Pros and Cons of Composite Roof Shingles in Florida

When you think of shingle roofing, asphalt shingles are probably the fist thing that comes to mind. While these are a timeless, classic option, they have new competition on the roofing market. Composite roof shingles have a lot to offer Florida homeowners, including many features that asphalt shingles simply can’t replicate.

But are they a good idea for Florida homeowners? That’s what we’re here to cover. We’re PITCH Roofing, and as local roofing professionals, we understand which roofing materials are viable for Florida roofs. Stick with us as we cover the good and the bad of composite roof shingles in Florida!

What Are Composite Roof Shingles?

Before we start weighing the pros and cons of composite shingle roofing in Central Florida, let’s first establish what these shingles are. Also called synthetic shingles, these roofing shingles are made from recycled materials and synthetic polymers. These shingles feel like hardened plastic with a durable, textured surface.

However, what sets composite roof shingles apart isn’t the way they feel, but the way they look. Synthetic shingles mimic the look of slate and cedar shake shingles. Slate and cedar shake are both highly expensive shingles that don’t last for an especially long time, so many people prefer composite roof shingles as a way to generate curb appeal without a large price tag for a roof that won’t last for very long.

Roofing is a highly localized industry, though. A great roofing material in Florida might be an awful material for a roof in Colorado. And even within the Sunshine State, different areas have different roofing needs. With that in mind, let’s talk about the good and the bad of composite shingle roofing in Central Florida and see if these shingles could be right for your home!

Pros & Cons of Composite Roof Shingles in Central Florida

Over the years, we’ve seen growing interest in composite roof shingles across Pinellas, Hillsborough, and surrounding counties. Before making any roofing decisions, we always encourage our customers to look at the good and bad sides of a given material. Let’s help you do that by looking at the pros and cons of composite roof shingles!

Pro: Durable and Hurricane-Ready

No roof is truly “hurricane-proof.” But composite roof shingles are about as hurricane-ready as a roofing material can get. Synthetic shingles are rated for winds of up to 130 mph, so when you add in their great water resistance, these shingles are ready for even major hurricanes.

Of course, Florida’s weather is tough on roofs even outside of hurricane season. But composite roof shingles are just as ready for the rest of Florida’s tough weather factors. UV rays, humidity, and severe heat can all damage roofs. But synthetic shingles are made of resilient, reinforced plastic that can stand up to all of these without budging!

Con: Composite Roof Shingles Are New

In some ways, it’s a good thing to enjoy the protection of a new, cutting-edge roofing material. But it has its drawbacks. Because synthetic shingles are relatively new to the market, nobody knows for sure what kinds of problems these shingles could present with as they age. It is technically possible that composite shingles could have issues that we don’t yet know about.

While this is a downside, it’s not quite as bad as it sounds. Most manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties on their synthetic shingles. So if your shingles do develop some kind of unexpected problem decades after your roof replacement, you would still be under warranty and able to get help with any necessary repairs or shingle roof replacements.

Pro: An Improvement on Classic Roofing Materials

Slate and cedar shake shingles are old-school roofing materials that a lot of people love. But they just aren’t affordable for many homeowners. Additionally, they’re not right for every climate — for example, wood shingles are a bad idea in Florida because our humidity can lead to water absorption, which weakens the overall structure of the shingles.

Composite roof shingles are a solution to both of these problems. In terms of roofing costs, composite roof shingles are about half that of slate or cedar shake. And while other materials may not be suited to Florida’s climate, synthetic shingles are more than capable of withstanding the worst that Florida has to offer!

Con: Limited Resale Value

There is no reason that a potential buyer wouldn’t want a home with a composite shingle roof. However, while synthetic shingles can replicate the look and style of luxury roofing materials, they don’t get the same prestige. This means that your composite roof shingles won’t generate the same interest or value as real slate or cedar shake.

While you won’t see the same value in your home, you also won’t have to pay exorbitant roof replacement costs, so most homeowners still consider this investment a net positive. And while synthetic shingles may not generate the same value as cedar or slate, they do create the same visual interest and curb appeal, which can be just as important for attracting potential buyers!

Pro: Long-Lasting Protection

When you buy a new roof, you want it to last for a long time. And that’s exactly what you can count on with composite roof shingles. Even with Florida’s many adverse weather conditions, composite roofs last 40-50 years on average.

While they don’t have the long lifespans of slate, which can last for 100+ years, synthetic shingles far outlast asphalt shingles and even cedar shake. If you want to invest in a gorgeous roof that will last in Florida, composite roof shingles are an excellent option to consider!

Get a Free Estimate for a Composite Shingle Roof Replacement

Composite roof shingles are an extremely competitive material on the Florida roofing market. While they may be relatively new on the scene, we think there’s every chance that synthetic shingles are here to stay. If you’re curious about this roofing material and how it may suit your roof, the first step in getting a new roof is scheduling a free, no-obligation estimate.

Call us at 727-677-4824 for your free composite roofing quote, or schedule your estimate online. As veteran Florida roofers, we have extensive experience with a wide variety of roofs across the Sunshine State. So no matter what unique quirks your roof has, we’ll be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with a thorough, comprehensive estimate that you can rely on!

Picking reliable roofers is just as important as picking a high-quality roofing material. When you need help you can count on from local roofers you can trust, call PITCH. With rave roofing reviews and deep roots in our Central Florida community, you can count on us to deliver roofing done right every time!