It’s normal for homeowners to struggle with the terminology and jargon of the roofing industry. Not only are there many terms to learn for the different parts of a roofing system, but sometimes multiple terms refer to the same thing. This is the case with composition shingles, which are more commonly known as asphalt shingles.
Whether you call them composition shingles or asphalt shingles, they’re one of the most popular roofing materials in North America. And even in Florida with our hurricanes and humidity, these shingles do a great job at keeping homes safe. As your go-to guide on all things Florida roofing, PITCH Roofing is here to walk you through everything you should know about composition shingles!
What Are Composition Shingles?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how much composition shingles cost in Florida and if they’re well-suited to your roof we first need to talk about what these shingles actually are. Sure, they’re made of asphalt, but what does that really mean?
In the manufacturing process, shingles start with a baseboard, usually one made of fiberglass. This fiberglass then gets coated in a thick layer of protective asphalt to make it durable and capable of repelling water. Then the manufacturers sprinkle protective granules over each shingle to improve its impact resistance against hail and storm debris.
With old-school composition shingles, this is where the process stops. But modern roofing has come a long way. Nowadays, shingles are double-layered with asphalt to make them thicker and heavier. These new, improved shingles are called architectural shingles, and their extra weight makes them much harder for wind to blow off a roof. As a bonus, the thicker design also leads to more interesting designs that create depth on your roof.
That about wraps it up for composition shingles 101. Now, let’s start answering some of your biggest questions.
Composition Shingles: Longevity, Durability, and Cost
As experienced Florida roofers, we spend a lot of our time talking to people about their options when installing a new roof. In these conversations, we see a lot of the same questions pop up. How long do composition shingle roofs last? What kind of wind resistance do shingles have? How much do composition shingles cost?
We’re here to answer all of these questions and more. Keep reading for our complete breakdown about what you need to know for your composition shingle roof replacement!
Longevity
When compared to other roofing materials, the truth is that composition shingles don’t last for an especially long time. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a good, respectable life out of your composition shingles.
On average, composition shingles last for 20-25 years in Florida. That number will very, very rarely go up, but it can easily go down if you’re not taking care of your roof. Take, for example, a roof leak. If a leak goes untreated, the water damage could soak into your decking and cause much more widespread damage throughout your shingles and the rest of your roof. This kind of problem can drastically lower your shingle roof’s lifespan!
That’s why we recommend biannual roof inspections to make sure that you’re staying on top of any potential damage. By treating issues as soon as they arise, you can give your roof the best possible chance at a long life. Nobody wants to replace their roof sooner than they have to, so it’s important to take care of yours!
Durability
You’ve probably noticed that Florida weather can be pretty tough on roofs. We aren’t just referring to hurricanes and tropical storms either — even Florida’s everyday weather is hazardous for roofs. Think of the humidity and UV exposure that your roof has to face every day! When installing a new roof in Florida, it’s important to invest in high-quality materials that can roll with the punches.
Composition shingles are great at standing up against Florida’s unique weather patterns. Let’s look at some of their biggest protective features:
- Wind resistance of up to 110 mph thanks to hefty weight and strategic nailing positions
- Many composition shingles have time-released zinc deposits to prevent mold
- Ability to shed water because of multiple layers of asphalt
- UV reflection via stone granules and light colors, which help reflect sun away from your home
As you can see, shingles stand up against the worst that Florida has to offer. Despite their ability to stand up to Florida’s weather, shingles aren’t invincible. They can crack, curl, or even be removed by gusts of wind. Staying on top of maintenance is the best way to keep your composition shingles in place and functioning at their best!
Cost
Finally, the big question: How much do composition shingles cost? The truth is that architectural shingles only cost a few dollars to make per square foot of shingles. But that’s not the number you need to know. For your roof replacement, you need to know how much you can expect to pay for a composition shingle roof installation — including labor costs and other pricing factors.
We have that number. When getting your roof replaced with composition shingles, you can expect to pay $5 to $9 per square foot of your roof. The average roof in Florida is around 1,700 square feet. So you could say that, on average, composition shingle roof replacements cost $8,500 to $15,300 in Florida.
This isn’t cheap, certainly, but it is one of the best prices you’ll get for a new roof. In fact, that’s a big part of why composition shingles are so popular — they’re the most affordable roofing material on the market. So if you’re on a tight roof replacement budget, there’s no better option than shingles!
Sign Up for a Free Composition Shingle Roof Estimate
Knowing the average cost of composition shingles is all well and good, but that’s still a big range. If you want to know exactly how much your new roof will cost, or if you have any other questions about shingle roofing, the best solution is to sign up for a free roofing estimate.
At PITCH, our estimates are always thorough, always free, and always accurate. There’s no guesswork, no obligation to pick us as your roofers, and no headaches. For your free shingle roofing estimate, call us at 727-677-4824 or schedule your estimate online. You can even sign up for an online-only estimate — no in-person roof inspection required!
The world of roofing can seem confusing if you’re not used to it. That’s why it helps to have professionals on your side who will be happy to answer all of your questions. Whether you call them composition or asphalt shingles, our crew of veteran Florida roofers is here to help you get a great new roof at a fair price!
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.
