Best Roofing Materials for Florida – How Much They Cost

In Florida’s hurricane-prone environment, selecting the best roofing material is critical to ensuring a durable, long-lasting roof that can withstand high winds and intense storms. Beyond material selection, attention to reinforcement and specific building codes is essential for achieving a resilient roofing system.

Here’s a breakdown of the top roofing materials and reinforcement techniques ideal for Florida’s unique climate, including an overview of Miami-Dade County’s rigorous requirements for roofing systems in hurricane zones.

Why Storm-Resistant Roofing Is Vital in Florida

Florida’s frequent hurricanes demand a roof system that can endure hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, and intense UV exposure. Materials alone are not enough; installation practices, reinforcements, and strict adherence to local building codes play a pivotal role in ensuring a roof’s durability.

Key Florida Building Codes for Roofing

Florida’s building codes set high standards to safeguard homes in hurricane-prone areas. Miami-Dade and Boward County, in particular, has stringent regulations that any roofing material must meet to be approved for use (PDF). For a roofing product to receive the coveted “Notice of Acceptance” (NOA) in Miami-Dade County, it must undergo rigorous testing for wind uplift, water resistance, and impact resistance.

Miami-Dade NOA Requirements:

• NOA Certification: All roofing materials must have a valid NOA, verifying they have passed Miami-Dade’s strict standards.
• Testing Procedures: Testing ensures materials can withstand hurricane-force winds, extensive rain, and high humidity.
• Checking for Approval: The county’s Product Control website provides a database to check materials’ NOA numbers, ensuring the selected materials are approved for Florida’s intense weather demands.

Examples of Miami-Dade Approved Materials:

• Metal Roofing Panels: Standing seam metal panels.
• Various Underlayments: Self-adhering and nail-secured underlayments.
• Concrete or Clay Tiles: Specific types that meet wind uplift standards.
• Synthetic Tiles: Select brands that comply with Miami-Dade standards for wind and impact resistance.

Best Roofing Systems for the state of Florida (coastal and in-land areas)

1. Metal Roofing

   • Durability and Longevity: 35+ years
   • Wind Resistance: Up to 160 mph, with some options rated up to 180 mph
   • Cost: $11.50 – $20.50 per square foot installed

Metal roofing is highly resistant to high winds and storm impact due to its interlocking panels. Miami-Dade-approved options like the aluminum and steel standing seam metal panels from Fabral are engineered to resist uplift and offer effective storm protection. Additionally, metal roofing’s reflective properties make it energy-efficient in Florida’s hot climate. When properly anchored and reinforced with approved fasteners, metal roofing offers exceptional resilience and longevity in hurricane-prone areas.

Data: According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), metal roofing can withstand wind speeds up to 160 mph, making it suitable for areas facing Category 5 hurricanes.

In hurricane-prone regions or areas with severe wind events like tornadoes, standing seam metal roofs can be designed to handle extreme wind speeds, often surpassing 160 mph. Some advanced metal roofing systems are even rated to withstand winds of 180 mph or more, offering top-tier protection.

2. High-Performance Asphalt Shingles

   • Durability and Longevity: 20–30 years
   • Wind Resistance: Up to 150 mph (Class H-rated)
   • Cost: $4.50 – $10.50 per square foot installed

Class H high performance asphalt shingles can withstand wind speeds up to 150 mph, making them a viable option for storm-prone regions. For added security, hurricane-grade asphalt shingles are installed with six nails per shingle instead of the standard four, maximizing their wind resistance. It’s also critical to ensure the nails are driven flush without breaking the shingle to avoid weakening it against wind uplift.

Most high-performance shingles are classified as ASTM D3161 Class F and ASTM D7158 Class H, meaning they can resist wind speeds up to 150 mph. Always ensure that the shingles meet your local building code requirements and follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines to maintain wind protection under warranty.

Note that currently there are NO Miami Dade County approvals for asphalt shingles, with the exception of ridge cap shingles from select manufacturers.

3. Clay and Concrete Tiles

   • Durability and Longevity: 50+ years
   • Wind Resistance: Up to 125 mph
   • Cost: $14.50 – $25.50 per square foot installed

Clay and concrete tiles are widely favored in Florida for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and natural ability to withstand heavy rains. However, because tiles are heavier, reinforced roof framing is essential to support them.

4. Synthetic Roofing (Composite)

   • Durability and Longevity: 30+ years
   • Wind Resistance: Up to 190 mph
   • Cost: $8.00 – $15.00 per square foot installed

Composite roofing materials, like synthetic shingles, imitation slates and tiles, offer high wind resistance while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of traditional materials. Lightweight yet extremely durable, composite tiles are easy to install with reinforced fasteners and underlayments. Miami-Dade-approved synthetic shingles and tiles undergo extensive testing to ensure that they meet local wind and impact resistance standards.

Data: Some synthetic roofing systems are rated for wind speeds up to 190 mph, making them an ideal choice for homes in extreme hurricane zones.

For example, Brava tiles are tested and certified to endure wind speeds up to 188 mph when installed with nails, and up to 211 mph when using high-wind screw installations.

5. Cedar Shingles and Shakes

   • Durability and Longevity: 30+ years with maintenance
   • Wind Resistance: Up to 245 mph
   • Cost: $10.00 – $18.50 per square foot installed

Cedar shingles, known for their wind resistance and natural look, must be installed using corrosion-resistant nails in Florida’s humid climate.

Data: In 2004, CSSB member cedar shakes and shingles underwent the UL-1897 (fourth edition) Uplift Test for Roof Covering Systems, achieving outstanding performance. CSSB member shingles demonstrated wind resistance of 90 PSF (equivalent to 173 mph), while CSSB member shakes excelled with a rating of 180 PSF (equivalent to 245 mph).

Bonus: Cedar also offers a unique rustic aesthetic, adding character to homes while providing solid protection in windy conditions.

Reinforcing Your Roofing System for Optimal Storm Resilience

In Florida, material quality and installation practices are equally important. Roofing contractors must ensure all elements, from underlayments to fastening techniques, are compliant with Florida’s storm protection requirements. Here are some essential reinforcement techniques for a storm-ready roofing system:

1. Roof Decking

• The roof deck acts as the primary structural base, and 5/8-inch plywood or OSB is generally recommended for Florida homes. Ensuring strong, continuous decking provides a stable foundation that withstands the region’s extreme wind pressures.

2. Roof Frame Reinforcement

• In hurricane-prone areas, roof framing should include hurricane straps or ties that connect the roof structure to the walls, reducing the risk of roof uplift. Reinforcing trusses and beams with approved strapping systems keeps the roof more securely attached to the home, significantly lowering the chance of structural failure during high winds.

3. Underlayments

• High-quality, self-adhering and/or waterproof membranes are recommended, especially in Miami-Dade County where two layers of underlayments are required. These underlayments act as an additional moisture barrier, preventing water intrusion during heavy rain, and they’re also essential for managing wind uplift pressures.

4. Fasteners and Nailing Patterns

• Using corrosion-resistant fasteners, such as stainless-steel or zinc-coated nails, is critical in Florida’s humid, coastal climate. Proper nailing techniques, including the use of six nails per shingle, are a requirement in high velocity hurricane zones and provide greater stability and wind resistance. Fasteners should be driven flush with the surface without puncturing the roofing material, ensuring the integrity of each shingle, tile, or panel.

5. Roof Edge Sealing

• Securing the edges of the roof is crucial to prevent wind from lifting roofing materials. A properly sealed roof edge creates a wind-resistant perimeter that reduces the chance of shingles or tiles being dislodged, even during powerful gusts.

Conclusion

Selecting the right roofing materials and reinforcing your roof according to Florida’s building codes can make a significant difference in your home’s protection during a storm. Miami-Dade’s rigorous standards, such as the NOA certification, ensure that only the most durable and storm-resistant materials are used in high-risk areas. Roofing options like metal, high-performance shingles, and Miami-Dade-approved composite tiles offer both functionality and style for Florida homes. Prioritizing roof frame reinforcement, hurricane-zone nailing patterns, and robust underlayments will further increase your roof’s resilience, giving you confidence and peace of mind through Florida’s most challenging weather.