Heat is not the only thing Florida is famous for; hurricanes are also frequent, with torrential downpours and howling winds. These conditions compromise your home’s roof and endanger you and your loved ones. Even if your roof was not damaged in a recent storm, you will eventually need to have it replaced. The thing is that the roof is a consumable material, and as with any other material, at some point, your roof will become worn out. Therefore, it’s important to know different types of roofing materials and which perform the best in Florida, according to weather conditions.
To help you, we’ve listed the most common roof types suitable for St. Petersburg homes, so keep reading to find out more!
Most Common Roof Types
Even though there are many roof types, several most common roof types are suitable for Florida. So, let’s dive into the topic!
Flat Roof
Flat roofs are a popular option for residential construction in St. Petersburg, particularly for commercial buildings and houses designed in a contemporary style. Some of the advantages are:
- Affordability,
- Easy installation,
- Perfect for solar panels.
Of course, each type comes with its drawbacks, and a flat roof is no different. The thing is that even though they are incredibly durable, they can be prone to leaks and require regular inspection in order to prevent water damage.
Gable Roof
Another popular roof type is a gable roof with two sloping sides that meet at a ridge and form a triangular shape. The advantages of this type are:
- Ability to shed water and snow effectively,
- Different pitches and angles,
- Affordable.
Gable roofs, however, are susceptible to wind damage, especially in windy areas – they could collapse because their triangular design catches and deflects the wind like a sail. Thus, gable roofs may need extra strengthening, especially in hurricane-prone regions, to avoid this problem.
Hip Roof
Hip roofs are comparable to gable roofs, with the primary difference being that hip roofs have four sloping sides rather than just two. Advantages of hip roofs:
- Durable,
- Resistant,
- Prevents hurricane damage.
However, due to the additional materials and work required, a hip roof may be more expensive than a gable roof. Also, installing and maintaining a hip roof can be more challenging than other types of roofs due to the roof’s complex structure.
Types of Roofing Materials
Now that we covered some of the most common roof types, let’s see some of the most common roofing materials used in Florida!
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are still the most common roofing material used in St. Petersburg, which is not so surprising. They are made from a fiberglass or organic mat, coated with asphalt, and topped with ceramic granules to provide protection from the elements. Additionally, these granules provide color to the shingles. Furthermore, this type of roof shingles is affordable to purchase and install compared to other roofing materials, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want to protect their houses without spending all their savings.
The downside of this material is that it can be vulnerable to damage from extreme weather conditions and elements, so it can be susceptible to cracking or curling over time. If your roof isn’t properly installed or maintained, you’ll have problems in the future.
Metal Roofs
The second option for your St. Petersburg home would be a metal roof made from long-lasting materials (steel, aluminum, and copper). Another thing we have to mention is that it reflects the sun’s heat, which can help to reduce cooling costs in the summer. If you’re interested in metal roofs, you can read all about the benefits of metal roofing on our blog!
Comparing them to asphalt shingles, they are more expensive to install, and they can make a lot of noise during rain or hailstorms, which can annoy some homeowners. In order to solve this problem, metal roofs can be installed with soundproofing materials or insulation.
Tile Roofs
Tile roofs are ceramic products that are highly durable but can be expensive and heavier than other materials. Even though that’s the case, they can last up to 100 years with proper care. They come in various options: metal, copper, stone, ceramic, polymer sand, composite, bituminous, and concrete tiles.
As well as with any other materials, arranging regular inspections and maintenance is recommended to help prevent issues like leaks or water damage.
Need More Information About the Most Common Roof Types for Your St. Petersburg Home?
We know we provided you with a lot of information, but this is just a tiny amount we covered. Different types of roofs can be very confusing, especially if it’s your first time exploring roofing options and roofing materials.
That’s why Chappelle Roofing is here to save the day!
With more than ten years of experience in the roofing business, we strive to deliver excellent quality, diligent timing, and fair pricing for our customers. Apart from that, we can boast of many services we provide, as well as additional services such as skylight installation, chimney, gutter cleaning, etc.
Therefore, if you need a firm with the necessary skills and knowledge, Chappelle Roofing LLC, your local roofing contractor in St. Petersburg, is at your disposal!
