407-476-0260
apply now

Healthy Roofs

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Roofs

Asphalt vs Metal vs Tile: Which Roof Performs Best in Florida?
  • No Comments

You do not choose a roof in Florida the same way you would in a mild climate. Your home faces intense sun exposure, powerful storms, constant humidity, heavy rain, and, in many areas, salt-filled coastal air. Each of these conditions places daily stress on different types of residential roofing in Florida.

Selecting the right material becomes a performance decision, not a style preference. When you understand how asphalt, metal, and tile behave under Florida’s climate, you can protect your Florida home and budget with confidence.

Performance Factor #1: Wind Resistance

Hurricane season makes wind resistance a primary concern. Wind creates uplift pressure that attacks roof edges, fasteners, and underlayment.

Asphalt shingles rely on adhesive strips and precise nailing patterns. When installed in accordance with Florida code, including High Velocity Hurricane Zone standards, they can withstand strong winds. However, once a shingle lifts, surrounding shingles often fail quickly.

Metal roofing panels attach directly to the roof deck with engineered fasteners and interlocking seams. This spreads wind pressure across the system, improving uplift resistance. Many metal profiles meet Miami-Dade testing standards and provide good wind resistance, especially during hurricane-force winds.

Tile roofs rely on both weight and attachment. Modern tile systems use mechanical fasteners and hurricane-rated foam adhesives. Proper installation determines performance, while older systems remain vulnerable. Tile systems also typically require a robust roof structure to withstand storm conditions and support the heavy load.

Performance Factor #2: Heat and UV Resistance

The Florida sun constantly stresses roofing materials, which is why understanding material performance is one of the most important factors to look for when choosing a roofing company.

Asphalt shingles absorb heat, especially darker colors. UV exposure dries the asphalt, reduces flexibility, and causes granule loss, which shortens the life of asphalt roofs and increases attic heat.

Metal roofs reflect solar radiation, particularly with light colors or reflective coatings. This helps reduce heat absorption and lowers cooling costs, making them attractive for energy-efficient home designs. Metal releases heat quickly and supports effective ventilation, which prevents heat buildup.

Tile roofs manage heat through material density and airflow. Clay or concrete tiles create an air gap above the roof deck that slows heat transfer. Clay tiles resist UV damage extremely well, allowing them to maintain structure and appearance for decades. This also helps reduce energy costs in hot climates.

Performance Factor #3: Moisture, Mold & Mildew Resistance

Humidity challenges every Florida roof.

Asphalt shingles can retain moisture, especially on shaded slopes. Algae feeds on mineral fillers in shingles, creating dark streaks. Algae-resistant granules reduce staining but do not eliminate moisture-related wear.

Metal roofing provides a smooth, non-porous surface that sheds water quickly. Mold and algae struggle to attach, and proper ventilation prevents condensation from forming beneath the panels. This protects the roof deck and proper insulation, helping to control energy costs.

Tile roofs resist rot and insect damage, but their porous surface can absorb moisture. Without proper drainage and airflow, mold can develop in humid or coastal environments. Underlayment quality and ventilation determine long-term moisture performance. Clay tile roofs especially benefit from minimal maintenance when drainage is properly handled.

Performance Factor #4: Longevity & Maintenance

Roof lifespan in Florida often falls below national averages, which makes metal roofing vs asphalt shingles an important comparison for homeowners.

Asphalt shingles typically last fifteen to twenty years under sun and storm exposure. Maintenance includes inspections, replacing damaged shingles, resealing flashings, and managing granule loss.

Metal roofs often last forty years or more when installed with corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized steel. Maintenance focuses on checking fasteners, sealants, and coatings, especially in coastal areas with salt air. Metal systems age gradually and retain structural strength.

Tile roofs offer the longest lifespan, often exceeding fifty years. Individual tiles may crack from impact, and careful foot traffic is required. Maintenance involves replacing broken tiles and monitoring underlayment, which usually needs replacement before the tiles. Though labor-intensive, they offer unmatched durability and curb appeal for Florida homeowners.

Performance Factor #5: Insurance & Code Compliance

Florida insurers evaluate roofs closely due to storm risk.

Asphalt shingles that meet modern wind ratings may qualify for mitigation credits, but older shingle roofs often increase premiums. Insurers view shingles as a higher risk because of frequent storm damage.

Metal roofs often receive favorable insurance consideration due to wind and fire resistance. Many policies recognize systems that meet certified uplift and fastening standards, which can support premium reductions.

Tile roofs may also qualify for insurance discounts when installed to the current code. Insurers focus on attachment method, underlayment type, and roof age rather than tile appearance. Proper documentation improves eligibility for mitigation credits. Even composite materials, such as composite roofing systems, must demonstrate proper maintenance and compliance for a favorable insurance evaluation.

Performance Factor #6: Noise, Aesthetics & HOA Approval

Noise concerns often deter budget-conscious homeowners from metal roofs. When installed over solid decking and insulation, metal produces little noise difference compared to other materials. Excess noise typically results from poor installation.

Aesthetic approval matters, especially in HOA communities. Asphalt shingles are easy to approve because they are familiar. Modern architectural shingles improve appearance while mimicking the look of more expensive options. Metal roofs now offer profiles that resemble shingles and tile, improving acceptance.

HOA guidelines also matter, and tile roofs align well with the home’s architectural style. Color retention also affects appearance. Asphalt fades unevenly over time. Metal finishes maintain color consistency for decades. Tile retains color naturally, particularly clay tiles that do not rely on surface coatings.

Installation & Cost Breakdown, Florida Specific

Cost influences every decision.

Asphalt shingles remain the most affordable common roofing material and often the most common roofing material used in Florida homes. Installed costs often range from 8,000 to 14,000 dollars, depending on home size and code requirements. Installation typically takes one to two days.

Metal roofing costs more initially, often ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. Labor skills, material availability, and storm-season demand affect pricing. Installation usually takes two to four days. Metal is often preferred for low-slope roofs and designs compatible with solar panels.

Tile roofing represents the highest investment. Florida installations often range from $25,000 to $50,000. Structural evaluation, underlayment work, and careful placement extend installation time to one or two weeks. Tile installation is labor-intensive and requires a robust roof structure, which adds to labor costs.

Environmental and Energy Efficiency Considerations

Energy performance affects long term ownership costs. Metal roofing makes solar installation more efficient. Panels mount directly without penetrating fragile materials, which preserves roof integrity.

Asphalt shingles can accommodate solar systems, but require more roof penetrations and better flashing management. Tile roofs complicate solar installation because panels must integrate with tile profiles. Specialized mounting systems solve this issue, but they increase cost.

Metal roofing offers high recyclability at the end of service life using recycled materials. Asphalt contributes more landfill waste. Tile roofs last long enough that the environmental impact spreads over decades.

When paired with proper insulation, all three materials can support energy efficiency goals. Metal delivers the most consistent results in Florida’s heat, helping reduce heat absorption, improve attic airflow, and ultimately lower energy bills.

Protect Your Home with Roof Top Services

When you need a roof that stands up to Florida’s heat, storms, and humidity, Roof Top Services delivers systems built to perform. We offer clear guidance, code-compliant installation, and materials selected for long-term durability. Schedule a consultation today and secure a roof that protects your home year after year.

Read More
spring clean roof

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Roof
  • No Comments

As spring time rolls around, it’s time to get rid of that winter debris, get your roof looking nice, and reduce the risks of leaks or roof problems. Cleaning your roof is an important aspect of spring cleaning, even if no one enjoys the hassle of it. 

Regular maintenance by an Orlando roofing company will extend its lifespan and make it easier to find potential problems before they arise. To make the most out of your cleaning though, here are a few of our tops tips for spring cleaning your roof.

  1. Clean Out Your Gutters

Even if you cleaned out your gutters in the fall, they’ll need to be checked again in the spring. During the winter, leaves, twigs, and other debris can blow in and get stuck in your gutters, so checking and cleaning your gutters should be your first step to cleaning your roof.

Gutters are always going to need cleaning, so it shouldn’t surprise you that you’ll need to work on them even in the spring. By getting them cleared out at the beginning of the season, you ensure that your draining system is working and there isn’t a risk of water damage or clogging.

  1. Check Your Shingles

As the first line of defense, your shingles will take a beating over time. While your cleaning up your roof, don’t forget to give your shingles a good, close inspection to see if there are any that are loose or missing.

If you have shingles that are starting to curl, get them replaced immediately. You’ll also want to take care of any shingles that are beginning to buckle as this can cause moisture problems in the future.

  1. Mold

You may have already had to deal with mold in your home, but mold can also grow on and in your roof. Fortunately, if you catch it early on, taking care of a mold problem won’t get too expensive or difficult. 

Inspect your roof closely for signs of mildew and mold. If you see any, call a roofing professional to take care of it as soon as possible. For mold that hasn’t grown too much, you can try home remedies, but you’ll want to call a professional as soon as you notice the mold continuing to grow.

  1. Trim Branches

Do you have trees anywhere on your property or near your roof? Remember to trim those branches. Although it may not seem directly related to roof cleaning, trimming the branches on trees near your roof can protect it from a lot of damage. If a storm hits suddenly and those branches start to drop, your roof can really take a beating.

  1. Look Around Inside

If you have an attic or crawl space below your roof, get in there and look around. Sometimes roofing problems can show from the inside before they show on the outside. 

While you’re inspecting your roof from inside, call a roofing company to come check if you notice any moisture or light where there shouldn’t be. Any smell or sign of mold from the inside should also be a cause for worry.

  1. Get a Roof Inspection

Even if you think you’ve taken great care of your roof, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional company. Experts can detect problems before you can even see them and prevent a lot of unnecessary expenses in the future. With a roof inspection, you’ll also save yourself time and you can rest assured that they’ll spot issues that you may have missed.

Conclusion

Spring cleaning is a lot of work, but don’t be tempted to ignore your roof. Just like the rest of your house, your roof is important and needs to be cleaned regularly as well. The last thing you want is to ignore a sign of damage and have to deal with an expensive fix.

Read More
roof last longer

How to Make Your Roof (Commercial or Residential) Last Longer
  • No Comments

The roof is an important element of the house as it serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. For one, the roof primarily shields a building from weather conditions such as sunlight and precipitation. Your roof also serves a significant aesthetic purpose since it is situated at the top of your house or commercial building. 

Roofs are also a significant investment and although they have to be fixed or replaced after many years, there are some things you can do to make them last longer. Check out these tips that Orlando roofing companies recommend. 

How to Make your Roof (Commercial or Residential) Last Longer

Clean Your Gutters Regularly

It’s a common problem that gutters get clogged up by various types of debris such as leaves and branches. It might be a chore to clean them up but if you want your roof to last longer, you might want to get your gutters cleaned regularly. 

Roofs are designed to keep water away and clogged gutters will just keep water stuck up there. Standing water will eventually lead to roof damage.

Avoid Power Washing

Power washing is great for cleaning dirt in an instant as the strength of the water can just push dirt and grime right off. However, the strength of that water pressure comes at a price. 

If you want your roof to last longer, it is not advisable to power wash your roof shingles. The shingles are specially coated with materials that make them great at what they do and the strength of the power washer can possibly remove that outer coating. 

Active Maintenance

Active maintenance means that you are on top of everything that could possibly go wrong with your roof. This may sound like a labor-intensive task but it really is one of the best ways to make sure that your roof can last as long as it can. 

Firstly, active maintenance involves fixing tiny problems right away. Tiny problems might not seem much at first but there are tiny problems that can snowball in the long run and significantly impact the longevity of your roof. 

Although it can be quite the chore, fixing those problems while they are tiny is significantly better and easier than waiting for those problems to become irreparable. 

Strengthen Your Roof

Roofs are sturdy structures that can hold up against typical weather conditions but if you live in an area that is prone to harmful weather conditions such as tornadoes, storms, and hurricanes, then it might do you good to invest in fortifying and strengthening your roof. 

This type of upgrade can be a significant investment. However, it is still cheaper than replacing the roof entirely in the event of a natural disaster. 

Hire a Professional

It is understandable that you might want to take on the challenge of installing and upgrading your roof on your own. Realistically though, you have to understand that while doing things yourself can save you some money, the quality of the result from your work versus a professional’s is completely different. As roofing professionals, we are equipped with the right tools, equipment and years of experience to do the job effectively.

Conclusion

Your roof is a significant part of your home or building and if there’s any way you can help make it last longer, you should. Listed above are just a few things that can help make roofs last longer so keep these tips in mind to make your investment last decades.

Read More
nice roof on house

What to Look For in the Roof When You’re Buying a Home
  • No Comments

Finding the house you love is quite a journey. During the long search, you’ve had to consider important details like space, the neighborhood, the yard, and of course, the price. However, there is a key area where you should not overlook, and that is the roof. 

Old roofs are always going to be of concern. If the previous owners have kept up with maintenance on the roof by hiring roofing companies in Orlando, it could still be in good condition for many years to come. However, bad installation or poor upkeep could mean a roof replacement is very much in the future, and you need to look out for the shingles and tiles as well.

Before you put down your hard-earned money for a particular property, you most certainly need to check out the roof. 

What to Look for in the Roof When You’re Buying a Home

The Condition of the Roof

First of all, you need to know just how old the roof of your new home is. In fact, you need to dive a little deeper as the age will not tell you everything you need to know about the roof. 

Take a closer look at the roof, check for damages, bulges, bubbles, or any other distortions at the edges. Missing shingles or tiles are also indicators of poor condition. Do ask the seller about the lifespan of the roof. 

Depending on the materials used to construct the roof, there are differing factors that can contribute to the longevity of the roof.

Roof Cracks and Leaks

It is in your best interests to check thoroughly for any potential cracks or leaks in the roof. The last thing you want when moving into a new home is to have a leak in the roof. Aside from the repair works and the money spent, your overall living conditions will be affected as well. Furniture can be destroyed, and your walls will get damaged. 

Leaking can occur in many different areas, so it can be hard to pin down just where the source of a leak is. The earlier you can detect the problem, the better.  

Examining the Ventilation System

Depending on the weather and climate of the area you are in, a good ventilation system can be the difference between bliss and disaster. A good roof should be complemented by a good ventilation system. 

A properly put-together ventilation system will allow for sufficient sunlight as well as airflow, this will help prevent mold and water from building up. With poor ventilation, you are looking at potential problems such as structural decay and health risks for everyone living in the property. 

Check out the Seepage and Drainage Systems too

When we talk about the seepage and drainage system, this includes the various downspouts, gutters, and drainage pipes. 

The condition of these systems are oftentimes reflective of a roof’s overall condition. If you see small pieces of asphalt shingle grains, that could be a cause for worry. These small grains are vital in shielding the roof shingles from the sun, so if there is too much of the material, you might need to bring in an expert to handle the problem.

Conclusion

It is essential to take all the necessary precautions when buying a house, especially for the roof. If you are unable to do this on your own, hire a professional to inspect the home for you. This way, you can get a better understanding of your purchase, and plan for any repair works if need be.

Read More

Top Reasons Not To Delay Roof Repairs
  • No Comments

A roof is a home’s most vital infrastructure that serves as the first line of defense against weather and other external factors. Proper maintenance is critical to ensuring your roof lasts longer. When dealing with roof issues, it’s essential not to neglect any signs of possible damage and make sure they get done immediately. Following a hurricane, it’s always a good idea to inspect your roof for any signs of damage once you notice it. If you do see any problems, you should contact a professional roofing contractor immediately to get a thorough inspection of the repairs that are needed. Timing is everything when it comes to roof repairs. Even a simple issue can potentially end up as significant damage.

Why It is Important to Address Roof Issues as Promptly as Possible

Roof maintenance can be an overwhelming hassle. The same goes true when it comes to roof repairs, and it’s not uncommon for a roof to be neglected until the problem starts to develop. In some cases, homeowners can put off repairs thinking that the issue will go away and their roof shouldn’t be given time and attention. The expenses associated with the typical roof repairs can also discourage people, which make them ignore the signs of their repairs. Unfortunately, the majority of roof issues can quickly escalate and end up too costly to repair. Here are some reasons why delaying your roof repair is not the wisest decision. (more…)

Read More

Is Your Roof Healthy?
  • No Comments

Healthy Roof

Often overlooked, your roof is one of the most integral components to your home, and without it, you are in store for monumental complications to your house. To ensure that no damages befall your home and family, it is vital to ensure that your roof is in pristine condition. A lack of roof maintenance is one of the biggest causes of roofing damage. Roof Top Services of Central Florida, Inc. is one of the best Orlando roofers, who have won multiple awards for their customer service and product knowledge.

If you are looking to make sure that your roof is healthy, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the two contributors to roof damage are weather and time. If severe weather conditions don’t cause harm to your roof, then time will, which is why homeowners need to be vigilant and knowledgeable of the vulnerable portions of the roof, as well as, being able to identify damage.

The Necessity of a Healthy Roof

If you let your roof succumb to the elements, it will continue to degrade over time as the damage becomes irreparable. Leaks can result in further erosion of your home’s structure as it can harm drywall and create electrical risks if water makes its way to your wiring. As your roof’s integrity becomes compromised, it also hurts the insulation of your home which can increase your heating and cooling costs. It is easy to fail to see the importance of your roof, but when you look at how it affects your house overall, the necessity of a good roof becomes clear.

Know the Structures

Before you can even identify problems with your roof, you need to know what it is supposed to look like when it is healthy. Familiarizing yourself with your roof and its components are crucial to keeping your roof in perfect health.

  • Drip Edges – Often made of aluminum or sometimes plastic, drip edges along the edge of the roof to reduce runoff.
  • Valleys – Channels formed when slopes in a roof meet forming a V shape which is susceptible to leaks.
  • Flashing – When your roof has angles and joints that meet in valleys, protective pieces of metal known as flashing are often placed to reinforce the creases.
  • Felt Underlayment – Beneath the layer of shingles, felt underlayment forms a protective barrier from leakage making its way through the tiles.

Types of Damage

Now that you are familiar with how the elements of your roof are supposed to function, you can adequately recognize symptoms of an unhealthy roof. If you notice any of the following telltale signs of damage on your roof, contact a professional immediately to prevent further problems.

    • Loss of Granules – Your shingles have granules on them which protect them from harsh weather. Over time you will notice the granules begin to loosen and fall off of the tiles. They often wind up in the gutters which can cause water to build up which eventually seeps into the roof.
    • Missing Flashing – After you have familiarized yourself with where your flashing is, if you see flashing missing from your roof, you are now at risk for leaks through the creases in your valleys and joints.
    • Missing Shingles – Easily identifiable, when you spot shingles missing from your roof, the felt underlayment is exposed, which makes it easier for water to make its way in.
    • Exposed Nails – As your shingles go missing, the nails beneath them can become loose and exposed. This creates an opening for water to come in through the holes that the nails were originally in.
    • Water Damage Inside – If you start to find spots of water damage in your drywall or ceiling, it is highly indicative of roof damage.
    • Drastic Change in Heating/Cooling Costs – As damage to your roof gets worse, its ability to properly insulate your home decreases. You will notice your heating and cooling costs rise substantially as your air conditioning system has to work harder to compensate.

Take no Risks

Your roof is one of the most crucial structures in your home, and you should never take it for granted. If you encounter any of these revealing signs of roof damage, act immediately and have a professional provide you with assistance.

Read More