Blog | Jones Roofing Inc | Pensacola & Navarre, FL

A Homeowner's Guide: Choosing a Roofing Material

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:40:35 GMT

Finding the Right Material for Your Home's Roof

Choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, shielding everything inside from rain, wind, snow, heat, and debris. Beyond protection, the right roof can enhance curb appeal, improve energy efficiency, and even increase your home’s resale value.

With so many materials available—each offering different benefits, price points, and aesthetic appeal—it’s easy to feel unsure about which option is best. Factors like your local climate, long-term maintenance expectations, architectural style, and budget all play a role in making the right choice. A roofing decision isn’t just about what looks good today; it’s about investing in durability, performance, and peace of mind for years to come.

Popular Roofing Materials Explained

Asphalt Shingles

Best for: Affordability and v ersatility

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North America. They’re cost-effective, easy to install, and available in a wide range of colors and styles.

Pros:

Budget-friendly

Easy to repair and replace

Works with most home styles

Cons:

Shorter lifespan (15–30 years)

Less eco-friendly than some alternatives

Metal Roofing

Best for: Durability and energy effici ency

Metal roofs are gaining popularity thanks to their long lifespan and modern look. They reflect solar heat, helping keep homes cooler in warm climates.

Pros:

Lasts 40–70 years

Highly resistant to fire, wind, and pests

Energy-efficient

Cons:

Higher upfront cost

Can be noisy during heavy rain without proper insulation

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Best for: Natural, rustic appearance

Wood roofing offers timeless beauty, especially for cottages, historic homes, or craftsman-style houses.

Pros:

Unique, natural look

Good insulation properties

Cons:

Requires regular maintenance

Not ideal for fire-prone or very wet areas

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Best for: Hot climates and distinctiv e style

Often seen on Mediterranean or Southwestern-style homes, tile roofs are extremely durable and visually striking.

Pros:

Long lifespan (50+ years)

Excellent resistance to heat and fire

Cons:

Heavy—may require structural reinforcement

Higher installation costs

Slate Roofing

Best for: Longevity and luxury appeal

Slate is one of the most durable and elegant roofing materials available.

Pros:

Can last 75–100 years or more

Extremely fire- and weather-resistant

Cons:

Very expensive

Requires specialized installation and repairs

Contact Us Today to Request a Free Estimate on Your Installation!

Selecting the right roofing material is about finding the right balance between appearance, performance, and long-term value. While initial cost is often a major factor, it shouldn’t be the only one. A less expensive roof may require more frequent repairs or replacement, while a higher-quality material could offer decades of durability with minimal maintenance.

Every home is unique, and what works best for one homeowner may not be the ideal solution for another. Climate conditions, structural considerations, neighborhood aesthetics, and personal preferences all influence the final decision. Taking the time to understand your options ensures you choose a roof that not only protects your home but also complements its design and supports your long-term goals.

Before making a final decision, it’s always wise to consult with a professional roofing contractor. At Jones Roofing, Inc., we are proud to be that contractor. Our team specializes in professional new roof installation and replacement services that protect your home or business from Florida’s harsh weather conditions. Our experienced team installs a wide range of roofing systems—from traditional asphalt shingles and durable metal roofs to tile and commercial TPO options—using high-quality materials tailored to your property’s needs.

Preparing Your Property Before a Hurricane

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:50:09 GMT

Be Sure to Safeguard Your Property in Pensacola, FL & Beyond

When a hurricane is on the horizon, preparation is the key to minimizing damage and keeping your property safe. From securing your home’s exterior to protecting essential systems, a few proactive steps can make a world of difference. Here are five essential tips to help you prepare your property before a hurricane strikes.

Inspect & Secure Your Roofing Surface

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense during a hurricane. Check for loose, missing, or damaged shingles and have them repaired immediately. Reinforce roof decking and flashing where necessary, and consider installing hurricane straps or clips for added protection. If your roof is flat or made of membrane material, ensure all drains are clear and surfaces are free of debris to prevent pooling water.

Trim Trees & Remove Loose Debris

High winds can turn branches and outdoor items into dangerous projectiles. Trim trees and shrubs around your home, removing any dead or weak limbs. Store patio furniture, planters, and outdoor décor in a secure area such as a garage or shed before the storm arrives.

Protect Windows & Doors

Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood to prevent breakage. Reinforce entry doors and garage doors to withstand high winds. Consider impact-resistant glass if you live in a hurricane-prone area for long-term peace of mind.

Clear Gutters & Downspouts

Proper drainage is essential during heavy rainfall. Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure water can flow freely away from your home. This reduces the risk of leaks, roof damage, and foundation flooding.

Review Your Emergency Plan & Insurance Policy

Before hurricane season peaks, confirm that your insurance coverage is up-to-date and includes wind and flood protection. Keep important documents in a waterproof container and review your family’s emergency evacuation plan. Knowing where to go and what to do can save precious time when a storm warning is issued.

Contact Our Local Roofing Company to Request Further Support

Taking these steps ahead of time helps safeguard not only your property but also your peace of mind. A little preparation now can prevent costly damage and ensure that your home weathers the storm as safely as possible.

Keeping this in mind, we urge you to contact one of the friendly representatives at Jones Roofing, Inc. to request assistance. Thanks to our local roofing company, it's never been easier to safeguard your roof against harsh weather conditions across the Crestview , Destin , Milton , Navarre , and Pensacola, FL regions.

Important Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:29:53 GMT

Important Signs It May be Time for a Roof Replacement

You take care of your home and business. You invest time and money year-round to ensure it’s not only running efficiently, but that its appearance is top-notch among your neighbors. Unfortunately, one of the major factors of your property that can sometimes go unnoticed or is taken for granted is your roofing. In the Northwest Florida region, our properties are exposed to a wide range of temperatures and harsh weather elements throughout the year. During this time your roofing system works hard to protect you from the heavy rains, high winds, and intense heat.

Without a trained eye or getting up on a ladder to inspect your own roof, it can be difficult to identify signs in which your roof may need attention. However, there are a few important signs that should be top of mind when you think it may be time for a complete roof replacement.

These signs include, but are not limited to:

Age- Whether you’re a new homeowner or have lived in your home for a long time, one of the first things to note should be the age of your roof. Most systems have a designated lifespan between 20-30 years depending on the material used and how well it was installed. If your roof is beyond this threshold, it may be time to consider having it inspected before any major damage is done.

Cracked, Missing, Curling Shingles- One of the more common ways property owners can identify their roof has an issue is the state of its shingles. As the main piece of armor, your shingles take the brunt of most wind, rain, and hailstorms. If you notice cracked, missing, or curling shingles while looking at your roof from the ground, it may be time for a replacement.

Moss and Algae Growth- Over time with the accumulation of water damage or moisture being held by your shingles, moss and algae can form causing green streaks across your roof. This is a tell-tale sign that your surface is exposed to water getting in or your roof is old and can no longer resist water.

Contact Us Today to Schedule a Free Estimate!

If you have noticed any of the above signs or are unsure about the state of your roofing system, that is where Jones Roofing Inc comes into play! With 30+ years of professional experience and training, our roofing contractors come equipped with the knowledge and equipment to best identify the course of action for your roof. In the event your roof is beyond repair due to its age or past damage, we can perform any necessary roof replacements. As a certified, licensed, and insured roofing company, we can handle traditional asphalt shingle roofing replacements, as well as other systems including metal roofing , tile roofing , and TPO roofing .

To get started with a free estimate, we welcome you to contact us today and schedule a consultation! At Jones Roofing Inc, our roofing contractor is proud to perform professional roofing services for residential and commercial clients throughout Milton, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Pensacola, Cantonment, Perdido Key, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Beulah, FL, and the surrounding areas.

Advantages of Installing a Metal Roof

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 19:41:15 GMT

Benefits of Metal Roofing

When the time comes to replace your roof, you may wonder which type of roofing is the best option for you. Metal roofing provides multiple advantages, including:

Durable

Metal roofs are one of the most durable options for roofing. Metal roofing is able to withstand severe weather patterns, including rainstorms, wind speeds of up to 140 MPH, hail, and fires. Metal roofing also has an average lifespan of 25 to 50 years, or longer depending on the type of metal you select. Moss and mildew is also less likely to form on metal roofing!

Energy Efficient

Metal roofing helps to maintain the internal temperature of your home, keeping it cool during the summer months and maintaining the heat during cooler weather. This is due to the fact that metal roofs reflect UV rays and quickly cool down shortly after the heat is removed.

Environmentally-Friendly

Due to its durability and energy-efficiency, metal roofing is more environmentally friendly. You are able to cut down on the amount of electricity you would normally use to cool or heat your home, which decreases the amount of resources used to power your HVAC system. Metal roofs are also a great option to consider if you have, or have thought about investing in, solar panels on your property.

Safe

Ice and snow are not able to gather and add weight to a metal roof as effectively as other roofing materials, making them safer in winter weather. Due to being fire-resistant, metal roofs will not spark due to lightning or catch fire easily.

Contact Our Roofing Company Today!

Jones Roofing, Inc. is a roofing company that provides metal, flat, shingle, and TPO roofs and roof repair services throughout Beulah, Crestview, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Navarre, Pace, FL, and the surrounding areas. For metal commercial roofing, contact our roofing contractors today!

Keep Your Roof Protected During Florida's Tropical Storm Season

Fri, 28 May 2021 20:01:06 GMT

While the Florida Panhandle is known for more temperate weather than other parts of the state, we are certainly not strangers to difficult storms. Shifting pressure systems moving across the Gulf of Mexico can create strong weather patterns and tropical storms that wreak havoc on the area. If you live in the Panhandle and own your own home, you know how stressful storms can be - especially if you're worried about roof damage. Roof damage can lead to leaks, which in turn cause expensive and dangerous problems, so it's important to keep your roof weathertight in the face of bad weather. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to protect your roof in the event of a tropical storm.

Cut Down Trees Around Your Home

Trees can add natural beauty and shade to the areas around your home, but when strong winds blow through during a tropical storm, they have the potential to become dangerous falling projectiles. Make sure limbs are properly trimmed at the very least; however, you might want to consider cutting down any tall or old trees that are near your home; this is the surest way to keep them from falling on your home during a storm.

Remove Loose Materials Outside Your Home

If you know a tropical storm is coming in, remove or secure any loose materials and debris outside of your home before it arrives; this saves you from having to retrieve anything if the storm moves it around and prevents it from hitting or damaging your roof. Park your cars in the garage to keep them safe from any debris that might fly past.

Practical Roof Protection

You can find gutter guards and roof sealants at home improvement stores to add extra protection for your roof and gutters. During a storm, placing a sealed sheet of protective plywood or a designated roof sheet over your roof can help prevent your shingles from blowing off the roof due to high winds; missing shingles can let water in and cause extensive damage to your home. Covering vulnerable areas of your roof will help keep things intact during and after the storm has passed.

Regular Roof Repair and Maintenance

The most important thing you can do to protect your roof is to repair any leaks or vulnerable spots on a regular basis. This includes regularly inspecting for holes and cracks to determine whether your roof has been leaking; check your gutters several times per year to check for blockages. A professional roofing contractor can provide experienced roof inspections and repair services to keep your roof in strong condition. Jones Roofing Inc provides roof repair, replacement , and maintenance services throughout Pensacola, Milton, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and the rest of the Panhandle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Prep your Roof for the Winter Season

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 16:31:06 GMT

Prepare for the Winter with our Certified Roofing Contractor

As temperatures begin to drop, it's imperative that you safeguard your space against the elements. Although the Pensacola, FL region isn't exposed to high levels of snowfall, extreme wind and heavy rain can wreak havoc on your living space. Fortunately, the team at Jones Roofing Inc. is always standing by to provide some helpful tips prior to the start of the winter season.

If you're interested in protecting your roof this season, be sure to browse the following section. Take advantage of the these tips and tricks to ensure your roofing surface stands the test of time!

CLEAR YOUR GUTTERS

If your gutters remain clogged with leaves and debris, you risk damaging both your roofing surface and your home's foundation. When rainwater isn't able to drain through your gutters, it will pool on your roof, and run over your walls. By clearing your gutters, however, you will be able to avoid all sorts of costly damage in the future!

FLASHING IS A MUST

Flashing is the thin metal material that surrounds various roofing features, such as your chimney. If your flashing is bent or rusted, precipitation will leak through your roofing surface, and compromise the integrity of your home. Thankfully, it's easy to replace damaged flashing with the assistance of roofing professionals.

INSTALL MODERN INSULATION

By installing contemporary insulation throughout your attic, you'll be able to stay warm, save on monthly costs, and protect your roofing surface. The right insulation will help to regulate the temperature of your shingles, which will ultimately eliminate the threat of various wintertime conditions.

SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION

With the assistance of certified roofing professionals, you won't have to worry about a thing. A comprehensive inspection will paint a full picture of the state of your roof. This way, you'll be able to perform the necessary repair and maintenance work before the start of the cold season.

Protect your Home with the Assistance of our Roof Repair Experts

If you're interested in reinforcing your roofing surface prior to the start of winter, don't waste another moment. Contact one of the knowledgeable representatives at Jones Roofing Inc. for prompt and affordable assistance. Our roofing experts will ensure that your home remains fully protected against an array of outdoor elements. All you have to do is schedule an upcoming appointment with our certified roof inspectors!

How To Identify Problems With Asphalt Shingles

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 05:05:04 GMT

How To Identify Problems With Asphalt Shingles

Getting as much information as possible about how to identify problems with your asphalt shingles will lead you to make the right decision about when to repair or replace it. Don't hesitate to learn what you can about your roof, especially since it's such a vital element that protects the rest of your house.

To help our Pace customers, friends, and everyone else, our professionals at Jones Roofing have put together a few tips below about how to identify problems with asphalt shingles.

Recognizing When You Have Major Asphalt Shingle Damage

Replacing all the shingles won't be necessary unless there are large sections that have suffered damage. You'll need to identify whether the shingles are no longer able to stop leaks.

PLEASE don't fall through the roof! You're going to need to examine the shingles up close. After hail storms, for instance, you'll need to look for hairline cracks. Hail causes tiny hairline cracks in shingles that are often impossible to see until you examine them up close. Keep in mind that just because you can't see the damage, it doesn't mean it's not there.

Cracked shingles – Whether you have asphalt shingles, tile, clay, concrete, or wood shake, cracks are never a good sign. However, cracks are sometimes challenging to see. If it's just a few damaged shingles, a repair or roof restoration solution would be more appropriate.

If you find cracked shingles – Also check for any signs of weak spots. If the shingles have had cracks for some time, they could have been leaking. Look for water damage on the decking that supports the shingles from underneath. Weakness, bulges, and ridges are a sign of water damage.

Get Advice From Your Pace Roofing Contractor

If you aren't sure about your asphalt shingles, you should get the advice of a professional Pace roofing contractor. Getting a full inspection every five years or so is the best course of action, but you can always get an assessment after storms or whenever you believe there's damage that needs attention.

Also, don't hesitate to bring in another professional for a second opinion if another contractor has told you that there is damage. It's always good to know for sure they gave you good advice and that the cost of the repair or replacement work is reasonably and competitively priced.

Jones Roofing often helps Pace homeowners to identify problems. We would be happy to assist you with a full roof inspection, an assessment, or the advice you need.

What To Know About Roof Inspections

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 05:01:43 GMT

What To Know About Roof Inspections

As a homeowner who's new to owning a roof, the first thing to know about roof inspections is how important they are. Even a seasoned roof owner will have trouble with detecting problems early, which is exactly what a professional roof inspection is meant to accomplish. By finding trouble early enough, the leak is stopped early and you can save a significant amount in water damage repairs later.

Secondly, you'll want to know that a roof inspection is performed by an experienced master roofer who also holds a roof inspector certificate. They've received additional training to perform the inspection and met all the requirements of becoming certified.

Some other things you'll want to know about roof inspections are below.

Recognizing Wind Damage to Roof Shingles

Since the most common type of rooftop is the asphalt shingle, we'll use them for an example. Asphalt shingles don't weigh much, so a roof inspection will most often uncover wind damage. When wind can get up under a shingle, it can pull it upward, lifting it away from the nails. This movement can either tear the shingle slightly, pull it completely off the roof, or just cause a crack.

Unless you've been trained to know what to look for, recognizing wind damage on a roof isn't easy. This is why getting a yearly inspection is a good idea, especially for those who live in areas like Pensacola and Pace where high winds and storms are frequent.

Inspecting The Roof for Hail Damage

Another part of the inspection will be to uncover any previous hail damage. Hail can cause tiny little tears in the outermost layer of an asphalt shingle, or it can cause huge dents and tears. The smaller, hairline cracks are the most difficult to detect. However, a certified inspector will have no trouble recognizing all signs of hail damage, whether the roof is made of asphalt, metal, tile, or some other material.

When To Get Roof Inspections

Recognizing signs of water damage as soon as it happens is going to help you save on costly repairs later. Leaks often turn into expensive repairs if they're not spotted early. This is why the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends to have one done every spring and fall season. Here in Pensacola, it's also important to do after every severe storm.

The inspector inspects everything in the attic or crawl space, including the insulation, roof ventilation system, the trusses, tie-downs, structural integrity, roof decking, and everything else. Every aspect of the outside of the roof is also inspected.

You'll receive a detailed report on their findings along with any restorative repair cost details. This report can be used if you needed to file an insurance claim after storm damage, but it also gives you the information you need about the current condition of your roof and what to expect out of it over the next several years.

How To Avoid An Early Roof Replacement In Pensacola

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 04:57:51 GMT

How To Avoid An Early Roof Replacement In Pensacola

With the cost of living always on the rise, learning everything we can about how to avoid expensive surprises, like an early roof replacement, can make all the difference in the world. If you're in Pensacola, the climate can age your roof much quicker than it would if your house were located where there's less humidity.

Although we can't do anything about the humidity and high UV damage our roofs are exposed to, there are still some things you can do to avoid an early roof replacement. Before we get into how Pensacola homeowners can avoid an early roof replacement, let's talk about what early means for those located in our climate.

What Qualifies as An Early Roof Replacement

As a Pensacola roofing company, we're often asked exactly what early means in terms of replacing a roof. When a large area of shingles need to be replaced and the rest of the shingles have been aging, it will often make more financial sense to replace them all than to keep throwing money at repairing it. Early means replacing the shingles before they would normally age.

So that you understand how often roof replacements usually should occur, these are the average lifespans of different types of roofs which are common in Pensacola:

Asphalt Shingles: 15 to 20+ Years
Metal Roofing: 15 to 40+ Years
Flat Roofing: 10 to 25 Years
Concrete and Clay Tile Roofing: 20+ Years

Keep in mind that the climate in your area will make a difference in how long your roof lasts, as well as how much maintenance it receives throughout the years.

Hail storms are a common cause of major roof damage. If a surprise hail storm were to hit Pensacola this year, you can bet there will be plenty of early roof replacements going on. Hail is usually big enough to destroy asphalt shingles, which is the most common roof type in the area.

With storms that last long enough and cover enough area, several roofs within a single neighborhood will need to be replaced, way before they are due.

Maintenance To Help You Avoid Early Roof Replacements

With good maintenance, you can prevent roof leaks. Choose a reliable Pensacola roofing company to help you maintain the roof. Here are some ways you can prevent common roof issues:

Schedule a roof inspection - A regular roof inspection will uncover problems that turn into leaks. Even the simple things like loose nails or separated flashing can cause significant water damage inside your home.

Check the plumbing and HVAC condensation lines in the attic - The leak could be coming from a condensation line clog or a plumbing leak. Other common problems are related to ventilation systems. Make sure they operate properly. The roof inspection will involve checking the attic ventilation and inspecting for moisture problems.

Keep the gutters clean - Avoid roof leaks by cleaning the gutters regularly so they do not form clogs.

Keep debris off the roof - Don't let tree debris stay on the roof. The debris will get caught near the flashing areas around projections and along the valleys of the roof. While roofing materials are waterproof, they do age and do get damaged by rotting debris over time.

Common Reasons for Roof Repairs in Pensacola

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 04:49:04 GMT

Common Reasons for Roof Repairs in Pensacola

If there's one good way to prevent roof repairs, it's knowing what causes leaks and why they happen in the first place. By being aware of some of the common reasons for roof repairs, Pensacola homeowners can save themselves quite a bit of frustration and expense later.

We get plenty of rain here in Pensacola, so our local roofing company is often hired for roof repairs. Handling leaks is our specialty, and we usually find that our customers lacked the knowledge to recognize the signs of roof leaks and how they could have prevented the issues in the first place.

Take a look at the information below on the common reasons for roof repairs in Pensacola so that you can recognize why the problem occurred. Don't hesitate to give us a call if you have questions or are concerned about a leak!

Common Reasons for Roof Repairs and What Caused the Leak

Bad Install - It is sad to say that one of the common reasons for roof repairs is leaking due to installation mistakes. But in fact, as local Pensacola roofers, it is not uncommon for us to find installation problems when we are asked to repair a roof.

Damaged Flashing - The flashing is installed around all the objects that project from the roof. This flashing should be well-sealed so there are no leaks around the projection. If it is not, or if the flashing wasn't installed right, the roof will definitely leak.

Damaged Shingles - Hail damage and wind damage are not easy to recognize. If the shingles are damaged, rainwater can get under the shingles. Shingles age over time, so age is also a common cause of roof leaks.

Attic Ventilation - The attic needs proper ventilation or the humidity can cause roof leaks. The insulation, wood, and ceiling drywall can get soaked with moisture.

Gutter Clogs - Gutter clogs can keep rainwater at the roof line where it should be routed away. The wood at the roof line will rot and water can get up under the shingles along the edge.

What Homeowners Often Mistakenly Think

As we go about our day handling different roof repairs in Pensacola, we often find that our clients have a few misconceptions about roof repairs. Here are a few key things to be aware of that could help you to be prepared if a leak does occur.

New roof warranties always cover roof leaks - Warranties only cover the shingles or other roofing products when they are defective, not due to a bad install -that is unless you choose a product like GAF which covers the installation too. This type of warranty stipulates that the coverage is only in effect when a certified GAF roofer does the work.
Anybody can fix my roof leak - While anybody can work on your roof leak, not everybody has the experience to fix it right. Choose a licensed Pensacola roofer who is experienced with your roof type. Also, remember that not all asphalt shingle roofers know how to repair a metal roof right.
The roof leak is located by the water damage - You may have a ceiling stain or wall warping that isn't anywhere near the actual roof leak. Water flows where it finds the least resistance, so don't assume that the leak is nearby.