How Long Do Tile Roofs Last in Florida?

Tile roofs are a very popular roofing material around Tampa Bay—especially Spanish tile. They’re much more resilient than shingle roofs and can create a more elevated, elegant aesthetic for your home. But there’s one important question that many local homeowners are asking themselves: How long do tile roofs last in Florida?

On average, a new tile roof can last anywhere from 25-50 years in Florida’s climate, and in some cases, they can last far longer. But as you can see, that’s a huge range! To find out how long your tile roof might last, you first have to account for a variety of factors in environment, materials, and workmanship.

Classic Roofing & Construction has been installing tile roofs in Florida for 20 years, so today we’re using that experience to help you figure out how long your tile roof can last in Florida.

Factors for How Long a Tile Roof Lasts in Florida

Figuring out how long a tile roof will last on your home can be tricky. While it’s easy to talk about averages and the range of time a roof typically lasts, that doesn’t tell you much about your specific roof. But whether you’re looking to get your first tile roof or you need to know when to replace a tile roof, keep reading for all the information you need to make an informed choice.

How the Weather Affects Tile Roof Longevity

If you’ve lived in Florida for any length of time, then you know we’ve got some pretty distinctive weather patterns. We get a lot of Sun, heavy rains, and strong storm winds. And all of these factors serve to shorten the potential age of your roof.

Sun damage can both weaken tiles over time and strip away their distinctive coloring, which could mean needing tiles replaced over the years. Additionally, some types of tiles are more porous, so Florida’s rainstorms can cause damage in the long term by seeping into the tile and weakening it from the inside.

Thankfully though, tile roofs generally hold up well against high winds—certainly better than shingle roofs do. When properly installed, tile roofs may be able to withstand winds up to 150mph. Of course, hurricanes can and do reach wind speeds higher than 150mph, so no roof can be considered 100% immune to wind damage.

As you can see, Florida’s weather can do a lot to shorten the lifespan of your tile roof. That’s why, when answering the question of how long tile roofs last in Florida, it’s important to keep tile roof repairs in mind. Every roof will need repairs and maintenance as it ages. And by keeping an eye on these issues and getting biennial inspections, you can greatly extend the life of your tile roof.

The Type and Quality of Tiles Used

When it comes to tile roofing materials, they’re usually made out of one of two things: concrete or clay. And as you might imagine, which type of tile roofing material you use can have a huge impact on how long your roof lasts.

When comparing concrete and clay roof tiles, there are a lot of important differences to be aware of. Concrete tiles can last 25 to 50 years, but they are porous, leading to mold growth and discoloration over time. Thankfully though, this can be mitigated with protective coatings as well as routine maintenance.

Clay tiles, on the other hand, can last for more than 100 years. And they’re less water-absorbent, which means they’ll stay stronger over time. But clay roofing tiles do have one big drawback: their price tag. In terms of tile roofing costs, clay tiles are much more expensive than concrete tiles.

We believe that price should not be the only factor when choosing a roofing material, but it’s undeniably a factor. As you consider your new tile roof in Florida, you should consider that while clay tiles are more expensive, they can save you money by being much hardier and longer-lasting than concrete tiles. In this way, it’s not just about the cost that you pay upfront for your roof.

Tile Roof Installation

Perhaps the biggest factor in how long a tile roof will last is how it’s installed. When installed correctly, a tile roof will be supported by other features like a moisture-resistant underlay, a drip edge to direct water off your roof, and ridge caps, to name a few. But without these supports, the lifespan of a tile roof in Florida decreases drastically.

Even worse, an improperly installed tile roof could damage your home. Tile roofs make for especially heavy roofing systems. And as a result, they aren’t suitable for all structures, since they may weigh too much for the building to support them. This means that in cases where a tile roof isn’t properly installed, it could prove disastrous for the safety of your home.

That’s why it’s important to go with reliable, proven roofers in Florida. But if you want to get the best tile roof installation, how do you know who can help?

Reputable Tile Roofers in Florida

Since who installs your roof is just as important as the type of material, nobody can afford to hire unqualified roofers. That’s why at Classic, we do everything we can to be transparent and honest so that you can feel comfortable trusting us with your new tile roof.

That starts with our 350+ reviews that are readily available on Google. And with these hundreds of reviews from people all over the Greater Tampa Bay region, we average a 4.8-star rating. This shows you that we’re forthright, consistent, and truly live by our 100% happiness guarantee.

And it’s not just your neighbors who love us—we’re also in great standing with industry experts. We’re GAF Master Elite certified and Owens Corning Preferred Contractors, which means we follow and exceed all industry standards in safety and workmanship.

The cherry on top? We make getting a tile roofing estimate so simple and easy. All you have to do is schedule your estimate online, and one of our friendly roofing experts will come out, inspect your roof, and create a roofing estimate that covers the costs of your new roof with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.

It’s natural to want the longest life possible from your new tile roof. And as you’ve seen, a lot of factors influence how long a tile roof lasts in Florida. So if you want to get the most bang for your buck, go with Classic Roofing. We’re professional, reliable roofing experts who want to give you a great roof that you’ll love for years to come. Give us a chance, and see why we still do things the Classic way.

Tile Roofing in Florida FAQs

1. Question: How long do tile roofs last in Florida?

Answer: There are a lot of factors at play, but in general, tile roofs will last 25-50 years. However, some types of tile, like clay tile, can last for upwards of 100 years.

2. Question: Do roof tiles only come in that red-orange color?

Answer: No, roofing tiles are available in many different colors. While earth tones are traditional, tiles also come in vibrant colors like blue and purple, and even white if you want to help cool your roof and lower energy bills.

3. Question: Are tile roofs fire-resistant?

Answer: Tiles made from concrete or clay have a Class A fire rating—the best there is. This means that they will not catch fire or burn, even if directly exposed to a flame.

4. Question: Are tiles good at withstanding hurricanes?

Answer: Of the available roofing materials on the market, tile roofs are some of the best when it comes to withstanding hurricane-force winds. Because they’re heavier than shingles, they are much better able to stay attached to your roof during a hurricane.

5. Question: Do tile roofs require a lot of maintenance?

Answer: Any roof will require maintenance, but tile roofs do not usually require more upkeep than shingle roofing materials. The most common cause for repairs is a cracked tile, which can quickly and affordably be replaced without much hassle.