers asphalt, tile and metal roofing. We only send trained installers to install whichever product you choose. We know that as much as the material’s quality matters, the installation is even more important. If you need help choosing the right roof for your home, we’ll answer your questions and provide you with estimates on any of the products we offer. Call us today at (407) 388-7700 or fill out our contact form.
