How Long Does a Roof Last in Florida?

With the average cost of a new roof hitting around $8,600, it's one of the more expensive home improvements a homeowner faces.

It's also why you want to know the age of your roof when you purchase your home. You might wonder how long does a roof last in Florida. Several factors impact a roof's lifespan and durability, especially in Florida.

Read on to learn more about a roof's lifespan and what you can do to extend the life of your roof.

How Long Does a Roof Last in Florida?

Sure, you don't have the dreaded winter snowstorms in Florida. Your Florida roof, however, doesn't escape the impact of climate.

You might feel your roof should have a longer lifespan because of the warm sunny weather of Florida. In fact, all types of roofs are impacted by the climate of Florida. So, how long does a roof last in Florida?

Of course, one factor is what it's made of. If the roof survives a brutal storm like a hurricane, it can also impact its lifespan.

Let's take a look at the most common types of roofs and their average lifespan in different roof options.

Asphalt Roof

Asphalt roofs are one of the most common types of roofs found in Florida and across the country.

In Florida, the average lifespan of an asphalt roof is between 15 and 25 years. This is an extensive range that several factors can impact. More on this later.

While this is an average, it is also lower than in other parts of the country. Again, this is because of Florida's unique conditions.

Tile Roof

Many southern homes, including in Florida, have used tiles made of clay or cement as their roofing material. The tiles help keep a home cooler and manage the Florida heat and humidity.

The good news about a tile roof is that with careful maintenance, the roof could last as many as 70 years. Most people don't even live in one house for that span of time.

Of course, with that lifespan comes some cost. A tile roof is much more costly than other options like asphalt or metal.

Metal Roof

Another popular option in Florida is the metal roof. Metal roofs don't help with temperature control in maybe the same way as tile. Yet, they are very sturdy and robust.

A metal roof can last for as many as 40 years lifespan.

Many Floridians appreciate the tile option because of its durability against storms that are part of Florida's climate. Because the tile is installed in sheets, breaking loose in a storm is harder.

Unlike an asphalt roof, the metal lasts longer because the shingles in asphalt break down from Florida's harsh conditions. The length of time a tile roof lasts is also impacted by the finish on the metal before it's installed.

If you're planning on a metal roof, be sure to discuss this with your roofing expert.

Impact of Florida's Climate

In other parts of the country, a roof will likely last longer than it might in Florida. This might not make sense to you, knowing that Florida doesn't face tough cold winters like more northern states.

Florida, however, does have extreme heat. It also has high levels of humidity for much of the year. It also frequently has to stare down the tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes that come its way.

In short, Florida's climate conditions are hard on a roof and absolutely impact the lifespan of a roof.

Roof Maintenance to Protect Your Roof

One important aspect of extending the life of your roof is the maintenance you provide for it. Now, most homeowners will pay very little attention to their roofs until there's a problem.

Yet, with some basic homeowner roof care and maintenance checks from the experts, you can extend the life of your roof.

One thing you can do as a homeowner is to perform regular cleaning of your gutters. Don't let debris like leaves and dirt build up in your gutters which could cause damage to the actual roof.

Another thing homeowners can do is pay attention to their landscaping around the house. Don't allow tall shrubs and trees to grow over your roof. A branch hanging over your roofline can break off in a storm and cause real damage to your roof.

Paying for yearly roof maintenance checks is also smart insurance to extend the life of your roof. If there are any loose, broken, or missing shingles, the roofing company can identify and replace them before it becomes a bigger problem.

The roofing expert can also check around any pipes, downspouts, or vents for cracks. A fresh coat of caulk can help extend the life of your roof.

Whenever you have a storm, you should always go out and do a visual inspection of your roof from the ground.

If anything looks visually out of the ordinary, you want to call a roofing professional right away. A small unattended problem can quickly become a big one if left unaddressed.

Signs It's Time for a New Roof

Knowing the averages for a roof's lifespan, you might wonder if it's time to consider a new roof for your home. Often, a roof in need of replacement is good at communicating there's an issue.

Of course, if you suddenly notice a leak or wet spot on a ceiling in your home, you likely have a roof problem. Other signs it might be time to consider a roof include:

• Sagging roofline
• Granules collecting in the gutters
• Moving shingles
• Cracked or missing tiles
• Cracked, warped, or missing shingles

Again, if you see signs of an issue, you might be able to get a repair instead of paying for a whole new roof.

Roof Life in Florida

How long does a roof last in Florida? This will depend on a host of factors, including the type of roofing materials and the conditions experienced by the roof.

If you need your roof checked out, we can help. Contact us today to set up a time to discuss your roofing needs, including a yearly maintenance check-up.

Edit Article

‍