A new roof or upgrade can be a costly investment, so if you want to save money you should do some research into not only what type of roof will best protect your Miami area home from the winds and rain, but what discounts are available on the type of materials that you use.
If you are counting on a discount on your home owners insurance because of the roof improvement, check with your agent to make sure that the material that you choose will qualify. A wind protection policy costs a lot of money in areas that are vulnerable to hurricanes.
Even if you have no immediate need for a completely new roof, your insurance company can give you tips on how you can save money by upgrading your present Miami roofing system. The type of secondary protection against water damage that can be installed on your roof could mean a difference on the amount of your premium.
The best defense against hurricane force winds is a metal roof. Concrete tile roofs are considered to be the second strongest.
Asphalt shingles come in various grades, and the heaviest will protect the roof during smaller hurricanes that hit the area. There aren’t a lot of homes that are protected by wood shingle roofs in the South Florida area. The strength of a roof with wood shingles would depend on the condition and age.
Even if the roof flies off of the house during a hurricane, concrete or clay tile roofs keep the water out of homes better than other types of roofs. When considering the high cost of roof replacement, repairing water damage to the home can be even more costly.
Other roofing considerations that may help you lower the wind damage insurance premiums on your homeowners policy is how your roof is attached to your house. It’s common for roofs to be lifted right off of the home during a strong hurricane. Talk to your roofing contractor about using hurricane straps to give your home roof added protection.
If you’re building a new home, the shape of your roof may be a factor on how much your home owners insurance premiums may be. Check with your insurance agent before you commit to a gable roof over a flat roof and for other ways you can possible save money when with your roofing system.