Although it may not be the initial focus of your attention when buying a home, the choice of roof type will have a major impact on the overall functionality, look, and feel of your home. Living in South Florida, you can expect a lot of sun, rain and wind. This climate will influence your home structure and roof design.
Due to the threat of hurricane season, adequate roof protection is a must when living in South Florida. The heat and the sun can also be detrimental to the materials, and the wind can be a force to be reckoned with.
Popular Roof Designs
There are several options of roof design available that suit the climate in South Florida.
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Gable Roof
The gable roof is the most common roof type, due to its ease in building. It is a simple structure that is created by joining two adjoining roof lines at an obtuse angle. In some residential instances, this may result in more than one gable roof line converging. The advantages of a gable roof are sufficient ventilation, and water that runs off the roof easily.
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A-Frame Roof
A-frame roofs are like the gable roof, but the two adjoining roof lines meet at a smaller angle than an obtuse (as in gable roofing). In addition, the roof of an A-frame type adds to the walls of the home.
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Hip Roof
The ends of a hip roof are capped off at an angle, creating a triangle shape. This makes the hip roof style a little bit more difficult to construct. Although they are still a popular choice of roofing for the state, their practical benefits do not extend to ventilation and water drainage.
Popular Roof Materials
The material that you use for your roof construction can be a make or break for efficiency, aesthetics and functionality. There are several roof materials to choose from.
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Clay And Concrete Tiles
When one thinks about coastal living in Florida, the image of orange-brown clay tiles in stucco styling is conjured up. These classic colors are known to be resistant to fire, and the material protectant from deteriorating in coastal climates and its effects such as salt spray and heavy winds. Clay tiles are also known to have a long lifespan. Concrete tiles are durable and low maintenance.
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Metal Roofing
Depending on the metal, roofing made of metal can withstand certain elements of corrosion. The design can be chosen from a variety of textures and shapes. Most popular is the standing seam galvalume steel panels as they are insect-resistant, don’t burn, and are anti-corrosion. They can withstand winds up to 160mph and are less prone to leaks due to the lack of crevices.
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Composition Shingles
The affordability of composition shingles makes it a popular choice for roofing. Unfortunately, they are not durable with regards to the wind and are often blown off in the high wind seasons, and scar in the hot seasons.
Choosing the best roof type for your home has a larger impact than aesthetics. Hiring a professional on roof types can save you money and energy in the long run.
