Making Florida roofing maintenance expensive when compared with other states our homes from the elements including rain, snow, sun and extreme temperatures. But over time that protection can fade if your roof deteriorates. An updated, sturdy roof can not only save you money on utility bills and add value to your home, but also keep water, mildew and mold from creeping inside, where they can cause health problems for your family.

Roofing technology continues to evolve with many energy-efficient features available to homeowners that you can add during the reroofing process. Your contractor can explain the various options available to you.

Trends in Roofing: Exploring the Latest Innovations in Roofing Solutions

All roofs have several layers that work together to resist weather. Some of the earliest roofs were thatches, bundled reeds that are tied to rafters. This type of roofing was extremely labor intensive and took a skilled thatcher weeks to make. Over the centuries, thatching gave way to overlapping shingles, slates, clay tiles and cedar shakes. Asphalt shingles are the workhors of modern American roofs and an easy material for handy homeowners to install themselves.

The shape of your roof affects how well it sheds water and resists wind uplift. Hip roofs (with four slopes) and gable roofs (two slopes) perform similarly, but a pyramid-style or octagonal roof offers even better resistance to wind.

Roofs may be supported by joists, beams, or pre-fabricated trusses that are delivered to the site and craned into place. The space between joists and rafters is often covered by sheathing, which is usually plywood or OSB. Older houses and buildings use rafters that are cut on site, while newer ones use trusses that are pre-fabricated in factories.