Composite shingles are a great, affordable alternative to slate or shake shingles. Also called synthetic shingles, these roofing materials are starkly different from the asphalt shingles that you may be used to. This leads many Florida homeowners to have questions about how long composite shingles last, how they hold up to local weather, and how much they cost.
We’re here to answer all these questions and more. As your local shingle roofing partner, PITCH Roofing knows just about everything about composite shingle roofing in Florida. Keep reading for our comprehensive guide to synthetic shingles!
Composite Shingles 101
Composite shingles get their name from the various materials they’re made of. Namely, these include a combination of synthetic polymers and recycled materials. But while synthetic shingles are made of complex, top-of-the-line roofing technologies, they perfectly emulate the classic style of all-natural slate or shake shingles.
That’s because during the manufacturing process, fabricators make composite shingles using the same molds that shape shake and slate. This, combined with unique coloring that all but perfectly mimics the look of the real deal, makes synthetic shingles extremely effective at recreating these timeless aesthetics.
Technically, there are some visual differences between composite shingles and real slate or shake. But it would take a roofing professional closely examining your roof to find them. For neighbors and friends, though, composite shingles are all but indistinguishable from the real deal.
The end result is a luxurious roof without the luxury price tag. But in order to determine if this material will create a high-value roof for your home, we have to discuss how these shingles hold up to Florida’s weather.
Lifespan and Durability of Synthetic Shingles in Florida
Florida is famous for its beautiful views and warm weather. Unfortunately, these things also come with downsides. For your roof, some of the biggest weather events that it will have to endure include hurricane-force winds, UV rays, and extreme humidity. So how well do composite shingles perform against these everyday Florida roofing concerns?
Let’s look at the biggest concern first: high winds. Asphalt shingles are famous for coming off roofs during major storms. However, this problem is much less common with synthetic shingles. That’s because composite shingles have wind ratings of up to 150 mph. This means that your composite shingle roof will stay put even through major hurricanes!
Thanks to the protective features of composite shingles’ polymers, they’re also extremely good at resisting UV rays. This UV resistance is further improved by protective, anti-UV coatings that are common on these shingles. Normally, UV rays can prematurely break down your roofing materials. But with composite shingles, this is a very low concern.
Extreme humidity like Florida’s leads to a lot of roofing problems. In some cases, the mold and algae that develop can weaken your structure so much that your entire roof needs replacing. Thankfully, though, this is extremely unlikely with composite shingles. Thanks to the reduced porosity of composite shingles and their algae-resistant additives, algae is a very rare sight on these roofs.
As you can see, composite shingles stand up well to Florida’s three biggest roof killers. So with all this in mind, how long can they last?
How Long Do Composite Shingles Last?
Composite shingles, as we’ve covered, are extremely durable. That’s why they last much longer than traditional asphalt shingles. Even a high-quality architectural asphalt shingle roof will rarely last longer than 25 years at best. On the other hand, composite shingles last for 40-50 years in Florida.
There are some caveats to this number, though. First, you will need to make sure that experienced professionals install your roof. Shoddy roof replacements are a surefire way to sabotage your roof, so it’s best to avoid cheap, inexperienced contractors who can’t deliver a quality roof installation.
Your roof will also likely need maintenance over its lifespan. Granted, composite shingle roofs need less maintenance than the average roof thanks to all their protective features. Despite this, it’s a good idea to get regular roof inspections to get the maximum lifespan out of your roof. Most times they won’t find any issues, but when they do, getting roof repairs before damage can spread is the best way to maintain your roof.
The only final thing to keep in mind is that composite shingles are a high-value roofing system. This means that they require a significant up-front investment. While these roofs are less expensive than slate or shake, that doesn’t mean that composite shingles are cheap.
The Cost of Composite Shingles in Florida 2024
Both slate and shake shingles can cost as much as $30 per square foot in Florida. On the other end of the spectrum, asphalt shingles may cost as little as $5 per square foot. Synthetic shingles represent a middle point between these two extremes.
A composite shingle roof costs between $12 and $20 per square foot. So is composite shingle roofing affordable? Well, it depends on how you look at it. Compared to asphalt shingles, composite shingles certainly seem expensive. But when you look at how much it costs to get the beautiful looks of slate or cedar shake, suddenly composite shingles seem a lot more reasonable.
The average residential roof in Florida measures around 2,000 square feet. That means a composite shingle roof replacement costs $24,000 to $40,000 in Florida. With a range this big, though, how are you supposed to find out how much your unique roof replacement will cost?
The best way to find out how much your composite shingles will cost is to get a personalized roofing cost quote. And at Pitch, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive, detailed estimates that come with no fees and no obligation!
Get Your Free Shingle Roofing Estimate
Composite shingles are some of the best roofing materials on the market. If you like what you’ve seen of them so far, then the next step is getting your free estimate for a composite shingle roof. During this step, we’ll conduct a brief roof inspection so that we can provide a thorough cost estimate that’s tailored to your home.
To get your estimate, call us at 727-677-4824 or schedule your estimate online. Or, if you want to skip the in-person inspection, you can sign up for an online-only estimate. With this option, we’ll use satellite images of your roof to determine its exact measurements so we can give you a reliable quote without the need to visit your home.
No matter what works best for you, Pitch will deliver. As trusted Florida roofers with plenty of experience under our belts, we can get you the composite shingle roof of your dreams. Reach out to our friendly staff today and see what Pitch can do for you!
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
