RRSA Vero Beach keeps our blog updated in order to educate our South Florida readers who are homeowners about all things involving their roofs. After all, your roof is your first defense against the elements, and the main structure protecting your home and family.

In that vein, today we would like to share statistics and straight up facts about the best types of roofs for South Florida.  Of course, the information we have compiled takes strongly into consideration our climate. Unlike many other US states, Florida is famous for its humidity and frequent rain, so your South Florida roof should reflect that issue.

In the continental U.S., Florida tops the list of states with its 1350 miles of ocean-side coastlines. As residents of Vero Beach and South Florida in general, we all realize we are sitting pretty when storms arrive. (Pun intended.) After all of the devastations caused Hurrican Irma and other serious hurricanes that came before, the state of Florida codes have adjusted themselves to address hundreds of details for sloped and flat residential roofs. Everything from requirements on the synthetic felt underlayment, precise spacing for fasteners, disallowing staples, taping over all joints in sheathing and retrofitting whenever possible. To top it all off, inspections before, during and after roof construction are deemed prudent and necessary.

As your preferred roofing contractor in South Florida, RRSA Vero Beach follows the letter of the law, which is that all roofing contractors must be licensed, bonded, insured, and have a worker’s compensation coverage in order to do roofing work in the state of Florida. Please understand if a hurricane comes and you are approached by someone presenting themselves as a roofing contractor in South Florida, they must have a Florida state license, as well as a license for the county they are working in.

When it comes to roofing material, sunlight is always a big consideration anywhere in the US.  But unlike the rest of the country, with South Florida being so close to the water, not only do we have to consider constant sunlight, salt in the air must also be taken into account.

Flat roofs tend to be popular for many South Florida homes. However, a roof that is entirely flat is not so common, but where balconies or patios are found, the roof above may be flat. The main concern from the Florida building code statute is that any structures or vents that may reside on a flat roof must be properly fastened and sealed.

Asphalt shingles are the number one selling roofing material in the U.S. But please note, as a South Florida homeowner you need to realize that the economical version of such shingles, also known as 3-tab shingles, is a poor choice for any area with high-speed winds like South Florida. The 3-Tab (60 MPH to 70 MPH wind uplift rated roof covering) shingles will be ripped off and leaks will be inevitable.

Architectural laminate grade shingles rated to withstand wind gusts up 130 MPH or 150 MPH are your best bet for high wind areas like South Florida. That is what RRSA Vero Beach uses. As a Master Elite Contractor for GAF, we use only the best quality shingles.

RRSA Vero Beach hopes we have helped you as a South Florida homeowner understand the basics of choosing the right roofing material for your home. Call us today if you want one of the professional team members from RRSA Vero Beach to come to give you a free roof inspection and help you choose the best type of roofing material for your home. Yes, you read that right! Free...roof...inspection.