Ever since early mankind began leaving their caves and started constructing dwellings, we have contended with developing robust, enduring roofing materials to protect ourselves from the elements. From the early use of animal hides, thatch, wood, and dried mud to the present-day use of synthetic composite materials, the roof has served as an integral component of our housing. Whether a ramshackle hovel or a multi-million-dollar mansion, the right roofing material is crucial. Without it, any such lodgings cannot be habitable or considered a home.

If you’re planning to build a luxury custom home in the Naples, Florida, area, choosing suitable roofing materials will be one of the many crucial decisions you must make. The general contractors of Naples-based Carlson Harris know that homeowners often find such decision-making highly challenging. We’ve put together this short primer to help you choose the perfect roofing for your custom-built Naples-area home.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ROOFING MATERIAL

With long-term residential contracting experience in Naples, we can tell you that choosing the perfect roofing material for your custom home comes down to five primary considerations:

• Architectural style of the home
• Climate
• Roofing material durability
• Budget
• Maintenance needs

With plans for a luxury custom-built home, aesthetics is likely extremely important to you. Thus, you’ll want your roofing to complement the design features of your home. Your roof will significantly impact the overall look of your home, so you’ll want to consider roofing material texture, shape, and color. Here are some architectural styles topped with the most commonly used roofing materials:

• Mediterranean/Spanish—clay, concrete, and terracotta tiles.
• Modern—metal and synthetics.
• Ranch—asphalt shingles and metal.
• Coastal/beach—metal, clay, terracotta, and synthetic.
• Colonial—slate, wood shingles, and shake.
• Craftsman—asphalt shingle, wood shingles, and shake.

Your custom-built home in Naples needs roofing that can stand up to our climate, which includes high heat, humidity, heavy rains, and the distinct possibility of hurricane-force winds. Metal, clay tile, and concrete all hold their own against our climate, and provide the best protection against hurricanes. Wood shingles and shake can also work but don’t hold up as well in the face of strong winds and require more preventative maintenance than other roofing materials. While plenty of homes in the Naples area are topped with asphalt shingles, we believe it’s the least desirable option.

Durability is an important factor because you’ll want your roof to last for decades despite whatever our climate throws at it. Even the least durable roofing materials should last for 20 years, but some can last for 40, 50, and even more than 100 years.

If you’re building a luxury custom home in Naples, the budget for your roof may not be of crucial concern, but you should certainly know what you are paying for.

TYPES OF ROOFING MATERIAL

With centuries of trial and error, over a half-dozen roofing materials have emerged as the most viable for modern housing needs. Typical roofing material options—and their attributes—in Naples include:

Metal

• Some variations in styles and colors.
• Highly durable.
• Wind resistant.
• Pest resistant.
• Fire resistant.
• Energy efficient (by reflecting solar heat).
• Low maintenance.
• 40- to 70-year lifespan.
• Pricey.

Clay or Concrete Tile

• Available in a variety of styles and colors.
• Highly durable.
• Wind resistant.
• Pest resistant.
• Fire resistant.
• Energy efficient (insulating and reflect solar heat).
• Low maintenance.
• 50- to 70-year lifespan.
• Pricey.

Slate Tile

• Numerous options for customization.
• Highly durable
• Wind resistant.
• Pest resistant.
• Fire resistant.
• 100-years-plus lifespan.
• Very expensive.
• Can be challenging to repair.

Synthetic

• Designed to look like natural materials.
• Enhanced durability.
• Lightweight.
• Pest resistant.
• 30- to 50-year lifespan.
• Moderately priced.

Wood Shingles and Shake

• Provides a natural and rustic look perfect for some home styles.
• Durable with regular maintenance.
• Eco-friendly.
• Low maintenance.
• 20- to 40-year lifespan.
• Moderately pricey.
• Requires proper treatment to resist humidity and pests.

Asphalt Shingles

• Least expensive option
• Some variation in styles and colors.
• Fits well with some architectural styles.
• Least durable.
• 20- to 40-year lifespan.

SPEAK TO THE CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS OF CARLSON HARRIS TO DETERMINE WHICH ROOFING IS BEST FOR YOU

To learn more about roofing options for your planned custom-home build in Southwest Florida, talk to Carlson Harris’s residential contracting experts. With an extensive portfolio of exquisite luxury custom home builds in the Naples area, contact Carlson Harris today at 239-352-2460.