Florida's roofing landscape could see a major shift if the state's top insurance regulator gets its way.
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At an insurance industry summit, Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky suggested it was time for Florida to say goodbye to asphalt shingles.
In a statement elaborating on the comments, Shiloh Elliott, press secretary for the Office of Insurance Regulation, said:
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“Florida’s building codes work and we don’t want to see progress regressed. Therefore, there are more resilient roof types that consumers may want to consider so that their homes can not only withstand Florida weather better, but also potentially receive a credit on their insurance premiums.”
The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association told Channel 9 that about 65 percent of roofs in Florida are asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles have long been popular with builders, in part because of their affordability and because they are easier to install than other roofing alternatives.
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Diana Giron is the owner of Universal Insurance Agency, an Orlando-based insurance company. She told Channel 9 that change in the rooftop landscape would come slowly.
“It won’t happen until you have to replace your roof. There will be no mass exodus away from asphalt shingle roofs,” Giron said.
Some insurers already offer credits or discounts for upgrading to more durable roofs made from materials such as tiles or metal.
Local roofers say metal roofs can last twice as long, but are often twice as expensive.
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According to Janney Roofing, the cost of a shingle roof can range from $3 to $5 per square foot, while a metal roof can cost between $8 and $14 per square foot.
The company notes that metal roofs can save you money in the long run because of their durability and energy efficiency.
Meanwhile, Giron told Channel 9 that the My Safe Florida Home program provides homeowners up to $10,000 to help fund severe weather-related roofing improvement projects, although only certain projects are eligible come.
While applications for the program are currently closed, Giron said reimbursement will likely occur in the summer.
Further information about the program and the qualifying projects can be found here.
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