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Roof shingles are crucial in protecting a home from harsh weather conditions and adding aesthetic appeal to a property. In states such as Florida, the weather can be challenging, with high winds, heavy rain, and intense heat all troubling your roof throughout the year. Choosing the right roofing material for your location and climate is important to ensure your home is protected and secure for years to come.
Choosing the right roof shingles can also help you reduce energy costs and add value to your home. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best roof shingles for Florida homes, and the key factors you should consider when making your selection.
Best Type Of Roof Shingles In Florida
Most homeowners think that roof shingles are only limited to asphalt roof shingles. However, this is not true. The roof shingles market is very vast and includes a lot of other options as well.
Let’s look at some popular types of roofing shingles you can install on your roof.
#1 Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials ruling the market today. This roofing material is a popular choice for Florida homeowners due to its affordability and durability. Some of the best asphalt roofing shingle brands include the likes of GAF, Atlas Roofing Corporation, and Owens Corning Shingles.
You can classify the types of asphalt shingles into three broad categories:
3-Tab Shingles:
3-Tab roof shingles are the oldest and cheapest shingles available on the market. These asphalt shingles are characterized by their distinct three tabs or sections. They are a suitable option if you are on a strict budget and want a roof with a uniform appearance, however, note that they are not as durable and therefore, are not the best roofing material to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the sunshine state.
Here are some popular 3-tab asphalt shingle brands
- GAF Royal Sovereign
- Owens Corning Supreme 3-Tab Shingles
- IKO Marathon Plus Roof Shingles
Architectural Shingles/Designer Shingles:
If you want something stronger and more durable, you can consider architectural shingles. These roofing shingles are also known as dimensional shingles and offer a wider range of styles and colors. They are thicker and more durable than 3-tab asphalt shingles (strip shingles) and are a great choice if you want a stylish roof to make your home stand out from the crowd. Most architectural shingles offer great wind-resistant and algae-resistant properties that can help homeowners in Florida.
You can consider these the best architectural roof shingles.
- GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles
- Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Shingles
- CertainTeed Landmark Shingles
- Atlas Pinnacle Pristine Shingles
Luxury Shingles:
These are the most expensive type of asphalt shingles. Luxury shingles are designed to mimic other, more expensive roofing materials, such as slate or cedar shake. These high-end asphalt shingles look great and are typically made from the highest quality materials, making them a great choice for homeowners who want the best possible protection for their homes.
#2 Metal Roof Shingles
Metal is a strong competitor against asphalt shingles when it comes to selecting the best roofing shingles for your home. Metal roof shingles are one of the most durable roofing materials and can last for more than 50 years with ease. They are also a great choice for those who want a roof that is stylish while providing good protection.
Metal roofing shingles, like the standard metal panels and sheets, are made from aluminum, steel, and copper. MetalWorks shingle range from TAMKO is one of the best metal roof shingles available on the Florida market. They are durable and do not require much maintenance. The product is made of a G-90 steel construction, which gives it durability and adds to its aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, it is made entirely of recyclable materials, so it will not harm the environment. You also have the option to choose from eight vivid colors for your new roof.
#3 Wood Shingles
Natural wood, usually made of cedar or redwood, makes up wood shingles. Rectangular in shape, with uniform thickness and width, this roofing material is installed by overlapping rows to give a natural, rustic appearance. Wood shingles have a warm, organic look that complements many architectural styles. They also can last for 35-40 years with excellent capabilities.
However, there are some downsides to installing wood shingles on your Florida home. Despite their durability and long-lasting nature, wood shingles demand more maintenance than other roofing materials due to their susceptibility to weather damage, warping, and insect infestation.
Watkins Sawmills Ltd. is a premier wood shingles manufacturer. Their popular product, Certi-Sawn Red Cedar Shakes, provides a smooth and uniform appearance thanks to being sawn on both faces.
#4 Slate Shingles
Slate shingles are one of the best roofing shingles in terms of durability and curb appeal. These shingles have a solid, thick composition, a natural look, and the ability to last a lifetime with minimal roof maintenance. Slate roofing materials can easily withstand harsh conditions such as rain storms and extreme temperatures that are common in Florida.
These roofing materials are typically rectangular or square in shape and come in various colors, including shades of gray, green, black, purple, and red.
Natural slate shingles can be your perfect choice but are also relatively heavy, making them suitable for only certain types of roofs. Also, slate shingles can be expensive and require specialized installation skills.
If you do not want to spend as much money on a natural slate roof, then you can consider cheaper options such as Slateline Shingles from GAF. These are luxury asphalt shingles that imitate the look of slate at a lower cost.
#5 Solar Shingles
Times are changing, and homeowners are now much more concerned about their homes’ sustainability and energy efficiency. Companies have realized this need and have come up with solar shingles. These shingles provide a clean and renewable energy source for homes and buildings. Since your home will use solar energy, you can reduce your utility bills and contribute to the well-being of the environment.
They are very promising. However, the shingles are fairly new and are yet to grow in popularity. Here are some of the best roofing shingles available that generate solar energy and improve the energy efficiency of your home:
GAF Solar Roof Shingles
GAF shingles are popular worldwide, and the company has also excelled in solar roofing products.
The Timberline Solar Roof System by GAF Energy is a powerful system that can improve your home’s energy efficiency and aesthetics. They include the world’s first nailable solar shingles, and the system meets the highest industry standards and is UL 7303 certified. To improve your home’s curb appeal, you also have four architectural roof shingle color options to choose from.
CertainTeed Shingles: Apollo II
The Apollo II System provides an alternative for those seeking clean energy without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Unlike traditional solar panels, the system features solar shingles that can be seamlessly integrated into a new or existing roof, creating a clean and uncluttered look. Each of the 14 silicon solar cells has the power of up to 70 watts.
Consider These Factors Before Choosing The Best Roofing Shingles For Your Home
When choosing shingles for your home in Florida, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make the best decision:
Climate:
Florida experiences high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, making it essential to choose a roofing material that can handle these conditions. Architectural asphalt shingles and metal roofing shingles are suitable options for the area.
Style:
The appearance of your roof is important, as it can impact the overall aesthetic of your home. Choose a roofing material that complements the style of your home. Luxury and architectural asphalt shingles provide many color options and styles that add to the appearance of your roof. Wood shingles also look spectacular.
Cost:
Consider your budget when choosing the best roof shingles. Asphalt shingles are typically more affordable than metal roof shingles, but metal roof shingles can last longer and may save you money in the long run. Slate shingles are also durable but are a lot more expensive than other roofing options.
Best Roof Shingles To Elevate Your Home’s Look
In this blog, we’ve covered some of the best roofing shingles that perfectly complement your Florida home. Finding the best shingles is just a part of the process. To complete your roofing project successfully, it is crucial to hire professional roofing contractors in your area that has the necessary experience and expertise.
SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors is a premier roofing contractor serving Tampa and the surrounding areas of Florida. Our team has years of experience and installs the best roofing materials manufactured by the best roofing shingle brands. Our team has a Master Elite certification from GAF, which only 2% of roofing contractors achieve. Contact us today at (813) 400-3329 to learn more about roof shingles and how we can help you with our other roofing services.
