If you live in Florida, being aware of your roof’s condition is essential.
Hurricanes and tropical storms are common in our state, often creating severe roof damage to homes and businesses. If your roof is old or deteriorating, the next tropical storm that passes through your area could leave your roof in shambles, creating water damage in your home and requiring a time-consuming replacement process.
Knowing how many remaining years you can expect from your roof can help you determine the best time to replace it before it becomes vulnerable to hurricane damage. Instead of waiting until the next devastating storm passes through, you can know whether to replace your roof ahead of time, feel confident in its protection and durability, and avoid a costly insurance surcharge.
If you’re wondering, “How long does a roof last in Florida?” read on to learn the lifespans of popular Florida roofing materials.
How Long Does a Shingle Roof Last in Florida?
The term “shingle roof” typically refers to roofing made from asphalt shingles. In this roofing type, flat, rectangular shingles cover the roof in an overlapping pattern, creating a water-tight, weatherproof seal.
Shingle roofs are some of the most common roofing types throughout the U.S. because they are relatively affordable and easy to maintain. However, shingle roofs do not offer much durability in the face of harsh tropical storms and hurricanes, leaving them with a shorter lifespan in Florida than in other states.
The three most common shingle roof types are three-tab, dimensional, and premium shingles. In general, three-tab shingle roofs can last between 10 and 20 years, dimensional roofs have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, and premium roofs can last for 20 to 30 years.
However, several factors affect the lifespan of a shingle roof:
- Installation: Failing to install asphalt shingles properly can lead the shingles to slip down, limiting their protection and causing leaks.
- Weather conditions: Exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as strong tropical storms and fast winds, can cause asphalt shingles to break away from the roof. Unfortunately, three-tab shingles can only endure 70-mph winds, making these shingles unreliable in a hurricane.
- Slope: Your roof’s pitch can also affect the longevity of your asphalt roof tiles. If your roof has a small slope, water cannot drain off the tiles very quickly, leading the tiles to deteriorate over time.
Properly maintaining your asphalt roof includes completing tasks like cleaning out your gutters regularly, trimming any overhanging tree branches, and removing debris from the roof. If you notice any damaged shingles, be sure to call an expert to repair them before the next big storm hits your area.
When to Replace a Shingle Roof
The most obvious indicator that it may be time to replace your shingle roof is cracks in the shingles. When your roof shingles begin to crack, they lose the protection they once offered from your home. In turn, the next storm or hurricane could allow water to seep into your attic, creating a costly roof leak.
Additionally, the state of the shingles’ outer granule layer can also indicate whether it is time for a replacement. If you notice missing granules on several of your shingles or see granules in your yard or landscaping, this could indicate that your shingles are deteriorating.
Finally, if your shingle roof is letting water leak into your attic or other areas of your home, this is a surefire sign that you need a new roof.
How Long Do Tile Roofs Last in Florida?
Tile roofs are popular roofing types in Florida due to their style and waterproof nature. Florida roofing tiles commonly consist of materials like slate and terracotta.
Tile roofs typically have a longer lifespan than asphalt ones. The average lifespan of a Florida tile roof is between 25 and 30 years. However, routine maintenance is necessary to preserve these roofs and ensure that they last as long as possible and can withstand the harsh Florida weather conditions.
Properly maintaining a tile roof includes the following tasks:
- Clearing the roof of debris and branches: When debris such as small leaves, twigs, and seeds accumulate under roof tiles, it can affect the durability of the felting under the tiles and cause water to seep into the home.
- Preserving water flow: Blockage from debris and tree branches can cause water to sit on the roofing tiles for extended periods, breaking down the tiles’ integrity over time. Clearing debris and cleaning your gutters are essential tasks to maintain water flow down the slope of your roof.
- Removing algae: Clay roof tiles often attract algae. Leaving algae unattended on your roof can cause the tiles to deteriorate faster, reducing your roof’s lifespan.
You should always hire a professional roofing contractor to complete these maintenance tasks. Roof tiles can easily break without the proper care and consideration during cleaning.
When to Replace a Tile Roof
While tile roofs tend to last for a few decades, once they begin to deteriorate, they can endure further damage more quickly and easily. You should keep an eye out for these signs that may indicate you are in need of a roof replacement:
- Cracks in the tiles
- Leaks in the attic
- Mold spots
- Missing tiles
- Stains on the tiles
How Long Does a Cement Tile Roof Last in Florida?
Cement tile roofs are some of the most durable roofing types on the market. Cement tiles can withstand severe weather conditions such as 150-mph winds, two-inch-wide hailstones, fire, earthquakes, and rainstorms without enduring any significant damage.
Many cement roofs that have been on homes for more than 100 years are still standing strong in Florida. Generally, you can expect a cement or concrete tile roof to last for at least 50 years, but many of these roofs last for a building’s entire lifespan.
Maintaining your cement tile roof can help preserve its longevity and ensure that it lasts for many decades. Cement tiles often attract algae and moss that can weaken the tiles over time.
Additionally, if your gutters become clogged with debris, excess water pooling can wear down the tiles.
You should also have a professional inspect your roof annually to identify any issues and repair them before they worsen.
When to Replace a Cement Tile Roof
Even though cement tiles have an impressive lifespan, they do not last forever. Eventually, cement tiles deteriorate and stop providing adequate protection for your home. Here are a few signs that could indicate a need to replace your cement tile roof:
- More than 50% of the cement tiles are cracked or missing
- You notice excessive mold build-up on the roof
- Worn-down roofing tiles create leaks into your attic
While concrete roofs can last for 50 to 100 years, the felt underlayment beneath these roofing materials typically only lasts for around 20 years. This means that you will need to replace the underlayment from time to time to give your cement roof the best possible lifespan.
Metal Roof Life Expectancy in Florida
Metal roofing is another durable roofing type compared to materials like asphalt and slate. Metal is also an energy-efficient material, making it a popular choice among Florida homeowners, who need to run their AC systems for at least nine months of the year.
Metal roofs have an average lifespan of between 40 to 70 years. However, extreme weather can limit a metal roof’s longevity. If your roof endures large-scale storms and hurricanes year after year, the metal roof panels may not last a full 40 years.
Additionally, the painted finish on your metal roof can affect its lifespan. Most standing seam metal roofs utilize a Kynar 500 paint finish that protects the metal against moisture that could cause it to rust. However, if your roof has a lower-quality paint finish or if the finish has begun to break down, your metal roof may start to rust and deteriorate.
Further, professional installation is essential to ensuring that metal roofs last as long as possible. Without proper installation, your roof could lose its durability quickly, leaving room for leaks that could damage your home’s interior and affect the roof’s integrity.
When to Replace a Metal Roof
Metal roofs typically show signs of deterioration when they are reaching the end of their lifespans. You may notice the following signs indicating it is time for a metal roof replacement:
- Rust and corrosion
- Faded or damaged paint finishes
- Brittle, flimsy panels
- Discoloration
- Deteriorating fasteners
A professional roofing contractor can help you determine the right time to replace your Florida metal roof.
Barrel Tile Roof Life Expectancy in Florida
Barrel roof tiles, also known as Spanish tiles, are also popular roofing materials throughout Florida due to their Spanish style and compatibility with Florida architecture.
“Barrel” refers to curved, tapered tile shapes, which create better durability and longevity compared to flat tiles. Barrel tiles have a lower water absorption rate than flat tiles, allowing for better resistance to water pooling and leaking. They also tend to weigh less than flat tiles, creating less burden on the housing structure.
Most barrel tiles utilize a sturdy clay build that can last between 50 and 100 years on a home. However, properly maintaining your clay roof tiles is essential to preserving their integrity and ensuring that they will withstand the rainy, windy weather Florida often experiences.
Barrel tile maintenance includes the following tasks:
- Removing algae and other build-up from the roof
- Trimming tree branches that hang over the roof
- Clearing leaves, sticks, seeds, and other debris from under the tiles
- Keeping gutters clear to ensure proper water drainage
- Fixing minor issues as they occur
Keep in mind that you should never attempt to clean clay barrel tiles with a power washer. Spraying clay tiles directly can cause them to crack.
When to Replace a Barrel Tile Roof
Here are a few signs that it may be time to replace your barrel tile roof:
- Chips or cracks in the clay tile
- Missing tiles
- Stains under the gutters
- Water damage in the attic
- A mold or mildew smell in the house
Like other long-lasting roofing materials, clay barrel tiles often hold up longer than their underlayments. If you own a home with a clay barrel tile roof, you will need to replace the underlayment from time to time to preserve the roof’s durability and water resistance.
How Long Do Brava Composite Roof Tiles Last?
Brava composite roof tiles offer an alternative solution to the popular barrel, slate, and cedar shake roof tile. These tiles utilize a uniquely durable, lightweight design that allows them to withstand harsh weather conditions with ease and reliability. Better yet, these tiles maintain the same aesthetic appeal as your favorite roof tile designs.
Brava’s composite tiles provide the following benefits compared to traditional roofing materials:
- Boast a Class 4 impact rating, allowing them to withstand hail traveling at 90 mph
- Can endure 188+ mph winds with ring shank nails
- Provide Class-A fire resistance
- Are easy to install without the need for special installers
- Are available throughout the U.S.
- Offer protection in all climates
Composite tiles have a life expectancy of at least 50 years. When you purchase Brava’s composite barrel, slate, or cedar shake roof tiles, you can receive a 50-year limited warranty to increase your confidence in your roof’s longevity.
Unlike asphalt and slate tiles, composite tiles can last for many decades without any maintenance. You can trust that your composite tiles will continue providing excellent durability, weather resistance, and attractiveness year after year without needing to schedule regular inspections and repairs with a contractor.
Contact Brava Roof Tile Today
Realizing that it’s time to replace your roof can be a little overwhelming. However, switching your roofing material to a reliable Brava composite tile roof can help you feel confident in your roof’s longevity in the face of the unpredictable Florida climate.
Brava roof tiles provide a cost-effective, trustworthy, maintenance-free solution to give your roof the best protection against tropical storms and hurricanes. Contact our team at Brava Roof Tile today at 844-290-4196 to request a sample of our innovative composite tiles.
