Approved Roof Systems in Florida HVHZ

The roof is one of the most popular components of discussion for a home in Florida HVHZ zones. Broward and Palm Beach County. HVHZ meaning is High-Velocity Hurricane Zones and is about the Florida Building code.

Florida HVHZ Requirements

HVHZ is an area consisting of coastal Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami- Dade County, and Monroe County. HVHZ requires stronger impact products than the other parts of Florida, meeting wind speeds between 170 mph and 200 mph, depending on your exact location.

Wind-Borne
HVHZ Florida Building Code

 

What are the most durable roofing materials for your Florida home?

Clay tiles, metal, concrete, and slate roofing materials are the best roofing material for Florida homes. The constant changes from humid, hot, and rainy weather to dry and mild weather means your Florida home will need to have a roof that can withstand these conditions.

What is the life expectancy of the roof mentioned above?

  • Slate – 100 to 150 years
  • Clay Tile 50 to 100 years
  • Concrete 25 to 50 years
  • Metal 17 to 20 years
  • Built-Up Roof – 15 to 30 years
  • Architectural shingles – 15 to 20 years
  • 3-Tab Shingles – 10 to 20 years

Slate

A slate roofing lasts more than 100 years. The slate roof is waterproof and won’t burn. It resists mold and fungus. Slate is effective in wet climates but is expensive, heavy, and may be easily broken when stepped on. In areas that are susceptible to hail this should be considered when thinking of installing a slate roof.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

T0 combat wind storms and Florida weather more homes are being built with Clay and Concrete Tiles. Clay and concrete roof tiles can withstand damage from tornadoes, hurricanes, or winds up to 125 miles per hour. They may require extra support to bear their weight, and they are likely to break when walked on.

Metal roofing

Metal roofing has a few different types of installs: vertical panels or shingles resembling slate, tile, and shake which can last about 60 years. Metal won’t burn and it resists high winds. It is lightweight and can be installed over existing roofs.

 Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials. This is because they’re effective in all environmental conditions. Quality does vary widely, so ask whether they passed the ASTM D3161, Class F (110 mph) or ASTM D7158, Class H (150 mph) wind tests, and the AC438 durability test. Upfront costs are low, but you should expect to replace the shingles after about 20 years or less. Shingle roofs have a lower life span in Florida due to the environmental conditions the material is exposed to.

Built-up roofing

Built-up roofing is heavy roofing consists of layers of asphalt, tar, or adhesive topped with an aggregate and is only for flat roofs. Tar and gravel roofs are best for flat roofs and roof-top decks with heavy foot traffic.

Wind_Mitigation_Sample Report: If you have been involved in the home buying process at some point in Florida then you are most likely familiar with the terms wind mitigation.

If you have additional questions and want to get in contact with GGR Home Inspections please send us a note, text, or call.

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Ron Gladden

Thanks for dropping by our blog! I'm a dedicated home inspector with a passion for helping homeowners make informed decisions about their properties. I've conducted countless inspections, providing valuable insights into the condition and safety of homes. My mission is to empower homeowners with the knowledge they need to maintain and protect their investments.

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