Published: 01/19/2024

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, but it’s also a key aesthetic element that can significantly influence the curb appeal – and resale value – of your home. Next time your home is due for a new roof, take the time to consider all of your roofing options so that you can choose the roofing materials that will not only protect your home and family but also meet your style needs, add energy efficiency, and fetch some additional value at resale.

In Florida, where climate, home styles, and market trends vary, choosing the right roofing material is particularly important. Here are some common favorites among the different roof types that are available throughout the state:

Asphalt Shingle

Durability: With proper installation and maintenance, asphalt shingles can last a full 20 years as well as resist impact damage and wind uplift quite well. Plus, shingles can be replaced individually if needed, while other roof types can require partial or full roof replacement in the event of damage.

Energy Efficiency: Certain specialty asphalt shingles, available in a range of colors, can reflect some of the sun’s UV rays rather than absorbing them, helping to reduce the temperature of the roof surface, helping to lower the energy consumption of your home’s air conditioning.

Aesthetics: Asphalt shingles are available in a nearly endless variety of colors and styles. Homeowners will always be able to find the right shingles for their home’s style and their aesthetic preferences.

ROI: The average cost of installing a new asphalt shingle roof in the Sarasota-Manatee area is $35,236 in 2023. This improvement could fetch up to 66.8% of your investment at resale.

Architectural Shingle

Durability: Constructed of multiple layers of high-quality roofing materials, architectural shingles are significantly thicker than the more common single-layer 3-tab asphalt shingles. This design not only provides a dimensional aesthetic but also additional durability and weather resistance.

Energy Efficiency: Designed to provide extra insulation to your roof, architectural shingles can help reduce the amount of heat that enters your home via the roof. Additionally, some shingles have a lighter coloring and/or special reflective properties that reflects the sun’s UV rays away from the home, reducing the temperature of the roof and alleviating some of the stress put on your AC unit.

Aesthetics: These shingles can emulate the appearance of more expensive materials, such as wood or slate, without the added weight and limited durability of the materials they’re emulating.

ROI: While an architectural shingle roof requires a roughly 20% higher initial investment than 3-tab shingles, it’s likely to last up to twice as long and can recoup up to 70% of its initial cost at resale.

Concrete Tile

Durability: Known for their longevity and durability, concrete tiles easily withstands extreme weather, including hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, and hail. Additionally, since concrete is fire-resistant, these tiles provide an extra layer of protection to the home.

Energy Efficiency: Due to their heavy thermal mass, concrete tiles provide added insulation, helping to moderate the temperature inside the home and reducing the demand on your AC unit.

Aesthetics: Often preferred on Mediterranean-style or Spanish-style homes, concrete tiles can add a very specific aesthetic to a home and are popular in Florida for this reason. Note: Though concrete tile roofs provide a certain aesthetic appeal, they’re much heavier than other common roofing materials, so your home’s structure must be able to withstand the added weight of the tiles.

ROI: Concrete tile can add significant value to your home, with homeowners often able to recoup 70% or more of the cost when they resell their home. Keep in mind that your upfront cost may be elevated, especially if your home’s structure needs to be fortified in order to support the roofing tiles.

Clay Tile

Durability: Clay has been a reliable roof material for thousands of years, dating all the way back to 10,000 BC. Resistant to high winds, impact damage, and mold, clay tiles are said to last for over a hundred years.

Energy Efficiency: Like concrete, clay can stop heat from entering the home through the roof by absorbing the heat and then slowly releasing it. This helps to regulate the temperature inside the home, alleviating some of the load your AC has to fight with to keep the home cool.

Aesthetics: The variable coloring and texture of natural clay tiles provide a timeless aesthetic while adding character to the property.

ROI: Properly maintaining your clay tile roof will go a long way in ensuring you get the return on investment you’re hoping for. Not only will it last longer, it will also look great and attract more buyers when you decide to sell.

Metal Roofing

Durability: Metal roofing not only provides excellent resistance to harsh weather conditions such as wind and rain, but it’s extremely impact-resistant, despite being very lightweight. Additionally, standing seam metal roof panels are designed in a way that protects the fasteners from deterioration, which means they’ll need replacing much less often.

Energy Efficiency: Metal roof panels are highly reflective, bouncing the sun’s UV rays away from the roof. This helps in keeping the interior of the home cooler during the hot Florida summers, reducing the stress on your home’s HVAC system and potentially even lowering your energy bills.

Aesthetics: Metal roofing provides a sleek look that can be translated into sophisticated or utilitarian, depending on the style of the home. Because it’s a durable roofing material, it will look good throughout its lifespan, as long as minimal maintenance requirements are met.

ROI: The average cost of installing a new metal roof in the Sarasota-Manatee area is about $57,444 in 2023. When it comes to resale value, the average is about $28,341, or about a 49.3% return.

Conclusion

While this list is by no means exhaustive, it is fairly comprehensive and representative of the options available to homeowners in Florida. Each roofing material has its unique advantages, depending on your priorities and budget. Taking the time to explore these options and consulting with local roofing experts can give you valuable insights that will help you decide on your next roofing material.

Investing in a high-quality roof not only enhances the aesthetics of your Florida home but also contributes to its overall value. By choosing a roofing material that aligns with the specific needs of your property and the expectations of potential buyers, you can go a long way in ensuring a solid return on your investment.

Need help deciding which roofing material is right for your Florida home? Call on the experts at AKVM Roofing to walk through all of your options in detail with you.

Contact us today to schedule your free roof inspection - call us at (941) 727-3996.