One of the most crucial aspects of a house is the roof. However, the longevity of roofs is a major concern in Florida due to the city’s climate. Homes in Florida, especially the roofs, are exposed to strong sunlight, rainstorms, and excessive heat and humidity. So, you might be curious to know how long does a roof last in Florida? You will get your answer in the article.
Due to their excellent performance and cheap price, shingles are one of the most common roof materials in Florida. Asphalt shingles have up to a 20-year warranty, but their longevity in Florida is substantially less. The average lifespan of top-notch architectural shingles is 15-20 years. Three-tab shingle roofs, on the other hand, are predicted to last 10-12 years.
However, there are many other roofing materials that people use in Florida. They all have a distinct life expectancy. Furthermore, the length of time your roof is likely to last depends on several factors. So, in this article, I will go over the lifespan of different types of roofs in Florida, along with some other information that might be helpful for you.
The lifespan of Different Types of Roof in Florida
Shingle roofs generally last for 15-20 years in Florida, whereas you can expect metal roofs to last for about 40-70 years. On the other hand, a tile roof, which is another common roof type in Florida, has a lifespan of more or less 30 years.
Now, let’s discuss the lifespan of different types of roofs in Florida:
Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofs are among the most common kinds of roofing seen on Florida houses. These roofs have a lifespan of around 15 to 25 years. Well, the lifetime depends on the state of the roof, the installation process, and, of course, how the owner takes care of it.
Moreover, the quality of materials used and the density of the shingles are two other major factors that influence the longevity of the roofs. However, there are various types of asphalt shingle roofs, each with its own set of characteristics that indicate how long they will last in Florida.
- 3-Tab – For smooshed roods, it is the most cost-effective asphalt shingle choice. These shingles come in a standard thickness and can last anything between 10 and 20 years. The circumstances around the roof, as well as the quality of the installation procedure, determine the lifespan variation. However, Florida’s hot and dry climate encourages the formation of fractures in the shingles, reducing their longevity.
- Dimensional – In terms of both pricing and quality, this shingle variety is a definite upgrade from the 3 tabs. Dimensional shingle roofs are a little thicker and can last about 15-25 years. If you pair the roofing framework with appropriate installation procedures, dimensional shingles can withstand nearly twice as much wind as three shingles, leading to a long lifespan.
- Premium – It is the most costly type, but it has the finest appearance. High-end residences use these roofs and they have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. They can last much longer in the climate of Florida since you can add solar reflectance if you want. It minimizes the material’s exposure to extreme heat.
Metal Roof
Metal roof is appealing because it is a long-lasting, energy-efficient choice that requires little upkeep. There are also a variety of materials to choose from, such as aluminum, zinc, tin, copper, or galvanized steel.
Metal roofs also have one of the highest lifetime figures, lasting about 40-70 years when properly fitted. Well, there are mainly two types of metal roofs in Florida. A galvanized steel rooftop is the first, while an aluminum roof is the second.
Because of the concentration of salt in the wind in Florida, galvanized roofing is not really the best option. Many roof firms may refuse to extend warranties on steel roofs that are put too near to the sea.
Most of the roofing manufacturers, on the other hand, will provide up to a 25-year warranty on aluminum roofing, even if the home is near the beach or the sea.
Membrane Roof
Although flat roofing is occasionally utilized on residential roofs, it is more commonly seen on commercial structures. Such roof types have the widest range of life spans, lasting between 10 and 50 years.
There are various types of membrane roofs. However, the three most prevalent ones are:
- TPO – Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a single-ply membrane that can be neutrally buoyant, adhered entirely, or manually affixed. TPO membranes are greener, but perhaps less long-lasting, alternatives. Roofs using these membranes tend to survive somewhere between 10 and 20 years.
- PVC – It is the most expensive of the three membrane types since it is made of vinyl. The cost is justified if you consider the reflecting feature of these membranes that provides both UV protection and energy efficiency. Thus, it means that even in the scorching heat of the city, cooling bills can be lowered and roof deterioration is virtually eliminated. Roofs made of PVC last at least 20 years.
- EPDM – It is the cost-effective option among the three types of membrane roofs. It’s simple to apply, and it has an insulating quality that helps keep the temperature outside. Moreover, the rubbery substance aids in the prevention of lightning damage to a structure’s inside contents.
EPDM membrane roofs typically last for more than 25 years. However, given the peculiar and severe circumstances that are characteristic of Florida’s environment, the longevity can plummet below 20 years.
What Can Shorten The Lifespan Of Your Roof?
Extreme climate conditions, poor maintenance, and strong exposure to UV rays are some of the most common factors that can shorten the lifespan of your roof.
The following are some of the factors that shorten the lifespan of your roof:
Poor Maintenance And Installation Process
Neglecting the roof and ignoring concerns can exacerbate problems with your roof. Mold and leaks, for example, can shave years off the lifetime of the roof. Furthermore, failing to perform certain maintenance tasks may result in the warranty expiring and materials degrading faster.
Besides, warm, damp air might accumulate on the roof due to poor insulation and ventilation, which may lead to rotting.
UV Exposure
Thermal shocks occur when roofing materials are exposed to severe heat for an extended period, triggering contraction and expansion. As a result, the material cracks, tears, or curls, necessitating roof replacement earlier than intended.
Climate
During the wet seasons, Florida’s weather has excessive humidity and heat, along with hurricanes and tropical storms. Thus, roof materials weaken and can split as a result of the severe weather, compromising the structural stability of the roof.
How to Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan?
It is possible to extend the lifespan of your roof even in extreme weather locations like Florida by properly maintaining and taking care of it.
Here are some suggestions for extending your roof’s lifespan:
- Always let a professional take care of the roof installation process.
- To avoid water damage and clogging to the boards, don’t forget to clean the gutters.
- Let moist air pass and avoid mold formation by ventilating the attic.
- Use a leaf blower or garden hose to keep the roof clean from dirt and leaves. However, never pressure wash the area since there is a risk of surface damage.
- To spot minor issues, hire a professional to inspect your roof once a year.
Besides, it is also necessary to choose the material of your roof wisely if you want it to last longer.
Well, due to the extreme weather conditions in Florida, you cannot expect your roof to last for a long time. By now, you’ve got to know the answer to your question, how long does a roof last in Florida?”You’ve also got to know you can extend longevity by taking proper care. So, choose your roof material wisely and maintain it properly. Good luck!
