Why roofing isn’t just about looks—and how we help you make the right call from the top down.
In Florida, a beautiful home isn’t enough. Between tropical heat, pounding rain, and hurricane-force winds, your home needs to be built with intention—especially when it comes to the roof. At Conquest Builders, we design with durability, energy efficiency, and long-term peace of mind in mind.
That’s why we typically recommend standing seam metal roofing for our custom homes—but we also offer other top-tier options like slate, tile, and architectural shingles depending on your goals.
Let’s break down what we recommend and why.
1. Standing Seam Metal Roofing: The Gold Standard for Florida Homes
We don’t just offer standing seam metal—we prefer it. Here’s why:
Leak Resistance
Unlike exposed-fastener metal panels (often used on barns or outbuildings), standing seam panels have concealed fasteners and vertical ribs that run from ridge to eave. That means:
-No screws through the panel surface
-Fewer penetration points
-Less chance for water to intrude over time
-It’s one of the least leak-prone roofing systems available when properly installed.
Wind & Storm Durability
Florida gets hit hard during hurricane season. Standing seam roofs, when installed with the right clips and underlayment, can withstand wind speeds up to 140–180 mph—far exceeding many traditional options.
Lifespan
A standing seam roof can easily last 40–70 years, especially when paired with proper attic ventilation and occasional maintenance.
2. Lighter Roof Colors for Energy Efficiency
In our climate, color choice matters just as much as material.
We often recommend lighter tones like:
-Galvanized (multi-colored silver)
-Soft gray
-Light taupe
-Cool white or sand
Here’s why:
-Better Heat Reflection – Lighter colors reflect sunlight, helping reduce attic temps and HVAC strain.
-Longer Color Life – UV rays cause darker roofs to fade and degrade faster.
-Cleaner Curb Appeal – Light colors complement modern, coastal, and transitional designs beautifully.
Other Premium Roofing Options Available
While we stand behind metal roofing for many builds, some homes call for a different touch—whether it’s a historic style or simply a different aesthetic. We’re here to guide you.
Slate Roofing
Natural slate is an extremely durable material with unmatched longevity—up to 100 years or more.
-Offers a rich, timeless look that suits coastal luxury or traditional builds
-Naturally fire-resistant and resistant to mold or rot
-Heavier than other materials, so we ensure proper structural support in design
Slate is one of the most elegant and high-performance roofing options on the market—perfect for clients seeking heirloom quality. The drawback we have seen is occasional damage from debris in a hurricance.
Architectural Shingles
These laminated asphalt shingles offer a dimensional look with depth and texture and warranties at approximately 25 years. They have lower initial cost than metal or slate. We install only high-quality architectural shingles with proper underlayments and ridge venting (or spray foam) to help protect your investment.
Concrete Tile or Stone-Coated Steel
Both the concrete tile and stone-coated steel are great for Mediterranean or coastal home styles. Tile roofs can last 50+ years when maintained properly, but as also susceptible to cracking from foot traffic or debris in severe winds. We also install both of these types with High-barrier underlayments and proper hip and ridge detailing. Stone-coated steel combines the texture of tile with the strength and lightness of metal. Stone-coated steel is also the top option for roofers locally, if pricing is not a concern.
Why the Right Roof is More Than Just Curb Appeal
In Southwest Florida, roofing isn’t just about how your home looks—it’s about:
-Surviving the next Category 4 storm
-Saving on energy bills year-round
-Avoiding repairs that could have been prevented with better planning
That’s why we include roofing discussions early in the design process. We walk you through every option and give you the pros and cons based on your specific site, budget, and long-term goals.
Built for This Climate. Backed by Real Experience.
At Conquest Builders, we don’t chase trends. We build homes that are meant to last—with systems and materials that reflect our commitment to quality. From foundation to rooftop, every decision we make is designed for longevity, safety, and value.
Considering building your next home? Let’s talk through your options and design something built for generations.
