The elegant roofs for homes along the Florida coast face a unique range of weather and maintenance challenges due to their constant exposure to weather assault and the unforgiving ocean elements. So, if you plan to build a home in this area, you need to choose your roofing materials wisely.
While there is a wide variety of sophisticated Florida roof materials that will add aesthetic value to your home, not all of them are resilient enough to withstand the harsh ocean elements. So, if you don’t want to keep replacing your roof every other year, take your time to understand how each type of roofing material works before you make your final decision. Here are some of the roofing materials that are best suited to Coastal Florida.
Tile Roofs
Many homes in coastal Florida have roofs that are made from clay tiles and walls of stucco siding. In addition to their stunning appearance, these tiles add value to coastal properties because they are remarkably durable and naturally resistant to ocean elements and weathering weather conditions. Furthermore, clay tiles are entirely fire-resistant. Therefore, if you are looking for a roofing material that will last for many years without any signs of deterioration, clay tiles will be a perfect choice. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors to help you achieve your dream home.
Natural Slates
For centuries, slate tiles have been considered one of the most reliable roofing materials for coastal homes. They are obtained from natural stones that come in various colors, including black, gray, green, red, and purple. Like clay tiles, natural slates are completely fire-resistant and long-lasting. Construction experts claim that a roof made of natural slates can last for over 100 years without significant deterioration signs. The main disadvantage of slates is that they require extra framing to carry their weight.
Galvalume Steel Panels
Steel panels are an excellent choice for beach homes because of their exceptional resistance to corrosion caused by ocean spray. Also, steel panels reflect heat instead of absorbing it, thus keeping the house cooler. Besides, steel is more affordable than natural slates and clay tiles.
Wood Shakes
Wood shakes are a traditional choice for home roofing in coastal Florida. Among the most commonly used wood shakes are red cedar and teak because they have shown to hold up well against saltwater. Also, they are highly resistant to wind and impact from falling debris.
Before you decide on the type of Florida roof materials to use, talk to a roofing specialist at CMR Construction for an assessment and advice on the area you want to construct a house.