Roofing Materials Showdown

Full Service Building Contractors

“Quality You Can Trust.”

Comparing Durability, Cost, and Aesthetics

When selecting a roofing material for your home, the decision goes beyond just the immediate appearance. It’s about balancing durability, cost, and aesthetic appeal to find the best fit for your lifestyle and climate. 

At Central Florida Equity Builders, we guide our clients through this critical choice by examining various popular roofing materials, considering their long-term benefits and drawbacks.

Asphalt Shingles: Affordable and Versatile

Durability: Asphalt shingles are favored for their decent weather resistance and moderate lifespan of 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the shingle and environmental factors. They are equipped to handle diverse weather conditions but may suffer in extreme heat or frequent temperature fluctuations, which can cause them to crack or lose granules.

Cost: This is one of the most economical options available, making it highly accessible for a wide range of budgets. Installation is straightforward, which keeps labor costs down, but they may require more frequent replacements compared to more durable materials.

Aesthetics: Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors and styles, including options that mimic the look of wood or slate, making them highly adaptable to various architectural styles. This flexibility allows homeowners to achieve a desired look without breaking the bank.

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Metal Roofing: Durable and Energy Efficient

Durability: Known for their robustness, metal roofs can last from 40 to 70 years. They withstand severe weather conditions like high winds, hail, and heavy snowfalls, making them ideal for areas prone to such events. Metal roofs are also fire-resistant and discourage moss and fungus growth. 

Cost: The initial cost of metal roofing is higher than that of asphalt shingles; however, the longevity and minimal maintenance requirements offset the initial investment over time. Metal roofs can also reduce cooling costs due to their reflective properties. 

Aesthetics: Modern advancements have broadened the aesthetic options for metal roofing beyond the traditional sheets to styles that include tiles and shingles. Available in a range of colors and finishes, metal can complement both contemporary and traditional homes.

Clay Tiles: Historically Proven Quality

Durability: Clay tiles are known for their exceptional durability, with lifespans exceeding 100 years if properly maintained. They are particularly resistant to degradation from UV rays and are impervious to rot and insect damage, which makes them ideal for hot, sunny climates. 

Cost: While clay tiles are more expensive up-front due to material and labor costs, their longevity and low maintenance needs provide a high return on investment. They are also energy efficient, helping to lower heating and cooling costs. 

Aesthetics: Clay tiles offer a timeless appeal, commonly seen in Mediterranean, Spanish, and Southwestern architectural styles. Their rich, natural coloring and distinct shape add character and charm to any home.

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Slate: The Definition of Longevity and Luxury

Durability: Slate roofing is among the most durable materials available, with some roofs lasting over 150 years. Its resistance to extreme weather, low water absorption rate, and non-combustible nature make it an excellent option for safety and longevity. 

Cost: Slate is a premium roofing material reflected in its higher cost, which includes both the material and specialized installation. However, its durability and the infrequent need for repairs make it a cost-effective option over its lifespan. 

Aesthetics: Slate offers a luxurious and elegant appearance with its natural color variations from green to gray, blue, and even purple. Its fine grain and ability to be cut into smooth, flat tiles allow for a crisp, tailored finish that enhances the aesthetic of high-end homes.

Green Roofs: Eco-Friendly and Functional

Durability: The lifespan of green roofs varies widely but can significantly extend the life of the underlying roofing materials by protecting against UV rays and physical damage. They also provide excellent thermal insulation and can reduce the urban heat island effect. 

Cost: Green roofs require a higher initial investment due to the need for extra structural support, waterproofing, and the installation of a proper drainage system. However, they can offer substantial energy savings and increase the roof’s lifespan. 

Aesthetics: Green roofs transform roofs into living landscapes, providing a visually pleasing and environmentally beneficial feature. They can be designed with a variety of plant types tailored to the local climate and the aesthetic goals of the property.

Wooden Shingles and Shakes: Naturally Appealing

Durability: Wood shingles and shakes provide a natural insulation property and are relatively durable, typically lasting 30 to 50 years with proper maintenance, which includes regular treatments for moisture and fire resistance. 

Cost: The cost of wood roofing is moderate but requires consideration of maintenance expenses, including treatments for weatherproofing and potential repairs from environmental wear and tear. 

Aesthetics: Wooden roofing offers a classic, rustic charm that is highly sought after in cottage-style and historical homes. They can be stained or left natural, depending on the desired look, blending beautifully with natural surroundings.

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Our Services

Roofing

Roofing

At CFE Builders, we've got the experience and the skillset to work on just about any type of roof. Whether it's Single-Family, Multi-Family, or Commercial, we've got you covered with everything from initial inspection to full roof replacement. Stop looking for a roofer near me today and give us a call!
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New Construction

New Construction

Sometimes you need to start from the ground up, and build something brand new. Whether you need an addition or remodel for your home, or want to build your dream house, you've come to the right place. We do Multi-Family and Commercial new construction projects quite often, so if you need something a bit bigger built we've got you covered there as well.
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What Our Customers Say

Central Florida Equity Builders

5.0

5/5
We had a very old roof that needed to be replaced and I was dreading the whole process but we had a great experience with CFE builders. They were professional and easy to work with. Plus our roof now looks great!
 
-Kendyl Campbell.
5/5
Center Florida Equity Builders replaced my roof. They did an outstanding job. Very professional, detail oriented, responsive and timely. Very happy with my choice to have them replace my roof.
 
-Matthew Kahle
5/5

Central Florida Equity Builders

5.0

5/5

Very friendly. Easy to work with. Great customers service. Started and finished job quickly. Clean up was excellent. Highly recommend. Had the best price.

-William Y.
5/5

Kept a tight schedule after the hurricane. They scheduled us and when the day came, they did the entire job in one day. Thanks I would recommend to all.

-James E.
5/5
Areas Serviced
  • Alamonte Springs, FL
  • Apopka, FL
  • Casselberry, FL
  • Clermont, FL
  • Kissimmee, FL
  • Lake Mary, FL
  • Longwood, FL
  • Orlando, FL
  • Oviedo, FL
  • Titusville, FL
  • Winter Park, FL
  • Winter Springs, FL

We service all of Central Florida, so if you don’t see your city here, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

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