Best Roofing Material for Florida Climate: 5 Top Options for Orlando Homes
Roofing in Orlando Is Not the Same as Roofing Anywhere Else
Orlando homeowners deal with a unique mix of intense sun, year-round humidity, summer thunderstorms, and hurricane-season wind loads. From older neighborhoods near Downtown Orlando and College Park to newer developments in Lake Nona and Horizon West, roof systems here must meet strict Florida Building Code requirements while still handling daily heat stress and sudden storm events.
That’s why choosing the best roofing material for the Florida climate matters even more in Orlando. The right system can help reduce cooling costs, improve wind resistance, extend roof lifespan, and protect your home’s insurability in Central Florida’s evolving insurance market. Below, we break down the most common roofing options used on Orlando homes and explain how each performs in real-world Florida conditions.
Table of Contents
Important Florida Notes Up Front
Product Approval: In Florida, roof system components must have
Florida Product Approval (FL#)
or a Miami-Dade NOA.
Wind Design: Most Orlando homes should be designed to withstand 120+ mph ultimate wind speeds. Your specific roof system and fastening schedule must meet the design pressures for your home’s location and geometry. (See 2023 Florida Building Code.)
Re-roof SWB: For most re-roofs, the 2023 Florida Building Code requires a Secondary Water Barrier (SWB) unless an exception applies.
Insurance Discounts: Florida insurers offer wind-mitigation discounts when qualifying features are present and verified by inspection. A compliant roof covering, proper deck attachment, SWB, and other features can help. Learn more from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
Asphalt Shingles: Cost-Effective but Shorter Lifespan
Asphalt shingles are the most common choice for Orlando homes. They are affordable and widely available, which makes them attractive for quick installations. In Florida’s climate, many 3-tab and older shingle roofs function for around 10–15 years, while architectural shingles often reach about 15–20 years with proper installation and maintenance. UV exposure, heat, and storms shorten service life compared with cooler regions.
Florida notes
- Contractors should verify and permit the shingle’s FL Product Approval and the fastening pattern for your wind zone.
- When re-roofing, ensure the required Secondary Water Barrier is included unless an exception applies.
- If your shingle roof is around 10–15+ years old or showing wear, schedule a free roof inspection in Orlando with Gravity Roofing to assess repair vs replacement.
Learn About Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Metal Roofing: One of the Best Roofing Materials for the Florida Climate
Metal performs exceptionally well in Florida. It reflects heat, resists corrosion, and, when correctly specified, can meet Orlando’s wind design. Many Florida-approved metal systems are engineered for ~140–150 mph design winds and can deliver 30–50 years of service with care. While the upfront cost is higher, homeowners often see savings from lower cooling bills and reduced repair frequency.
Florida notes
- Contractors should confirm that your project’s exact panel profile, substrate, underlayment, and clip/fastener package have a valid FL# or NOA.
- Your installer should provide calculations or documentation that the system meets design pressures for your home.
Tile Roofing: Timeless Florida Style
Clay and concrete tiles are a Florida classic. They resist fire, insects, and rot, and commonly last 30–50+ years. Underlayment typically needs replacement earlier than the tiles, which is a normal maintenance cycle.
Florida notes
- Weight matters. If you are switching from a lighter covering to tile, the structure must be verified for the added dead load and wind uplift. Engineering may be required by the building department.
- Use tile products and underlayments with FL Product Approval and follow the approved fastening schedule for your wind zone and exposure category.
Stone-Coated Steel Roofing: Premium Durability
Stone-coated steel offers a strong balance of durability and design. It withstands hurricane-force winds when approved and installed per Florida requirements, resists humidity-driven corrosion, and often lasts 40–70 years. It can mimic the look of tile, shake, or shingles while performing like metal.
Florida notes
- As with other coverings, verify that the exact brand, profile, underlayment, and fastening have a valid FL# and meet your design pressures.
Flat & Low-Slope Roofing Systems
For flat or low-slope sections, TPO, PVC, or modified bitumen are common. They can be waterproof, energy-efficient, and cost-effective, but they require regular maintenance and periodic inspections to stay watertight.
Florida notes
- Use membranes, insulations, and adhesives with FL Product Approval and follow the manufacturer’s approved details for perimeter and penetration attachment to meet wind pressures.
Why Choosing the Best Roofing Material for the Florida Climate Matters
Florida roofs face some of the harshest conditions in the United States. Cheaper materials may save money up front, but can lead to higher long-term costs in repairs, premature replacement, and insurance challenges. Choosing durable, Florida-approved systems like metal, tile, or stone-coated steel helps protect your home, can improve resale value, and may lower insurance premiums when paired with qualifying wind-mitigation features and a verified inspection.
Local Orlando Roofing Guidance Matters
Roofing decisions should never be one-size-fits-all, especially in Orlando. Your roof’s performance depends on factors like neighborhood exposure, roof geometry, age of the structure, and how your home is positioned against prevailing winds and storms. Two homes just a few miles apart can have very different wind-design requirements under Florida code.
Gravity Roofing works with Orlando homeowners every day to verify Florida Product Approvals, confirm design pressures, and recommend roofing systems that actually make sense for Central Florida homes, not just what looks good on paper. Whether you live near Downtown Orlando, Conway, Winter Park adjacent areas, or expanding communities around Lake Nona and Horizon West, our inspections focus on compliance, durability, and long-term value.
If you’re planning a roof replacement, considering an upgrade, or simply want clarity on your options, schedule a free Orlando roof inspection with Gravity Roofing. You’ll get straightforward answers, no pressure, and a clear path forward built for Florida’s climate.
Want a quick starting point? Orlando homeowners can use our Instant Roof Estimator to get a fast, ballpark price range in about 30 seconds, then book a free inspection for exact measurements and code verification. Click here to get your free estimates!
Book a Free Roof Inspection
Not sure which roofing material is right for your home? We will review your goals, verify product approvals, check design pressures, and outline compliant options.
Book your free inspection today with Gravity Roofing or call (407) 461-0234.
FAQs
What is the best roofing material for Florida homes?
Metal and stone-coated steel often deliver the best combination of durability, wind performance, and longevity. Architectural shingles remain popular for budget, and tile for style. Always confirm Florida Product Approval and that the system meets your home’s design pressures.
Which roof lasts longest in Orlando?
Stone-coated steel can reach 40–70 years. Many tile and quality metal systems also perform very well when properly installed and maintained. Underlayment replacement cycles apply for tile.
How do I know when to replace my roof?
As a practical guideline, if your shingle roof is around 10–15+ years or shows signs of damage, granule loss, curling, leaks, or storm wear, schedule a professional inspection to determine repair vs replacement. Typically, tile and metal roofs need to be replaced after 25+ years, but inspect periodically and address underlayment and flashing as needed.
