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When you’re looking at getting a roof replacement, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. But one of the biggest questions our roofing experts get is, “How long do roofs last in Florida?” And the answer is as complex as it is important. So we want to explain all of the factors that determine how long your roof will last in Florida.
We’re Classic Roofing and Construction, and for over 20 years, we’ve been Florida’s trusted roofing experts. With decades of experience in roof repairs and replacements for both residential and commercial structures, we know all there is to know about roofing in Florida. Keep reading for answers to your questions about the lifespan of Florida roofs and how to get a long life out of your new roof!
How Long Do Roofs Last in Florida?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to the question of how long a roof will last in Florida. Instead, there are three significant factors that affect the lifetime of your roof: what it’s made of, who installs it, and what happens during its lifespan.
So to get you the answers you need, let’s start with the biggest factor: your roofing materials.
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How Roofing Material Affects Roofing Lifespan
The type of roofing material you choose will have major consequences for how long your roof lasts. This is especially true in Florida, where storms and heavy UV exposure can both do a lot to weaken local roofing systems. Numbers may vary slightly depending on brands and subtypes of materials, but in general, here is how long you can expect popular roofing materials to last:
- Asphalt Shingles: The most common kind of asphalt shingle roof replacements use architectural shingles, which are reasonably durable and can last for up to 25 years.
- Clay or Concrete Tiles: Concrete roofing tiles can last for about 50 years, while clay roofing tiles can last for a century or more.
- Metal Roofing: How long a metal roof lasts in Florida will depend on the type of metal roofing used. But in general, a good rule of thumb is to expect 40-70 years from your new metal roof.
- TPO: This flat roofing material is made of a rubberized roofing membrane. This makes it nearly 100% waterproof but susceptible to punctures. In Florida, a TPO flat roof will usually last between 20 and 30 years.
- Modified Bitumen: This is also a roofing membrane, but its base is asphalt and it’s reinforced with fiberglass. Generally, a mod bit flat roof will last for 20 years.
As you can see, roofing material plays a considerable role in how long a roof will last in Florida. But it’s not everything. Just as important as what goes on your roof is who puts it there and how they do it.
Roofing Contractors Affect Roof Longevity
When trying to answer the question, “How long do roofs last in Florida?” it can be easy to overlook the installer. There is often a perception that any professional roofer will be able to complete a job as well as any other roofer. But in our 20 years of providing local roofing services, we’ve found that this isn’t the case.
Florida is highly targeted by scam roofing companies. And while they make a lot of promises, they rarely follow through. When they do actually follow through on the work they promise, it’s usually completed by inexperienced subcontractors. This almost always leads to shoddy roof installation. As a result, you could be dealing with roofing problems for years to come. And as you might expect, your roof will almost certainly need replacing sooner than it would if it had been installed by experienced roofers.
But the good news is that there are ways to identify trustworthy roofing professionals. First, you want to make sure that they have local experience. National roofers might know how to install roofs that can stand up to snow and ice, but that doesn’t mean they know how to hurricane-proof your roof.
Additionally, you want to look at their roofing reviews. A company with few reviews or a low average is either inexperienced or can’t follow through on its promises. Instead, go with roofers who have great roofing reviews from people in your local community.
But no matter who installs your roof, what happens on that roof will greatly affect how long a roof lasts in Florida.
How Florida Weather Affects a Roof’s Durability
Every hurricane season, Florida is at risk for high winds and torrential downpours. And these circumstances can create a lot of dangers for your roof that could end up shortening its lifespan.
Some of the most common issues we see after a major storm are:
- Roofing materials (like shingles or tiles) blown off by high winds
- Storm debris getting trapped on roofs and damaging roofing materials and/or leading to pest issues
- Damage to or removal of gutters
- Soaking through your roofing system and causing water damage
But it’s not just during a storm that Florida weather can wear on your roof. Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason, and Tampa Bay sees about 243 days of sunshine every year. All of that sun and UV-ray exposure does a real number on your roof over time. It can lead to shingles cracking, tile roofs becoming bleached, and roofs wearing down faster due to repeated expansion and contraction with the heat.
All of these factors can shorten how long your roof lasts in Florida. But keeping up with proper maintenance and occasional repairs can go a long way in minimizing this damage and keeping your roof healthy and secure for years to come.
Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Roof
At Classic, we know that replacing a roof is a major investment. And we take that just as seriously as you do. That’s why we only hire experienced, professional roofers. This way, at every step of the process, you’ll be able to get the answers and support you need.
Now that you know how long a new roof can last in Florida, the next step is to get your free roofing estimate. Our free, no-obligation estimates are thorough and tell you exactly what you’re paying for. This way, you never have to play any guessing games or wonder if you’re getting a complete roofing system.
If you’re ready to explore your roof replacement options, let Classic help. We’ve been serving most parts of Florida for over two decades, and we know that we’ll be able to help you get a roof that fits your budget, your style, and your needs.
Video – How Long Do Roofs Last in Florida?
