Architectural Shingle Roofing: what to expect
Architectural (dimensional) shingles are what sits on most Northeast Florida subdivisions, and for good reason: they are affordable, they are widely stocked, every crew in the region knows how to install them, and the higher wind-rated products hold up well when they are nailed correctly.
Correct nailing is the whole game. Under-driven, over-driven, or high-nailed shingles fail in wind long before the material itself is worn out, and the failure will show up as a strip of missing shingles after the first serious gust. Ask what nailing pattern the crew uses and whether it matches the manufacturer's high-wind specification.
The other Florida-specific factor is heat and UV. Sustained roof-deck temperatures age asphalt faster here than in northern climates, which is one reason adequate attic ventilation and a lighter-coloured, algae-resistant shingle are worth discussing. Streaking on Florida roofs is usually algae rather than dirt, and algae-resistant product lines are a straightforward way to avoid it.
Typically included
- High-wind rated architectural shingle systems
- Manufacturer-specified nailing patterns for Florida wind zones
- Algae-resistant options for our humidity
- Matching ridge vent and starter-course detailing
Before you sign
Verify the contractor's licence at myfloridalicense.com, ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly by their insurer, get the full scope of work in writing, confirm that a permit will be pulled, and never pay a large cash deposit. If the work is connected to an insurance claim, read anything that assigns your benefits to a contractor very carefully, and speak to your carrier, not to us, about your policy.