ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida’s roofing landscape could see a big shift if the State’s top insurance regulator gets his way.
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At an insurance industry summit, Florida’s Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky suggested it was time for Florida to move away from asphalt shingles.
In a statement elaborating on the comments, Press Secretary for the Office of Insurance Regulation, Shiloh Elliott stated:
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“Florida’s building codes are working, and we do not want progress to go backward. Therefore, there are more resilient roofing types that consumers may want to consider, to not only have their homes hold up better in Florida’s weather but also to possibly receive credit for in their insurance premiums.”
The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association told Channel 9 that about 65 percent of Florida roofs are made of asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles have been a longtime favorite for builders in part because of their affordability and because they are easier to install than other roofing alternatives.
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Diana Giron owns Universal Insurance Agency, an Orlando-based insurance company. She told Channel 9 that any shift in the roofing landscape would be slow coming.
“It’ll just be something that will start occurring as you need to replace your roof. It’s not going to be something that’s going to be a mass exodus away from asphalt shingle roofs,” said Giron.
Some insurers already offer credits or discounts for upgrading to more resilient roofs made of materials like tile 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 anywhere from $8 to $14 per square foot.
The company notes metal roofs can save you money in the long run due to their durability and energy efficiency.
Meanwhile, Giron told Channel 9 that the My Safe Florida Home Program provides homeowners with up to $10,000 which can fund storm-related roofing improvement projects, though only certain projects qualify.
While applications for the program are closed now, Giron said it’s likely to be refunded in the summer.
You can find more information about the program and qualifying projects here.
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