Comparing Popular South Florida Roofing Materials: Metal, Tile, Flat & Shingle

There are many different types of roofs that are suitable for homes in Miami and the greater South Florida region, but they can generally be broken down into four categories: tile roofing, metal roofing, flat roofing, and shingle roofing. Here are some key points to keep in mind when comparing these roofing materials.

Tile Roofing

Roofing tiles can be made from clay, ceramic, or concrete and generally last for an exceptionally long time—often 100 years or more. Tile roofing is resistant to mildew and algae growth, and it’s available in a wide variety of colors and styles. While extremely durable, tile roofs are quite heavy, so they require a strong roofing frame that’s designed to hold the load.

At Istueta Roofing, we offer premium tile roofing from designer manufacturers such as Ludowici, Verea, and Redland. Our roofing tiles are gorgeous and our expert craftsmanship and installation helps protect against cracking and extend the lifespan of the roof.

Metal Roofing

While it might seem like a metal roof would heat up the interior of your home like an oven, modern metal roofing options are actually designed to reflect the sun’s heat rather than absorb it, which helps keep your home cool and comfortable. Metal roofing is quite durable and can last 50 years or more—and it can be recycled after being removed from your home. A metal roof is lightweight but strong enough to withstand hurricanes, hail, and other inclement weather.

A variety of types of metal can be used for roofing. At Istueta Roofing, we offer:

• Aluminum roofing – Aluminum is very lightweight and won’t corrode, making it perfect for coastal Florida.
• Copper roofing – One of the longest-lasting metal roofing materials, copper is exceptionally beautiful and develops a patina over time, which will slowly change the color to a vibrant green.
• Galvalume roofing – Galvalume is a combination of steel, aluminum, and zinc which offers superior resistance to corrosion when compared to galvanized steel.

Our aluminum and galvalume roofing is available in a variety of fade-proof colors to suit virtually any home aesthetic. Our manufacturer-certified craftsmen install metal roofs flawlessly so they perform and look stunning for decades.

Flat Roofing

While the majority of houses in the United States have sloped roofs, there are some that have flat roofs. There are a few different flat roof systems available, including TPO-membrane, EPDM, and modified bitumen. For South Florida homeowners, TPO-membrane is typically the best option since the heavy-duty rubber membrane is heat-welded at the seams to keep moisture out and the white surface reflects the sun’s rays much more efficiently than darker-colored bitumen.

Istueta Roofing is pleased to offer GAF’s EverGuard TPO-membrane flat roof system, which is ENERGY STAR® certified for its thermal efficiency. We offer this system specifically because it outperforms other flat roofing materials, particularly when faced with South Florida’s demanding climate.

Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingles are a popular option due to their abundant availability, classic look, and affordability. These shingles are saturated with asphalt and then texturized with small chips of slate, quartz, or schist. While the average asphalt shingle roof lasts around 15-30 years, higher-end shingles can last upwards of 50 years.

Istueta Roofing offers premium asphalt shingles that are professionally and precisely installed for maximum longevity and a clean look. We use products from industry-leading manufacturers that offer far superior performance and appearance than a basic shingle.

Learn More

To learn more about comparing roofing materials, contact Istueta Roofing today. It would be our pleasure to schedule a consultation to discuss which roofing material is best suited to your home’s architecture and your aesthetic preferences.