- Compare roofing materials
- What a roof replacement involves
- What drives the price
- Will insurance help pay?
- Common questions
A new roof is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your home, and in Northeast Florida it has to stand up to intense sun, heavy summer rain, salt air near the coast and hurricane-force wind. The right choice depends on your home, your budget and how long you plan to stay.
Compare roofing materials
Shingle, metal or clay tile?
| Best for | Most homes and budgets. The most common roof in Jacksonville. |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | Often around 15 to 25 years in Florida's sun and heat, depending on the product, ventilation and installation. |
| Upfront cost | Lowest of the three. |
| Wind | Modern architectural shingles carry high wind ratings when installed to the manufacturer's specifications. |
| Watch out for | Granule loss and curling as they age; algae streaks in shady, humid spots. |
| Best for | Homeowners staying put for the long haul, coastal homes, and anyone who wants lower attic heat. |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | Commonly 40 years or more for standing seam systems. |
| Upfront cost | Higher than shingle, lower over its lifetime for many homes. |
| Wind | Excellent when properly fastened. Concealed-fastener standing seam is the strongest option. |
| Watch out for | Fastener and sealant maintenance on exposed-fastener panels; louder rain without good underlayment and insulation. |
| Best for | Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes, and anyone who wants a classic Florida look. |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | The tiles themselves can last 50 years or more. The underlayment beneath them wears out much sooner and is usually what drives a tile roof replacement. |
| Upfront cost | Highest of the three. |
| Wind | Good when tiles are properly fastened or adhered; loose tiles can become projectiles in a hurricane. |
| Watch out for | Weight (the structure must support it), and cracked tiles from foot traffic or falling limbs. |
We install the full Owens Corning lineup for shingle roofs and also install metal and clay tile. During your inspection we'll tell you which options fit your home's structure and budget.
What a roof replacement involves
- Inspection and written estimate. Materials, scope, timeline and price, before anything is signed.
- Permit. Roof replacements in Florida require a building permit from your city or county.
- Protecting your property. We cover landscaping, A/C units and pool areas before tear-off.
- Tear-off. The old roof comes off down to the decking.
- Decking repair. Any rotted or damaged wood is replaced.
- Dry-in. New underlayment, drip edge and flashing go on so the home is watertight.
- New roof covering, ventilation and ridge caps are installed.
- Inspection and cleanup. Final permit inspection, magnetic nail sweep and a walkthrough with you.
Many shingle replacements on a typical home take a day or two of work on the roof, weather permitting. Metal and tile take longer.
What drives the price
- Roof size and pitch. Steeper roofs take more time and safety equipment.
- Material. Shingle, metal and tile are priced very differently.
- Number of layers to remove and how much decking needs replacing.
- Complexity. Valleys, dormers, skylights and chimneys all add labor and flashing.
- Code requirements for your home's age and location.
Be cautious of any quote that doesn't spell these out. A written, itemized estimate protects you.
Will insurance help pay?
If your roof was damaged by a covered event like a hurricane or windstorm, your homeowners policy may pay for some or all of a replacement, minus your deductible. Wear and age are generally not covered. Florida has firm deadlines for reporting storm damage, so read our insurance claim guide before you wait.
Common questions
Do I need to be home during a roof replacement?
Not the whole time, but it's helpful to be reachable. Expect noise during tear-off, and keep pets and cars clear of the work area.
Can a new roof go over my old one?
We recommend a full tear-off. It's the only way to inspect and repair the decking, and building code limits how many layers a roof can have.
Which roof is best for hurricanes?
Any of the three can perform well when installed correctly. Standing seam metal has a strong track record in high wind, but installation quality matters more than material choice.
Lifespans and performance vary by product, installation, ventilation and exposure. This guide is general information, not a quote. Last updated October 2026.