Florida’s harsh weather conditions can test even the strongest roof. Constant sunshine, powerful thunderstorms – and of course, hurricanes all hammer down on your roof.
There’s no single answer describing how long a roof lasts in Florida, but there are averages.
Shingle roofs last on average up to 30 years
Flat roofs can last up to 50 years
Metal roofs average a lifespan up to 50 years
Tile roofs can last up to 50 years
It’s important to note the lifespan of any roof highly depends on various factors including local weather conditions, installation quality, and maintenance habits.
How long do shingle roofs last in Florida?
Shingle roofs are widely used throughout the United States and all over Florida. Out of all the commonly used roof types, shingle roofs are the most affordable.
A well-maintained shingle roof can last up to 30 years in Florida.
The lifespan of your shingle roof will vary depending on the quality of the installation and how well you keep the roof maintained. Shingle roofs in Florida have a shorter lifespan than in other parts of the country because of the harsh weather conditions found here.
Your shingle roof’s lifespan will also vary depending on the type of shingles used. For example, asphalt shingle roofs have a shorter lifespan than dimensional shingles.
How long do flat roofs last in Florida?
Flat roofs are a popular option in Florida for both residential and commercial buildings because they are affordable and simpler to maintain than other roof types.
A well-maintained flat roof can last up to 50 years in Florida.
On average, a flat roof will last longer than a pitched roof and is simpler to install. However, flat roofs require a decent amount of maintenance in order to keep them performing as expected.
How long do metal roofs last in Florida?
Metal roofs are prized for their ability to withstand powerful, sustained winds and strong gusts. A well-built metal roof can withstand sustained winds as high as 140 MPH and gusts of 180 MPH. Making metal roofs a great option for a hurricane-prone state like Florida.
A well-maintained metal roof on average can last 50 years in Florida.
Metal roofs have surged in popularity over the last decade because of the wind resistance benefits they possess and their added durability compared to shingle roofs. As with any roof type, installation quality, local weather conditions, and maintenance routines, all play a major role in the health of the roof.
How long do tile roofs last in Florida?
Tile roofs are very resilient, and offer added benefits to a roof when compared to shingles. Tiles stand up well against UV exposure and do well against salt air, which is known to cause corrosion on other roof types like metal.
A well-maintained tile roof can last up to 50 years in Florida.
Tile roofs are not immune to the effects of Florida’s extreme weather. Tile roofs last longer in other states with less severe weather, but in Florida, roofs are exposed to high heat, strong winds, powerful storms, and hurricanes. All of which take turns hammering away at your roof.
Tiles also sit higher on a roof than other roof types, which exposes them to high winds. A well-installed tile roof can safely withstand winds as high as 150 MPH – with some manufacturers claiming their tiles can withstand winds as high as 180 MPH.
What can weaken your roof and shorten its lifespan?
A common reason why your roof may have a shortened lifespan is improper installation and low-quality materials. Assuming your roof was installed properly, then here are three factors that can cause damage to your roof, thus shortening its expected lifespan.
Extreme weather
Hail, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and heavy rain can all cause damage to your roof. Exposure to high heat and UV also damages your roof over time. Your roof is exposed to weather conditions all day 24/7, and these weather events can slowly damage your roof resulting in accumulative damage until a powerful enough weather event causes noticeable damage.
Poor maintenance
Your roof needs to be maintained. If you fail to maintain your roof as needed, then it will have a short lifespan and potentially damage your chances of receiving a high payout (or any payout) from your insurance company. A common issue with roof maintenance is the failure to clean out your gutters. Dirty gutters clog and store water which slowly erodes your roofing materials.
Animals
Pests can be a serious problem, and they can cause massive amounts of damage to your roofing materials. If you suspect you have a pest problem in your roof, then it’s critical to have a professional deal with it asap to control the damage caused.
What can you do if your roof was damaged?
Work with a professional to help with your claim. The average homeowner does not have the experience to fight against a lowball offer or claim denial and Insurance Companies know this.
JT Law Firm knows how insurance companies operate, the tactics they use, and the loopholes in contracts they take advantage of. Our roof claim lawyers will aggressively fight for your claim to move forward and for you to collect the highest possible payout. Let our team fight for you!
Schedule your complimentary discovery call. Call us at 855-585-2997.
