Your roof is due, and asphalt shingles keep coming up as the sensible choice. But you’ve also seen roofs around the neighborhood with curling edges, bare patches and black streaks, and you’re wondering whether shingles can really stand up to Florida, or whether you’d be better off with metal or tile.
It’s a good question to ask before you sign anything. Asphalt shingle roofing in Orlando can serve you well for a long time, as long as you pick the right shingle and it’s installed for Central Florida’s sun and storms. You deserve to understand the trade-offs in plain words.
APC Roofing installs and repairs asphalt shingle roofs across the Orlando area. We’re GAF Certified, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured, and your inspection is free. Call 407-270-1129.
What an asphalt shingle is made of
An asphalt shingle starts with a fiberglass mat soaked and coated in asphalt, which makes it waterproof. The top is covered in small mineral granules. Those granules give the shingle its color, but their real job is protection: they shield the asphalt from the sun, which is what slowly breaks it down.
Along each shingle runs a strip of factory sealant. Once the roof warms up after installation, that strip bonds each shingle to the one below. That bond is a big part of what keeps shingles down in high wind.
Shingles come in three broad styles. 3-tab shingles are thin and flat with evenly spaced cutouts. Architectural shingles are thicker, built from layers that give a dimensional look. Premium or designer shingles are heavier still and mimic slate or shake.
How asphalt roofing in Central Florida wears
Sun and heat. UV light and summer heat are the main forces aging a shingle here. As granules loosen and wash away, the asphalt underneath dries out and turns brittle. Granules collecting at the bottom of your downspouts are a sign a shingle roof is aging.
Wind. A hurricane or a hard thunderstorm can break the sealant bond and lift shingles. A lifted shingle may lay back down and look fine from the ground, but it’s creased and no longer sealed, and the next storm can take it off.
Humidity and algae. The dark streaks on so many Central Florida roofs are usually algae feeding in the damp. It’s mostly cosmetic, but it makes a roof look older than it is.
Heavy rain. Summer downpours push water sideways under lifted edges and around flashing, which is why small wind damage can turn into a leak.
Choosing asphalt shingle roofing in Orlando
A few features matter more here than they might farther north.
Wind rating. Shingles are tested and rated for wind. Architectural and premium shingles generally carry higher ratings than 3-tab, and the rating only holds when the shingles are nailed the way the manufacturer requires.
Algae resistance. Many shingles come with algae-resistant granules that help keep those dark streaks from forming. In Florida’s humidity, they’re worth asking about.
Color. Lighter colors reflect more sunlight and can keep attic temperatures a bit lower. Darker colors absorb more heat. Some lines include reflective shingles designed for hot climates. If you live in a community with an HOA, check its approved colors first.
For most homes we see around Orlando, architectural shingles hit the best balance of wind performance, looks and value. If you’re curious about the older style, our 3-tab shingle roofing page explains where it still fits.
Asphalt, metal or tile?
Asphalt shingles are usually the most budget-friendly of the three and the easiest to repair. Individual shingles can be replaced after storm damage, and most homes in the area are built for them.
Metal handles wind and heat very well and reflects a lot of sunlight, but it costs more up front. Tile suits Mediterranean-style homes and stands up to the sun, but it’s heavy, so the house has to be built to carry it.
If you’re torn, a roofer should walk you through all three for your specific house. You can compare on our Greater Orlando metal roofing page.
What makes an asphalt shingle roof last
The shingle you choose matters less than how the whole system goes on. Underneath the shingles goes an underlayment, a waterproof backup layer, with extra self-sealing membrane in valleys and at the eaves. Drip edge finishes the roof edges. Starter shingles along the eaves and rakes give the first row something to seal to, which matters a lot in wind. Each shingle gets the right number of nails, in the right spot. Flashing at walls, chimneys and pipes keeps water out where the roof meets everything else.
Most of these details are invisible once the roof is done, which is why you want a roofer who’ll show you photos along the way. Our shingle roof installation page covers what install day looks like.
How it works with APC Roofing
- Book your free inspection. Call 407-270-1129 or request a free estimate online.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll see photos of your current roof, hear whether it needs repair or replacement, and get help choosing a shingle and color.
- Your roof goes on and the site gets cleaned up. Many residential shingle roofs are finished in a single day, and the crew cleans up before leaving.
Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
Asphalt shingle questions from Orlando homeowners
Are asphalt shingles a good choice in Florida?
Yes, for most homes. Choose a shingle with a strong wind rating and algae resistance, and make sure it’s installed to the manufacturer’s specs. That’s where most of its storm performance comes from.
What’s the difference between 3-tab and architectural shingles?
3-tab shingles are thinner and flat, with a uniform look. Architectural shingles are thicker and layered, look more dimensional and generally hold up better in wind.
Why are there granules in my gutters?
A few are normal, especially on a new roof. A lot of granules on an older roof usually means the shingles are wearing out and losing their sun protection.
Can a few damaged shingles be replaced, or do I need a whole roof?
Damaged shingles can often be replaced on their own if the rest of the roof is in good shape. Matching color on an older roof can be tricky, and we’ll tell you how close the match will be.
A shingle roof you can count on
Worn shingles lose their grip and their sun protection a little more every summer, and a lifted shingle left alone can let water into the deck. With the right shingle installed for Central Florida weather, you get a roof that looks good from the street, keeps your home dry and lets you stop worrying every time the sky darkens. Call 407-270-1129 to book your free inspection.
