The Tampa Bay Area has a diverse climate: the area shows qualities of a tropical monsoon climate, but experiences winter frost at least once a year. This unique setup affects roofing in Largo, FL. Thus, home insurance companies put a premium on roofs when offering policies to homeowners in areas like Tampa Bay.
The more risky a particular roof is to damage caused by the weather, the higher a homeowner has to pay for insurance. Fox Business presents some roofing materials that can have an effect on a household’s home insurance policy:
Asphalt Shingles
This type of shingle is the most dominant roofing material all over the United States, as it is easy to install and takes a minimum amount of skill to do so. The right kind of asphalt shingle, if maintained properly, can last for 25 years or more. These shingles, however, can easily be blown away by hurricanes that frequent the state of Florida. The Fox article says:
Pros: This least expensive roofing material is lightweight, fire-resistant, economical to install, available in a variety of colors and can be installed over an existing roof.
Cons: Shingles fade, become brittle, attract mold and mildew, and may blow off in high winds.
Tile
Tile is a more solid roofing material than asphalt, as it does not attract molds or insects. Many of these tiles are durable. The innate heaviness of the tile makes it great against strong winds, but can put a load on the home’s foundations. According to the article:
Pros: Versatile tile offers a wide range of looks, will not burn, rot or attract insects, and provides optimal attic insulation.
Cons: Clay tile is expensive, and some types can crack under foot if anyone ever needs to walk around up there. The potential replacement cost could result in higher home insurance rates.
Metal
Metal roofing is light and durable. It is low-maintenance and can last for a long time, as stated in the report. The prices for metal roofs, however, are astronomical.
Pros: Metal is light, durable and laughs off the fire, rot and insect perils that plague other roofing types. Metal also reflects the sun’s rays, keeping attics cooler.
Cons: Metal’s higher price might discourage some homeowners. Some metal roofs also can be noisy in rain or hail and show surface dents.
The right kind of roof is a major factor in determining what kind of policy will help a homeowner through an unavoidable incident. Besides checking their policies, homeowners should also discuss options with competent roofers in Largo, FL, like Arry’s Roofing Services Inc., who know what kind of roofing suits a particular home and insurance policy.
(Article Excerpt and Image from “5 Roof Types and their Home Insurance Impacts,” Fox Business, November 13, 2013)
