Hurricane Irma and Harvey

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.

Standing seam metal roof

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.

Wind-damaged roof with blown off shingles

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.

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Hurricane-Grade Roofing: Best Roofs for High Velocity Wind Zones

Living in the hurricane-prone areas like coastal Florida, Georgia, Carolinas, and Gulf states like Texas and Louisiana, means your roof needs to withstand extreme weather—high winds, heavy rain, and flying debris. Choosing the right hurricane-grade roofing system is critical for safeguarding your home and family during hurricane season.

Let’s explore the most durable roofing systems, focusing on wind resistance, durability, and cost, so you can make an informed decision.

Why Hurricane-Grade Roofing Matters

Hurricanes can produce winds of over 150 mph, which can easily tear off a poorly installed or low-quality roof. A hurricane-resistant roof provides wind resistance, waterproofing, and impact protection, ensuring your home can withstand the elements and minimize damage.

Best Roofing Systems for Hurricane Zones

1. Metal Roofing

Standing seam metal roof on a single-story home

Durability and Longevity: 35+ years
Wind Resistance: Up to 160 mph
Cost: $11.50 – $20.50 per square foot installed

Average Roof Replacement Cost:

Low End

$7,500

Mid-Range

$10,500

High End

$14,500

See costs in your area Enter Your Zip Code

 

Metal roofing is one of the most wind-resistant roofing systems available, with interlocking panels and shingles that offer superior protection against wind uplift. Not only are they lightweight and durable, but they also reflect heat, reducing home energy costs.

Types of Metal Roofing:

  • Standing Seam: Vertical panels interlock to form a strong barrier against wind and water.
  • Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Shingles and Tiles: These mimic the appearance of traditional materials like clay or slate, while offering the durability and wind resistance of steel. The stone coating adds extra protection against corrosion and provides an aesthetic appeal.

Standing Seam 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.

Stone Coated Steel Data: Thanks to its modular design, batten substructure, and secure fastening patterns, stone-coated steel has proven its resilience in severe wind events, including hurricanes and tropical storms. It comes with warranty coverage for wind speeds up to 120 mph and meets the strictest building codes for high-wind areas, such as Miami-Dade County, Florida, where standards reach up to 180 mph.

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How to Deal with Roof and Siding Damage from Hurricanes

We are fast approaching the hurricane season the US. As you know, storms and hurricanes can impact homes situated along the Gulf coast, as well as the tip and east cost of Florida, coastal Georgia, South and North Carolinas, and other places along the east coast.

In fact, major hurricanes can result in widespread devastation and leave billions of dollars in damage to homes’ exteriors including roofs and siding in the hurricane prone areas like Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and other coastal states.

For example, hurricanes Harvey and Irma left an estimated $150 billion in damages behind in Houston, and throughout the state of Texas, Florida, Georgia, and elsewhere.

If you’re one of hundreds of thousands of property owners dealing with the aftermath of hurricane damage to your home’s roof, siding, and windows, then this guide will provide answers to some of the most pressing questions and concerns.

Roof damage hurricane Harvey

Beware of Home Improvement Construction and Insurance Scams

A word of warning is in order at the start. When hurricanes produce widespread damage, scammers known as storm chasers flock to the devastated areas. Many of the scams are construction scams and insurance scams. Take these precautions against scams:

  • Don’t give anyone cash upfront for them to buy materials to secure or repair your home
  • Don’t buy insurance from anyone claiming to have a policy to sell you that will cover damage already done to your home
  • Don’t allow anyone into your home unless they have proper identification (not just a FEMA shirt or shirt with an insurance company name on it) and a clear reason to be there – and even then, you’re not obligated to let anyone into your home

There are charity, food stamp, and voucher scams, flood insurance scams, and many others. If you suspect fraud or attempted fraud, call the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at 866.720.5721 or send an email to disaster@leo.gov. All contacts are kept confidential.

Immediate Steps to Take After Hurricane Damage

Wind and water are devastating forces of nature when unleashed during storms like hurricane Harvey and hurricane Irma in the US mainland and hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

From a practical standpoint, here are steps to take in the immediate aftermath of hurricane:

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