You need a new roof, or you will soon, and the first decision is what goes on it. Asphalt shingles are what most of your neighbors have, but you’ve also heard people swear by metal, and the tile roofs on newer homes look sharp. If you’re weighing asphalt shingle roofing in Clermont, FL, you want to know how it really holds up here and what you’d be giving up.
It’s a big purchase you only make once or twice in the time you own a home. Nobody wants to pick the wrong material and live with it, or get talked into something that costs more than the house needs.
APC Roofing has been putting roofs on Central Florida homes since 2017. We’re GAF Certified, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured, and your estimate is free. Call 407-270-1129.
What an asphalt shingle is made of
A modern asphalt shingle starts with a fiberglass mat. That mat is coated in asphalt, which does the waterproofing, and then pressed with a layer of ceramic-coated mineral granules. The granules give the shingle its color and, more importantly, shield the asphalt from the sun. On the back of each shingle is a strip of adhesive that the sun’s heat activates after installation, bonding each row to the one beneath it.
That heat-activated seal is one reason shingles suit Florida. In a warm climate, the strips bond quickly and well, which helps the roof resist wind once it has settled in.
Why so many Clermont homes have asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles cost less up front than metal or tile, which makes a new roof reachable for more households. They’re also light, so they work on almost any house without changes to the framing. There are dozens of colors and several styles, from flat 3-tab to thick architectural to premium lines that look like slate.
Repairs are another reason. When a few shingles blow off in a storm, they can be replaced individually without disturbing much of the roof around them. Metal and tile repairs can be more involved.
How asphalt shingle roofing in Clermont, FL holds up
Central Florida is hard on shingles in a few specific ways, and a good roof is chosen and installed with those in mind.
Year-round sun slowly wears the granules away. Once the asphalt underneath is exposed, it dries out and gets brittle, and that’s when cracking and curling begin. Lighter colors reflect more heat than very dark ones, which some homeowners prefer for that reason.
Wind is the other big test. Shingles are sold with wind ratings, and a Florida home should get a shingle rated for high wind, nailed with the pattern the manufacturer specifies for high-wind areas. Wind damage on a shingle roof often starts at the edges, especially where the starter row or drip edge wasn’t installed well.
Humidity brings algae, the black streaks on so many local roofs. Ask for shingles with algae-resistant granules if that bothers you. They slow the streaking down considerably.
Asphalt shingles compared with metal and tile
Every roof type has trade-offs, and none of them is right for every house.
| Asphalt shingles | Metal | Tile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost | Lowest of the three | Higher | Higher |
| Weight | Light | Light | Heavy; the framing may need to be checked |
| Look | Many colors and styles | Clean, modern lines | Classic Florida and Mediterranean look |
| Repairs | Usually simple | Depends on the system | Tiles break if walked on |
If metal or tile has caught your eye, our Clermont metal roofing and Clermont tile roofing pages explain what those roofs involve. For most homeowners who want a solid roof at a reasonable cost, asphalt shingles are a sensible choice.
Choosing the right shingle
Most new shingle roofs today use architectural shingles, which are thicker, more textured and usually carry higher wind ratings than 3-tab. Our architectural shingle roofing page covers them in detail. Color matters more than people expect: look at a full-size sample in daylight against your siding and trim, not a small chip indoors. For an overview of every shingle option, start with our main Clermont shingle roofing page.
What to ask any roofer before you sign
Ask whether they’re licensed in Florida and insured, and get the license number. Ask whether the old roof will be torn off down to the deck, and what happens if they find rotted wood. Ask which shingle line and color you’re getting, and which wind-rated nailing pattern they’ll use. A roofer who answers plainly and in writing is a good sign.
Storm damage and insurance
If a storm damaged your shingle roof, you file the claim with your insurance company and pay your deductible. We document the damage, provide a written estimate and work with your adjuster. Be wary of anyone who offers to waive or cover your deductible.
How it works
- Book your free inspection. Call 407-270-1129 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll learn whether your current roof can be repaired, and if it’s time for a new one, which shingle fits your home and budget.
- Your roof gets done and the site gets cleaned up. Many residential projects are finished in a single day.
Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance if it helps to spread out the cost.
Asphalt shingle questions from Clermont homeowners
Is an asphalt shingle roof a good choice in Florida?
Yes, for most homes, as long as you choose a high-wind rated shingle and it’s installed to the manufacturer’s high-wind specifications. Shingles are the most common roof in Central Florida for good reasons.
How much does an asphalt shingle roof replacement cost in Clermont?
It depends on the size and pitch of your roof, the shingle line you choose, how many layers come off and how much of the deck needs new wood. We don’t publish prices, because every roof is different. The written estimate is free.
Should I pick shingles or metal?
If up-front cost matters most, shingles usually win. If you want a different look or plan to stay in the house a very long time, metal is worth a look. We’ll lay out both honestly.
Will algae-resistant shingles keep my roof from streaking?
They slow it down a lot. In very shady, damp spots some streaking can still show up over time.
Get your free asphalt shingle estimate
Call 407-270-1129 or book online. You’ll come away knowing which roof fits your home and your budget, and you’ll end up with a roof that keeps the house dry through storm season without a surprise bill.
