Florida is a bright and sunny state which is great for residents and vacationers alike. However, the region’s roofing structures are susceptible to the harmful effects of the weather. If you’re facing Florida roof damage, here’s why.
How Does Florida Weather Wreak Havoc on Your Roof?
Florida property owners must stay on top of roofing responsibilities because the weather contributes to degradation and shortens the roof’s service life. If you’re currently considering repair or replacement due to Florida roof damage, now’s the time to learn how to protect it from the elements. Investing in the right roofing system saves you time and money. Otherwise, certain weather conditions speed up roof degradation.
High Temperatures and Excessive Sunshine
Florida is a subtropical region famously known for its year-round sunshine and hot weather. In fact, Florida is reportedly the warmest place in the U.S. While some residents and tourists may love this the most about the state, too much heat and sunshine is harmful for roofs. How hot can a roof get? That depends on the roofing materials.
Traditional roofing systems can reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit. However, specialized commercial roofing materials or certified cool roofs help them withstand higher temperatures, thanks to their high thermal emittance. Extreme heat can cause a roof to fade and crack, and temperature changes and continued UV exposure cause roof material expansion and contraction. Therefore, cool roofs maintain lower temperatures under high heat through thermal infrared radiation. Because of cool roofs’ reflective properties, they stay at least 50 degrees cooler than traditional roofing materials.
Strong Winds and Rain
During hurricane season in Florida, rainstorms and strong winds have a harmful impact on commercial roof structures. Because of this, Florida roof damage isn’t uncommon. High winds traveling at fast speeds can rip roofing material from the surface, leaving the substrate vulnerable to moisture. Excessive rain is bad for the underlying surface; it deteriorates roofing materials, and causes leaks. Although roof leaks are common as well, they should be addressed immediately. Otherwise, neglecting the issue leads to other problems, such as mold and mildew.
Mold grows in dark, damp places and creates a foul odor. Additionally, since mold is toxic to inhale, it can cause symptoms in building inhabitants, ranging from coughing and wheezing to headaches and dizziness. After a severe storm, it’s best to get your roof inspected right away to make sure the wind and rain haven’t caused severe damage.
What Are the Most Effective Roof Systems for Florida?
If you want to know how to protect your roof from heat, familiarize yourself with the most appropriate materials. Florida roof structures should provide durability, insulation, and UV reflectivity. For these reasons, commercial flat roofs are your best bet to shield against Florida’s high heat and intense storms.
Commercial flat roofs are versatile and multifunctional, offering several benefits to property owners. Since flat roofs are easily accessible and spacious, they’re the perfect place to house HVAC equipment so you have more space indoors. You could also transform your structure into a rooftop patio for meetings, gatherings, and employee leisure. Most importantly, commercial flat roofs come in various styles and materials that are water-resistant and energy efficient, which helps your building withstand any weather conditions in the region.
Some of the best roofing systems for Florida include:
Metal
Residential and commercial metal roofing is popular, although it’s relatively lightweight, it’s durable and delivers the ultimate protection. Metal is also naturally reflective and stands up to UV rays. Metal offers outstanding protection, and it also helps with your company’s environmental initiatives. Since metal is energy efficient and 100% recyclable, it’s eco-friendly and ENERGY STAR certified.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a common roofing material due to their longevity. If you search “how long do shingles last in Florida,” the answer is about 15 to 20 years. However, metal roofs last at least 70 years with routine maintenance.
Single-Ply
Some of the most common flat roofing systems are single-ply membranes. These monolithic sheets provide one layer of protection and are made of rubber, plastic, and other synthetics and fillers that are waterproof and UV resistant. Some of the top single-ply roofing systems are TPO, PVC, and EPDM. Each of these systems is attached differently. They could be:
- Ballasted
- Mechanically adhered
- Fully adhered
- Metal retrofitted
Each option provides seal-tight insulation so your Florida commercial building is less susceptible to roof leaks and HVAC inefficiency.
Single-ply flat roofs are also available in various colors. The best roof colors for Florida include white, gray, or beige. The lighter the topcoat, the more reflective the roof’s surface is.
Built-Up Roofs
Built-up roofs (BUR) are made up of many layers of asphalt and ply sheets. BUR’s water resistance and reliable insulation are credited to its redundancy. These roofing systems are great for Florida’s hot weather and heavy rainfall because the layers make it harder for water and heat to seep inside the building.
White-colored cap sheets are available for BUR as well. These protective barriers prevent Florida roof damage because they reflect sun rays instead of absorbing them. As a result, the building is much cooler indoors during the summer, as well.
New Image Eliminates Roofing Worries
How long does a roof last in Florida? With the help of New Image Roofing, you can expect your structure to last a lifetime. Your roof’s condition impacts your company’s safety and welling. Our trained and dedicated specialists can repair, restore, or replace your existing structure.
Florida roof damage can be frustrating and overwhelming, so let us handle it for you. Call us today to schedule your free inspection.
