What Are the Most Common Roofing Materials in Fort Pierce, FL

by Jennifer | Mar 31, 2022 | Blog, Concrete Tiles, Residential Roofing Materials, Roof Replacement, Roofing Fort Pierce, Roofing Materials, Slate Shingles, Solar Tiles, Wooden Shingles

Not every roof will work for every property, and the ideal type of roofing for your home or business will be determined by various factors.

For starters, there are different types of roofing for residential houses and commercial buildings. Since commercial buildings are often more significant in size and weight than residential structures, the roof must be able to sustain the extra overall weight.

Another important factor you must consider is the roofing material. Many homeowners in need of a new roof are often overwhelmed to hear that at least ten distinct roofing materials are used in the United States roofing industry alone. Understandably, the many different varieties of roofing available are often a cause of concern for them.

You’ll find that some roofs, such as clay or concrete tile, are best suited for hot climates in the south, while others, such as green roofs, help combat air and noise pollution in urban areas.

Types of Residential and Commercial Roofing Materials

To help you narrow down your choices, let’s look at the different types of roofing materials for both residential and commercial properties.

Asphalt Composite Shingles

Asphalt composite shingles are the most used roofing material in the United States. They’re incredibly cost-effective and make an excellent investment for your residence. An asphalt shingle roof is more affordable than other materials and depending on weather conditions and proper maintenance, they can last for up to 20 years.

Furthermore, they are available in a variety of shapes and colors. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors and can be chosen based on the color palette of your home’s exterior and landscaping. Choose between light and dark browns, dark and light greys, black, green, reddish-brown, and even blue-gray for a stunning backdrop to a green forest line.

Dimensional shingles,3-tab shingles, and luxury shingles are the three main types. 3-tab shingles are made up of a single layer that overlaps like shingles. They’re inexpensive and can create a dynamic look because of their granular appearance, which gives each shingle modest tone variations.

Dimensional Shingles are more robust and long-lasting, lasting up to 30 years or longer. Dimensional shingles, unlike 3-tab shingles, have two or three layers, making them exceptionally sturdy. Their three-dimensional appearance adds texture and patterns to the roof, and they are available in a variety of colors to complement a home.

Luxury asphalt shingles are a fantastic option that is less expensive to install and maintain. The multi-dimensional beauty of slate and cedar shingles is easily replicated with luxury shingles, which create texture, shadows, and depth.

Wooden Shingles or Shakes

Natural wood shakes or shingles are a high-end roofing material alternative. They can last up to 50 years with proper care. Wood shakes and shingles, often composed of pine, cypress, cedar, or redwood, can be processed to be fire-resistant, prevent decay and decomposition, and deter insects.

The significant labor expenses connected with wood shakes are much more costly than other roofing materials. Not only is manufacturing time-consuming, with all of the cutting, staining, and protective sealants required, but the shingles must be set one by one, strategically, and this takes a long time and a lot of skill.

Despite being formed using the same materials, there is a distinction between shakes and shingles. For manufacture, shakes are split straight off the log and molded. The rough edge is frequently kept to keep the texture and unique rustic aesthetic. They have a unique shape, with one thicker end that tapers down into a wedge shape.

With their dynamic design, they add a lot more complexity to your roof, notably when layered together. On the other hand, shingles are sawn on both sides to ensure a uniform thickness and are installed overlapping one other.

Slate Roofs

Slate shingles are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available, if not the longest. Slate shingles can survive for 100 years or more with relatively little care. That’s most likely why they’ve gained the moniker “forever roof.”

Slate is water- and fire-resistant, as well as aesthetically beautiful. You would have to change your roof (if of a different material) maybe three or four times before having to change your slate roof.

However, there are several disadvantages to having a slate roof. Because the shingles are quickly broken by force, hail is its deadliest enemy; thus, don’t install them in places where hail is expected.

Metal Roofs

Metal panels, stamped to look like slate or shingle roofs, are incredibly huge since they measure roughly 4 feet long.

Stone-coated steel, which is steel with an acrylic foundation into which stone is embedded, is another option. It’s resilient, and it’s a terrific way to cover up any dents or defaults. It may readily disguise defects due to its almost damaged appearance.

Specific metal panels with a flat reflective surface, on the other hand, will dent easily and will not hide it as well as stone-coated steel. Metal roofing comes in various profiles and gauges to suit varied residential and commercial roofing uses.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are excellent for hotter areas. They’re made from clay, but they have a metal core to make them durable. They are known for being incredibly durable and low-maintenance, capable of surviving even the harshest weather conditions that might emerge with humidity and high temperatures, just like traditional clay tile roofs.

Concrete tiles are bulky, and if your roofing contractor does not build your home to accommodate the extra weight, it might be challenging to install. Note that they have more design flexibility than clay tiles.

Solar Tiles

Solar tiles resemble traditional shingled roofs but are entirely solar panels and shingles. Solar panels turn solar radiation into electricity, used to power your home or company. It is more common in southern and western areas, where there is more sunlight all year. Solar energy and solar roofing will be more effective in areas closer to the equator.

It’s a huge expenditure, but you’ll see a return on investment in the form of energy savings over time (often a very long time).

Looking for the Right Roofing Material for Your Property?

As you can see, a lot goes into choosing appropriate roofing materials for a sturdy roof system. A corporation or individual may be well on their way to acquiring a sturdy roof for years and years for residential and commercial roofing if they choose quality roofing materials.

After you’ve chosen the best materials for your property, you’ll need to hire a reputable contractor to install them properly. That’s where All Area Roofing comes in.

Having been in business for 25 years now serving the State of Florida, All Area Roofing is expert in roof installation or repair of different kinds of roofs. Feel free to give us a call today at 772-238-8136 for a professional roof inspection.