If you have a tile roof, you already have one of the most reliable roofs possible. When installed correctly, tile roofing will last you for many years - when you’re using materials like concrete, clay, and terracotta, your roof is less likely to rot or be seriously damaged due to fire.
Even with these benefits, tile roofing isn’t perfect. Though your tile roof can last decades, you still may need to replace individual tiles or entire sections. Roof tiles are heavier than asphalt shingles, so you’ll need to make sure your roof can support the weight in the first place. Once the tile is in place, it’s one of the most durable materials you can have, but it’s still susceptible to heavy wind. If you’ve experienced a hurricane, for example, you’ll want a professional inspection to ensure nothing has cracked. If you do have a broken tile, an installer can usually replace it individually or by square, which is much cheaper than replacing an entire roof!
Thankfully, those of us in Florida don’t often have to deal with ice forming on our roofs, but this is another weather phenomenon that can cause icicles to form and potentially cause roof leaks.
You also will need to replace your underlayment, or the material beneath your roofing, at least once every 10 years. If you don’t keep up with your underlayment, you run the risk of your entire roof becoming unstable, and it may leak and cause other problems as a result.
A roof is a roof is a roof, right? Not quite. There’s a lot that goes into the shape and structure of a roof. Read on to find out more.
This is the simplest type of roof, and the most obvious. It’s easy to construct and turns the top of your house into a flat slab. The downside is because of its shape, debris like snow or leaves or water will inevitably settle on it, putting unnecessary strain on the roof through their weight and water content.
A flat roof tilted to one side, so it sits at a diagonal. Often the higher side of the roof butts up against the wall of a larger building.
This type of roof is distinguished by gables (a smaller roof that covers windows and doors) that jut out from the regular slope of the roof. In the modern age, gable roofs are extremely common, especially for suburban homes.
You’ve probably seen this kind of roof before on a church or picture of a cottage. It looks exactly like an A, with two steep sides that often touch the ground. It originated in cold climates where keeping snow from piling up was imperative. Here in South Florida, they’re unpopular because they offer a high surface area for hurricane winds to nab.
If you’re looking for a great way to increase natural light in your home while adding an interesting decorative element, consider installing skylights. With so many different factors to consider when shopping for skylights, choosing the right kind for your home can be tough. Here are four factors to consider when choosing skylights for your Florida home.
Skylights are available with both glass and plastic panes. There are a number of different unique pros and cons of each kind. Plastic skylights are available in a wide variety of shapes and are also very durable. However, they can become hazy and cloudy over time. Glass skylights remain clear and energy-efficient, but they are also more easily damaged by debris in harsh weather.
Another factor to consider is the shape of your skylights. Standard skylights are typically square or rectangular, much like any normal replacement window. However, shaped skylights can make your roof seem more interesting and exciting. Plastic skylights are even available in domed or pyramid shapes.
Because installing skylights requires part of your roofing to be cut away, it’s important that your skylight can provide your home with an adequate level of insulation. Choosing skylights with high-efficiency glass and inert gas fills can help to lower your energy costs and keep your home comfortable.