Buying a new roof is a significant investment, so it is vital to understand how long it will last. Unfortunately, Florida’s weather and humid environment can wreak havoc on your roof. Let’s learn more about how long Florida roofs last and when you should consider repairing or replacing yours.
Shingle Roofs
The most common type of roof used in many parts of Florida is a shingle design. You can choose from multiple colors and sizes to give your home a custom look that stays on budget. Before you decide to go with a shingle roof in Florida, remember that it will not last nearly as long as other types do. The average lifespan for shingles in Florida is between 15 and 18 years. However, taking good care of your shingle roof can increase its lifespan to 25 or 30 years.
Granule loss is one of the top reasons why shingle roofs fail. The shiny or reflective look seen on the shingles comes from the granules. The rough and shiny granules you see keep water from damaging the underlying materials. As your granules wear down, your roof’s lifespan will decrease rapidly. To preserve your roof, try to keep any hanging branches or vegetation away from your home since they can also shorten a shingle roof’s lifespan.
Metal Roofs
While metal roofs aren’t as widely used as shingle roofs, some homeowners love them because they last longer and look great. Depending on the type you select, your metal roof might last up to an astounding 70 years! Standing seam roofs are easy to install because they come in large panels that connect together with fasteners. They usually last 50 years or longer in Florida, which is still pretty impressive. The most budget-friendly type of metal roof has a clear sealant added to the top. With general maintenance, you can make it last longer than its average of 30 years.
Tile Roofs
A tile roof is a stylish choice for some Florida homes. It works well with Mediterranean designs as well as homes with stucco walls. The best tile roofs have both an underlayment and flashing. Thanks to the flashing, you will get more protection against water damage. This material keeps water from pushing through the underlayment and into your home. A layer of clay tiles on the top takes the place of standard asphalt shingles. Despite the harsh weather, this type of roof can last up to 50 years in Florida.
If you are hoping to save some money on your tile roof, another option is to install one directly over your old asphalt shingles. Doing this avoids the labor associated with a complete teardown and replacement. The downside of doing this is it does not create a strong barrier between your home and rain, so leaks can begin popping up in as little as five years. Another issue is that exposure to the water can force some of the oils out of the shingles, which causes them to become brittle and prone to breaking. With this type of tile roof, you’ll usually only get approximately a decade of use.
Other Types of Roofs
A built-up roof, or a BUR roof, has a flat design consisting of multiple materials stacked on top of each other. They are common on commercial buildings and homes because they last 15 years or longer. Concrete tiles have a high fireproof rating and come in a variety of colors and designs. They keep your family safe and last for an average of 50 years. Slate roofs last for so long that some call them forever roofs! While they are more expensive than some of the other designs, they often last for more than a century with proper care.
Get More From Your Florida Roof
Getting more from your Florida roof is easy when you choose the right type for your home. At Roofing & Construction Solutions, we specialize in residential roof repairs, replacements, and inspections. In addition, we can help you with your home remodeling project or guide you through your ground-up construction. We offer a variety of roofing types to suit your needs, including shingles, tile, TPO, and metal. Contact Roofing & Construction Solutions to fix and maintain your roof to make it last longer in the harsh Florida climate.
