How often does your roof need to be replaced?

For many Floridians, the lifespan of a roof is a major concern. We all know that no roof will last forever, but there are ways to estimate how often a roof will need to be replaced. The lifespan of tile and asphalt roofs in Florida may not be as long as national estimates due to extreme weather conditions.

Lifespan

Shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in Florida, mainly because of their good performance and low cost. While asphalt shingles come with warranties of 20 to 30 years, their lifespan in Florida is much shorter. High-quality architectural shingles have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. Conversely, 3-tab shingles are expected to last 10 to 12 years.
Tile roofs in Florida last from 25 years to 50 years. When maintained properly, they could last even longer. When installed correctly, they can withstand high winds, damage from salt spray, and UV exposure.

What Can Shorten Your Roof’s Lifespan

Here are key factors that determine how often your roof may need to be replaced:

Weather: Florida faces extreme heat and humidity as well as tropical storms and hurricanes during the rainy season. The roof of your house faces a healthy dose of salt spray in addition to humidity, heat, and high winds. These extreme weather conditions cause roofing materials to loosen or crack, damaging the structural integrity of your roof.
Exposure to UV Rays: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat creates thermal shocks to the roofing materials, causing expansion and contraction. This causes the material to crack, tear, or curl causing roof replacement to be sooner than expected.
Poor Maintenance: Neglecting your roof and leaving problems unaddressed can intensify problems and accelerate wear and tear. For instance, leaks and mold can take years off your roof’s service life. What’s more, ignoring specific maintenance duties can cause the warranty to lapse and material to degrade faster.
Insulation and Ventilation: Bad ventilation and inadequate insulation can cause warm, moist air to build up and cause rotting on your roof.

How to Extend the Life Span of Your Roof

A roofing system tends to last longer if it’s given proper care and attention. Here are steps you can take to extend the life of your roof:

Keep the gutters clean to prevent blockage and water damage to the boards.
Remove leaves and debris from the roof. You can use a garden hose or leaf blower, but avoid pressure washing because it can cause damage. You can also trim nearby branches to reduce the number of leaves falling onto your roof and prevent damage from falling tree limbs.
Ventilate the attic to allow humid air to escape, and prevent the growth of mold.
Have your roof inspected by professionals annually to catch smaller problems. Address them immediately before they escalate into more serious issues.

If you need a roof inspection or suspect that you need a roof replacement, contact West Orange Roofing in Central Florida. With over 46 years of experience, we know how to get the job done right and provide the highest possible service for you and your family.