Best Roof Types for Florida Homes

There are five types of roofing materials that are the most common in Florida homes. These are clay, slate, concrete, metal and wood. If you are looking for a home or already own one, it is important to make sure that the roof is sturdy. 

Homes in Florida need steady roofs that can withstand a lot from the elements, especially high winds from tropical storms. Here are the best roofing materials for your Florida home: 

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are very durable and last a long time, making them one of the best options for homes. They also don’t rot when they get wet, which is great for homes near the coast, or even homes that are further away from the ocean because it still rains frequently. 

Clay roofs can last up to 100 years, so they don’t require much maintenance or replacements. They will also not burn in the event of a fire which means your home will be more protected. 

However, clay tiles are susceptible to cracking and loosening, so you will have to check on them regularly and replace individual tiles here and there. 

• Because they are made out of clay, these tiles are also fairly heavy, meaning that you will need to make sure your home is structurally sound and can hold up the weight of a heavier roof. 
• They are also on the more expensive side in comparison to classic shingles, which can be a drawback as well. 

Slate Tiles

Slate is another alternative to clay, both are very similar materials. Slate is made from rock, so it is incredibly durable against rain and winds, making it perfect for Florida homes. 

Slate similarly lasts a long time, and can go a very long time without needing to be replaced. They are also not flammable, making them a great safety option. Slate is also one of the most attractive roofing materials, because it comes in many different colors. 

Slate has some drawbacks too. 

• Similar to clay, slate can crack easily when it is stepped on (if you need to go on the roof at all this is a risk). 
• It comes in many different colors, so it can be tricky to replace pieces with the same shade, making repairs difficult. 
• It is very heavy – because it is literally rocks on the roof – so your home will need to have a very strong structure. 

Concrete 

Concrete is a very durable material that can be a great option for your roof. Concrete is typically reinforced with fibers throughout it, so it is less likely to crack and will allow your home to withstand the elements. 

Concrete is also not flammable, so you don’t have to worry about your home going up in flames. In addition, concrete is strong enough to hold up during floods and will decrease the chances of water damage. 

While it is not as strong as slate or clay, it can still last up to 50 years, meaning that you will likely only need to replace your roof once. 

However, concrete can have drawbacks. 

• Concrete can crack and separate. 
• The materials under the concrete may need to be replaced sooner than the tiles, which means you might have to do maintenance sooner than you thought. 
• Also a heavy material, concrete will require the structure of your home to be stronger than normal. 

Metal

Metal roofing is a popular option for homes in tropical storm areas, because they are very durable and can withstand a lot of rain and wind. They also hold up well from the salty air from the ocean. 

In addition to being super durable, metal roofs help regulate the temperature of your home by reflecting the hot sun away, rather than absorbing it. They can withstand winds up to 160 mph, which makes them a great option for coastal Florida homes. 

There are some cons to metal roofing as well. 

• They are pretty pricey, especially for more attractive designs. 
• They last around fifty years, which means that you’ll likely have to replace them once. 
• Metal roofing isn’t as quiet as other types, so it doesn’t absorb the sound of rain and other elements as well. 

Wood 

Wood is very popular for coastal homes. It creates a beachy, natural aesthetic that many people love. Wood shingles also hold up very well against salt water corrosion, making them one of the most commonly used materials for ocean-front homes. 

Wooden shingles are also very breathable for homes, allowing air to flow easily. They are also one of the most eco-friendly roofing materials. They are relatively cheap compared to the other options as well. 

However, wood shingles have a couple major drawbacks. 

• They need to be sealed regularly to prevent rotting and leaks. 
• Maintenance can be costly and time consuming. 
• Wood is very flammable and makes your home more susceptible to fires. 
• They can blow off easily in winds and also fade, so replacing pieces and making repairs will be obvious – the new wood will inevitably be a different color than the older pieces.

Need a Roof Inspection?

Call Inside & Out Property Inspectors today!

Whether you’re a current homeowner and you’re taking a look at your electrical systems, or you’re interested in buying a home, it’s a good idea to know about non-insurable electrical panels – and what they could mean for your home. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of non-insurable electrical panels, a few of the top brands that made them, and what you should do if you find one in your home. 

Why Are Some Electrical Panels Non-Insurable?

Certain types of electrical panels are non-insurable because insurance companies have experienced a large number of claims related to electrical fires in homes that have these boxes.

In most cases, this is due to faulty manufacturing. Federal Pacific panels, for example, are a well-known type of non-insurable circuit panel. Though they may function for years, they eventually start to fail, and their breakers may no longer trip properly – causing a fire hazard. The circuit could be overloaded, and the breaker would never trigger. This could lead to a serious electrical fire.

Many homeowners are unaware they have one of these panels until they have a four-point inspection – and then their insurance company demands they replace it.

Common Non-Insurable Electrical Panels

Wondering what types and brands of electrical panels are often non-insurable? Here is a quick list of some of the most common manufacturers and panels.

• Federal Pacific – As mentioned above, Federal Pacific sold millions of breakers from the 1950s to the 1980s. It was found that 25% of all panels were defective and may not properly trip, causing a serious fire hazard. They were also prone to overheating
  
• Zinsco – Zinsco panels were used up until the mid-1970s. There are not many left, but they can still be found in some older homes. They are simply not able to keep up with the high electrical demands of today’s homes – and in some cases, this may cause wires to melt, exposing homeowners to a higher fire risk.
• Sylvania – These panels were primarily used in the 1960s and 1970s, and they were rebranded Zinsco panels. The only real change was the Sylvania logo, which was added to the panel. They have the same electrical issues as Zinsco panels
• Challenger – Challenger panels built and installed in the 1980s and 1990s were found to have an issue where they were overheating under normal conditions at the metal “bus bar.” This led to expansion and contraction of the bus bar, and electrical arcing between the bus bar. Over time, these components could melt down, causing a shock or fire hazard. 

Get Your Home Checked For These Outdated, Dangerous Panels!

If you think you have one of these panels in your home, you should replace it right away. It’s simply not worth the risk. Not sure if your panel is dangerous? Contact a home inspector or electrician, and you can ensure that you take action if your panel is dangerous and non-insurable.