Construction Law
Choosing a Roof in Central Florida Part 1
When shopping for new roofing, whether for a new project or to replace an older roof, it’s easy to get lost in the sheer number of options available for your project. Roofing is often determined by the slope and complexity of the design, the style of the house, the local climate, and the project budget. In Central Florida, where temperatures commonly dip past the 90-degree threshold, certain roofs outperform others.
Should your next project use asphalt shingles, rubber roofing, or solar shingles? In part one of this two-part guide to choosing a roof in Central Florida, our Central Florida contractor attorneys will help you navigate the process of choosing the best roof for your next project.
Asphalt and Asphalt Fiberglass Shingles
When discussing asphalt roofing options, it’s important to understand that asphalt and asphalt fiberglass are interchangeable terms. Asphalt fiberglass shingles are strengthened by the mat of fiberglass embedded in the shingle. It also helps make them more resistant to tearing.
This is the most popular roofing type for buildings with sloped roofs because they are cost-effective and easily installed, plus they are durable and available in a variety of colors. Premium grades of “laminated” asphalt fiberglass shingles typically carry a 50-year warranty.
Rubber Roofing
Vulcanized rubber was invented in 1839 by Charles Goodyear, but surprisingly, rubber roofing is a fairly new trend. Developing an effective rubber roofing membrane with enough durability and waterproof capabilities to keep your home dry and protected required a significant investment of time and money in chemistry research laboratories. Sometimes referred to as “EPDM” roofing for the highly engineered compound ethylene propylene diene monomer used to create rubber roofing, these roofs are commonly used on flat roofs and roofs with low slopes in commercial and residential construction. The term “membrane roof” usually refers to an EPDM roof that is installed on a flat roof. This type of rubber roof is commonly used to seal garages and porches.
Solar Shingles and Solar Roofing
Building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPV, are a new form of “thin-film” photovoltaic technology being used to create attractive, energy-efficient solar shingles and roofing. These solar shingles are designed to look aesthetically similar to normal shingles, both in size and shape, so they can be integrated into an existing asphalt shingle roof without the need for a significant renovation. Plus, Florida’s perpetually sunny weather means your project will always experience considerable returns on your investment.
Central Florida is notable for copious amounts of sunshine and unpredictable storms, so heat-resistant roofing that can capably handle the elements is important when shopping for roofing in the Sunshine State. In part two, our Central Florida contractor attorneys will continue to explore more types of roofing.
If you would like to speak with a Central Florida contractor attorney, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.