In This Article
Tile roofing has been one of the most popular roofing materials forever. Tile roofs have been used worldwide because of the material’s durability and beauty. Centuries-old tile roofs are still enduring to this day. Still you might be wondering how long does a tile roof last in Florida? Let’s start with some basic information.
Today tiles come in two forms:
- Traditional clay tiles are made from clay that’s mined, the clay is mixed to achieve the right consistency, then fired in a kiln. The manufacturing process can take more than three months for each batch. This process produces traditional terra cotta tiles. If you’re looking for a classic, historical look, then clay tiles are the product for you.
- Concrete tiles, in contrast, are manufactured with concrete, aggregate and water, then vibrated in a press. The manufacturing process takes 15 to 30 days. While concrete tiles are meant to mimic clay, a practiced eye can easily tell them apart.
Both methods of manufacturing share certain features, including:
- Increased resale value, including more credits on appraisal. Houses with tile roofs tend to sell faster in direct comparison to other materials, such as asphalt shingles.
- Long-term durability: Tile roofs have the lowest life cycle cost of any other roofing material. Clay tiles can last for centuries; concrete tiles can last for 30 to 50 years.
- Fire resistance: Both clay and concrete tiles provide a Class A fire-resistant roofing as a product and a building system.
- Built to withstand high winds: Both kinds of tiles are designed and tested to meet Florida’s 150-mile-per-hour wind speeds.
- Hail resistance: Tile roofs have an added layer of protection built-in. The tile itself provides a tough water-shedding outer shell with the underlayment working as an extra shield. Tiles have been tested according to FM4473 for hail resistance ratings. Both clay and concrete tiles can resist damage from hailstones as large as 2 inches, which is larger than a golf ball.
- Seismic resistance tested: Research performed at USC shows tile roofs exceed current seismic load requirements for building materials when installed to the current fastening requirements in the 2021 International Residential Code or IRC.
- Sustainability: Tile roofs meet Green Building Guidelines, LEED and Energy Star requirements.
- Environmentally friendly: These building materials do not deplete limited natural resources and have no chemical preservatives used in production. All waste can be recycled and does not go into landfills. Tile roofs’ long life cycle reduces the need for reroofing, which can clog landfills with discarded roofing materials.
- Reflectivity: Independent testing at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has demonstrated that tiles reduce the transfer of heat compared to other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, by up to 70 percent.
- Natural air flow: Natural air ventilation under the tile creates a heat transfer barrier that can provide the benefit of a cooler house in summer and a warmer house in the winter.
- Energy cost savings: The natural air flow described above keeps heating costs low in winter and cooling costs low in the summer.
Proven Performance
With more than a century of proven performance, there’s no need to wonder how long roof tiles last in Florida. This type of roofing offers peace of mind to homeowners compared to other roofing materials. Natural water shedding and ventilation features enable tiled roofs to withstand all climate conditions. The heavier weight and strength of roof tiles enable designers and architects to specify them when meeting today’s design and engineering requirements.
CLASSIC ROOFING – FAMILY OWNED AND SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 20 YEARS
Even though Seminole averages 241 sunny days each year, the summer months can be rainy, with June, July and August receiving more than eight inches of rain each month. The total annual average rainfall of 50.8 inches in Seminole means that it is drier than most places in Florida.
Withstands High Winds
With their ability to resist severe weather, clay and concrete tiles continue to be the preferred roofing material among homeowners in the Southeast of the United States. The team at Classic Roofing & Construction has 20 years of experience installing clay and concrete tiles in Florida’s Pinellas County and beyond. With proper installation, Florida tile roofs can stand up to very heavy winds and last for decades.
Variety of Shapes, Styles & Colors
Today clay and roof styles come in a variety of shapes, styles and colors. Manufacturers of clay and concrete roof tiles produce tiles to suit any architectural style, including authentic Spanish, Mediterranean, New England Colonial, historic or contemporary. Tiles can be flat, round or simulate wood shake or slate. The design and engineering possibilities are nearly limitless.
Lasting Color
The colors in tiles come from natural sources, including the color and mixture of the clay used in the tiles or from iron oxide pigments added to concrete tiles. Both are extremely durable.
As the years roll by, concrete tiles may experience a slight color softening after extended exposure to the elements. Some clay roof tile manufacturers guarantee their tiles from fading for more than 50 years–a good indication of how long a tile roof lasts in Florida.
Ease of Repair
Tile roofs are fast becoming a re-roofing product of choice due not only to the tiles’ durability but also the ease of maintenance. If a tile is damaged or cracked by a storm, your roofer can simply replace that single tile and your home is fully protected again.
All roofing systems require some maintenance. With tile roofing, maintenance is restricted to gutters, protrusion flashing and venting. Other conventional roofing systems maintenance may include painting, cleaning or sealing the entire surface of the roof every few years.
Economical
Clay and concrete tile roofs are one of the most economical choices for homeowners because of the product’s long life span, from 50 to 100 years or more. When you choose clay or concrete tile for your roof, that’s the last roof you will ever buy. Manufacturers offer warranties from 50 years, or for the life of the structure.
Still Wondering How Long a Tile Roof Lasts in Florida?
If you are considering re-roofing with tile, we would be happy to answer your questions. We can provide samples of different tile products for your inspection. Call us at 727-329-8023 or schedule an appointment for a free estimate with one of our team members.
The team at Classic Roofing & Construction is well-versed in tile roof construction in Pinellas County and beyond. We are happy to provide references from past clients and photos of recent tile projects our team has completed.
