ORLANDO, Fla. – A recent comment made by Florida’s top insurance chief has people questioning whether it’s time to phase out asphalt shingle roofs in our state.
In December, Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky told attendees at the annual Chamber of Commerce Insurance Summit in Orlando that “it’s probably time to look past asphalt shingles.”
“You know, these products that are guaranteed to last for 30 years. They don’t last for 30 years in Florida. They just don’t,” said Commissioner Yaworsky.
The comment immediately caught people’s attention because asphalt is not only the most affordable option for homeowners, but industry experts say it is also the most common roofing material used across the country.
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Is it time for asphalt shingles to be “written out of the plot” as Commissioner Yaworsky hinted?
News 6 spoke with Tom Cotton with Hugh Cotton Insurance to get some perspective.
Cotton said phasing out asphalt completely is just not realistic.
“It was a knee jerk reaction to a comment that has been taken out of context,” said Cotton. “Insurance companies in Florida will be insuring asphalt roofs for as long as I continue to be in the insurance business for sure. Now, how they address them might be different. They might be a little more ACV, actual cash value, rather than replacement cost. That’s the benefit that the homeowner is getting.”
News 6 requested an interview with Commissioner Yaworsky to clarify his comments, but he was not available Wednesday,
Homeowners in Florida do know the challenges that come with the climate: heat, humidity, and hurricanes to name a few. And, since insurance companies assess the risk of damage, more reliable materials can potentially lower insurance premiums or your insurer could offer a larger credit.
Metal roofs, which are known for their durability, can often lead to lower insurance premiums, but they are also more costly. The same goes for clay or concrete tiles.
Eric Redding, an operations manager with BFARR Contracting, showed our News 6 crew some of the materials available.
“We have a standing seam roof, which is metal. It’s a good install, but it’s twice the cost of a shingle roof,” said Redding. “And, then you have tile, which is basically the same metal longevity, but it’s three times the cost of shingles.”
Redding said you can get a quality asphalt roof, but because of the elements in Florida they typically last about the same amount of time.
“It all really comes down to the install,” Redding said. “You can get the best products ever, but it’s who installs it that really makes a difference in longevity.”
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