Complete Guide to Roofing in Jacksonville: What Homeowners Need to Know

Jacksonville's location on the First Coast creates varied roofing challenges:

• Atlantic Coast Exposure: Coastal areas face salt air from the Atlantic Ocean, which accelerates material degradation and corrosion. This is especially true for beachfront properties and areas near the St. Johns River.
• Intense Summer Heat: Jacksonville experiences hot summers with average temperatures in the 90s, creating high cooling demands.
• High Humidity: Year-round humidity levels above 70% create moisture issues that can lead to mold, rot, and structural damage.
• Frequent Thunderstorms: Jacksonville averages over 100 thunderstorm days per year, bringing heavy rain and occasional wind damage.
• Hurricane Risk: Jacksonville faces hurricane threats from the Atlantic, requiring wind-rated roofing systems that meet Florida Building Code requirements.
• Varied Geography: The city spans from coastal to inland areas, creating different roofing needs across neighborhoods.

These conditions mean Jacksonville roofs need materials that can handle both coastal and inland Florida conditions.

Jacksonville's size means roofing needs vary by location:

Coastal Areas (Beaches, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach)

• Direct salt air exposure requires corrosion-resistant materials
• Higher wind rating requirements
• More frequent material degradation
• Premium materials often recommended

Inland Areas (Westside, Southside, Northside)

• Less salt air impact but still present
• Heat and humidity are primary concerns
• Energy efficiency becomes more important
• More material options available

Riverfront Properties

• St. Johns River properties face some salt air influence
• Moisture management is critical
• Wind protection important

Your roofer can help determine specific requirements based on your property's location.

When choosing roofing materials for Jacksonville, consider your location:

Stone-Coated Metal Roofing

Stone-coated metal roofing excels in Jacksonville conditions:

• Superior salt air resistance for coastal properties
• Wind ratings that meet and exceed Florida Building Code requirements
• Energy efficiency reduces cooling costs in Jacksonville's hot climate
• Durability that withstands frequent weather changes
• Long lifespan (40-70 years) reduces replacement frequency

RIF-certified installers specialize in stone-coated metal roofing systems, providing manufacturer-trained expertise and distributor-level pricing.

Tile Roofing

Clay and concrete tile offer good durability and perform well in Jacksonville's climate, but can be heavy and expensive. They're popular in many Jacksonville neighborhoods.

Asphalt Shingles

While common and affordable, asphalt shingles have shorter lifespans in Jacksonville's climate, especially in coastal areas. They may need replacement every 15-20 years.

Metal Roofing (Traditional)

Traditional metal roofing offers durability and energy efficiency, with proper coatings providing salt air resistance for coastal properties.

All roofing work in Jacksonville must comply with Florida Building Code and Duval County requirements:

• Wind Resistance: Roofing systems must meet wind rating requirements based on location. Coastal areas may require higher ratings (150+ mph), while inland areas typically require 140+ mph.
• Permits: Most roofing work requires permits from Duval County. Your roofer should handle this process.
• Inspections: County inspections are required at various stages of installation to ensure code compliance.
• Licensing: Roofers must be licensed in Florida and properly insured. Always verify credentials before hiring.
• Energy Code: New roofs must meet Florida's energy code requirements.

RIF-certified roofers understand these requirements and ensure all work meets or exceeds code standards.

When searching for roofers in Jacksonville, look for:

• Florida Licensing: Verify the roofer holds a valid Florida contractor's license
• Insurance: Ensure they carry both liability and workers' compensation insurance
• Local Experience: Choose roofers familiar with Jacksonville's varied climate conditions
• Coastal Experience: If you're in a coastal area, look for roofers experienced with salt air conditions
• Material Expertise: For stone-coated metal roofing, look for manufacturer-trained installers
• References: Ask for local references and check reviews from Jacksonville homeowners

RIF maintains a network of certified roofers serving Jacksonville and Duval County. These roofers are vetted, trained on specific product systems, and held to higher standards for installation quality and code compliance.