Are you thinking of going for those “premium” shingles for your roof? They might look like a good idea initially – promising durability and long-term protection. But before you dive in and pay extra for these upgraded shingles, let’s pause and consider the bigger picture when it comes to taking this decision as a homeowner in Florida. Are these premium shingles really worth it?
In the challenging Florida climate, standard architectural shingles , sometimes called “dimensional” shingles, or 25-year shingles, often rated for 25 years in other states, tend to last only 15 to 20 years due to intense heat, UV exposure, tropical rainfall and the threat of hurricanes.
While Florida insurance carriers also mandate roof replacements after 15 years, upgraded shingles with higher wind ratings offer protection against Florida’s fierce storms. This means they could become valuable as your roof ages, ensuring your home remains secure even in the face of adverse weather conditions in the long term.
In this article, we’ll explore six different factors to take into consideration if you’re trying to decide whether investing in a premium upgraded shingle or a standard 25-year shingle might be worth it for you.
1. Insurance Matters: Safeguarding Your Investment
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When contemplating investing in upgraded premium shingles for your home, one critical consideration that should not be overlooked is the impact of your homeowner’s insurance, and this is particularly true for Florida homeowners. The insurance landscape in the Sunshine State is undergoing a significant transformation, with many insurance companies imposing limitations on coverage for roofs that have surpassed the 15-year mark. This leads to two important implications:
- First, Florida’s insurance regulations may necessitate roof replacements after 15 years, regardless of their condition.
- Second, insurers may impose additional charges for homes with roofs exceeding this age threshold.
In essence, even if these premium shingles prove to be exceptionally durable, there’s a potential disconnect between their extended lifespan and your insurance coverage. It raises the question: Why invest in extended durability if your insurance policy fails to align with it or, worse yet, ends up costing you more as your roof ages beyond the 15-year mark?
2. Balancing Cost and Value
Sure, those premium shingles sound enticing with their promise of longer life. But let’s talk numbers – they come at a higher price. Does the extra investment really make sense?
It might just depend on your own financial status. Look at it this way:
If you can comfortably afford premium shingles, in the short term, you might not see a difference when it comes to your shingles holding up against the weather. But in the long run, the added durability and higher wind rating they provide could potentially enhance your roof’s ability to withstand Florida’s storms and challenging weather conditions in its later years. This investment may potentially save you money in repair costs.
On the other hand, if budget constraints are a concern, opting for a standard 25-year shingle may be a more financially prudent choice. Given that, as mentioned above, insurance policies often mandate roof replacements after 15 years in Florida, investing in premium shingles may not provide a cost-effective benefit within this timeframe. Instead, you can prioritize finding a highly skilled local contractor who can ensure the proper high-quality installation of standard 25-year shingles. With expert installation, these shingles can endure hurricane conditions remarkably well, providing you with a lasting roof for the 15-year period you are expecting to get out of it.
3. Timing Is Key
When you’re choosing shingles, it’s crucial to align your decision with your roof replacement timeline and home owning goals. Most Florida homeowners tend to replace their roofs around the 15-year mark due to the insurance regulations mentioned above.
If you’re going for those upgraded premium shingles, ask yourself if those extra years match your plans. It’s all about making sure you’ll truly get the benefit you’re paying for and figuring out if the investment is worth it in your particular case.
You may ask yourself the following questions:
- How many years do I have until my insurance stops covering my roof?
- Do I plan on selling the home in the next couple of years?
- Is this my forever home?
4. Unveiling Contractor Motivations
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Before you jump into any home improvement decision, it’s essential to understand all the factors at play. This also means understanding the ulterior motives of some specialists you may be reaching out to. Some roofing contractors have agreements with shingle manufacturers, earning commissions for pushing specific brands or types of shingles. This can influence their recommendations, possibly leading you towards investing in an upgraded premium shingle not because they’re ideal for your home, but because they align with their interests. Being aware of this can guide you to a more informed decision that truly suits your home and your plans.
5. Shingle Quality: Seeing Through the Hype
There’s a jungle of shingle brands out there, each boasting superior quality and longevity. But here’s the scoop – the differences in quality between the popular brands might not be as significant as they claim. The roofing materials market is super competitive, and all manufacturers work hard to meet industry standards. It’s akin to shopping for clothes. You might pay a premium for a simple white T-shirt based on the brand name. Different shingle brands have developed a reputation but often offer little to no difference in quality compared to other brands. This is where finding an industry expert who frequently works with various materials and brands comes into play. Consulting an experienced roofer can help you make an informed decision; not only between premium shingles and standard shingles but also among all the hyped-up brands and material variations available in today’s competitive market. Material choices can significantly impact Florida homes due to varying weather conditions. Our guide to choosing the best roof for your Florida home. is a great place to start doing your research on this topic.
6. Installation: The Cornerstone of Longevity
It may be tempting to fixate on how long a shingle promises to last. Yet, regardless of the shingle’s grade or type, even the best shingles can fail prematurely if they’re not installed correctly. While you consider the pros and cons of the upgraded 25-year shingles, spend some time finding an experienced local roofer. One who will prioritize a quality installation and is familiar with your local regulations. A well-installed roof can genuinely extend its life and performance despite the grade of shingle you ultimately go for.
In Conclusion: Balance and Informed Choices
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Ultimately, you might have realized that finding out whether or not premium shingles are worth it for you is more of a personal choice! Investing in upgraded premium shingles isn’t a straightforward decision as many contractors or manufacturers make it out to be. The allure of lasting longer is appealing, but there’s more to consider. Think about your replacement plans, weigh the cost-effectiveness, look at insurance coverage, and definitely prioritize installation quality. This way, you can avoid getting swept up in marketing hype and make a decision that genuinely benefits your property.
Remember, making a smart roofing decision doesn’t have to be complicated. Our team of roofing experts is here to provide you with the guidance you need to select the best solution. Call us at (239) 785-9315 today and take the first step toward securing a roof that’s right for you.
