Florida is well known for its 1,350-mile coastline filled with sunshine and beautiful beaches, second in length only to Alaska. Due to its location between the Atlantic Ocean & Gulf of Mexico, hurricanes & strong storms are common all year round; hurricanes in Florida often bring heavy rain, high winds, storm surges, and flooding due to their storm surges.
Florida building codes are designed to safeguard structures from storm damage. Punta Gorda in Florida is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when updating building codes in response to severe weather. Hurricane Charley devastated Punta Gorda in 2004, but many structures were rebuilt using updated building codes; many new homes built following 2007’s standards survived unscathed from storm damage.
To safeguard your home against hurricanes and climate events in Florida, you must abide by local building codes and select an effective roofing material.
Florida’s climate can vary significantly and fluctuate as an indicator of future rainfall patterns.
Florida, popularly referred to as the “Sunshine State,” experiences warm and humid summers and cool and rainy winters, with average summer temperatures reaching the mid-80s. In contrast, average winter temperatures range from the lower 50s to the upper 60s. Florida receives an average annual rainfall of 53.7 inches, most falling between June and September.
Considerations When Selecting Types of Roof Tiles Solutions in Florida
Florida’s climate and weather conditions dictate roofing installation requirements and methods, with different codes and requirements dictating installation methods and materials used during installation. The resources below can assist in understanding these codes and needs more fully.
ICC Florida Building Code 7th Edition
Installation requires all materials, from nails and screws to hurricane straps, to properly install a Florida roof system. There are specific codes regarding asphalt shingles, clay or concrete tiles, metal roof panels, and wood shakes as roofing materials for Florida roof systems.
Florida’s Building Code stipulates a sealed roof deck due to hurricanes and wind events which may cause water infiltration into structures, potentially leading to structural damage to a structure’s interior and exterior. Depending on the roofing covering material installation, you can choose different underlayment materials according to Florida Building Code specifications.
Sealing the roof deck keeps water out. It protects the structure below from seeping in and damaging roof tiles or frames. Unsealed decks with compromised roofs may allow up to 60% of rain into an attic; this number drops by 95% with a properly sealed deck.
Florida’s humid weather risks roof materials from moisture damage, even when it’s not raining, due to improperly sealed underlayments. Moisture from humidity may seep through small or large cracks in the surface and lead to mildew and mold growth on tiles and decking, potentially damaging both its integrity and the building beneath. Mold and mildew may damage roof materials and any exposed structures underneath that might come in contact with it.
Heat and UV Exposure
Some roofing materials expand more than others when heated, creating small cracks in their material that let moisture seep through, leading to mold and mildew growth. Furthermore, as the water dries off, it may expand as it does contract, causing further damage to your roof’s integrity. In the same vein, material may expand when wet but shrink back once moisture evaporates, causing potential roof leakage issues as it grows and then contracts again, causing roof leakage issues as a cycle ensues that leads to expansion, then contracting as it cycles back again from expansion, then contraction can also damage.
UV radiation can have adverse effects on roofing materials. Color can fade, and roof surfaces may become damaged from UV rays; UV rays could even cause peeling or cracking to occur in some cases.
Florida Roofers should know which materials provide the best roofing materials to build their houses in Florida.
What Types of Roof Tiles Should You Choose?
Here are a few top options for Florida roofing materials:
Clay Barrel Tiles
Clay barrel tiles are widely utilized in humid and hot southern climates due to their durability and ability to withstand UV exposure for extended periods. Their curved surface design enables air circulation underneath it, keeping interior and roof deck temperatures down.
Roofs must often be reinforced due to their weight. Maintenance and repairs become more challenging as tiles can be hard to replace, becoming brittle over time and eventually breaking under their weight – becoming an expensive long-term maintenance solution.
Concrete Tiles
Due to their thicker composition and slower heating rate, concrete tiles keep your roof and house cooler. However, their heavier weight necessitates roof reinforcement.
Asphalt Shingles
Although not the strongest or longest-lasting choice, you can easily repair asphalt shingles if damaged in a storm, making them an economical solution for homeowners on a tight budget.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles can be lightweight, resilient against hail damage, and withstand wind speeds up to 160mph. These metal shingles can mimic other roofing tiles but may be more costly.
Composite Tiles
Composite tiles are an ideal roofing material choice for Florida. This types of roof tiles offer easy installation, lightweight, and a 50-year transferable warranty that protects them against UV rays, weather elements, and heat transfer – the perfect combination for Florida’s challenging climate!
Tiles are maintenance-free and only need periodic cleaning for optimal use, giving you more time to enjoy relaxing in your home without worrying about cleaning and upkeep. Their performance has been tested against winds up to 188MPH using ring shanks or up to 211MPH when installed with screws in high winds – also receiving Class 4-impact ratings against hail impact testing.
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Looking for a reliable and experienced roofing company for your tile roof installation needs? Look no further than Old Time Roofing! With our years of experience and expertise, we provide top-notch tile roof installation services that will exceed your expectations. Our team of skilled professionals dedicate themselves to delivering quality work on each types of roof tiles you choose.
Start your tile roof installation project! Contact Old Time Roofing today to schedule a consultation and receive a free quote.
Other Services We Offer
Old Time Roofing is a dedicated team of experts that can help you with the following:
Roofing materials that we work with:
Refrain from entrusting your roofing needs to just anyone. With Old Time Roofing, you can rest easy knowing that your roof is in capable hands.