Having a roof that can withstand the elements is vital in the Sunshine State, where the weather can be unpredictable at best. Choosing between the different roofing materials will depend on a variety of factors, but one of the top considerations is how long a roof lasts in Florida.
In general, how long a roof lasts in Florida depends on the type of roofing. Asphalt roofs typically last 10 to 40 years in Florida, while metal roofs last up to 50 years.
In this article, we’ll go over the different types of roofs used in Florida, as well as the lifespan of the materials and the factors influencing how long your roof might last.
Of course, this is general information. A free consultation with an Erie Home roofing professional can help you decide which type of roofing is the best for your specific property.
In This Article
Metal Roofing in Florida
Metal roofs have become more popular in Florida recently. They’re well-known for their durability and their ability to stand up to weather conditions like high winds, heavy rain, and strong sun.
They typically last around 50 years, but if you live in an area that frequently experiences hurricanes and heavy storms, your roof may require replacement before that time, depending on the type of roofing materials used.
Some of the factors influencing the lifespan of a metal roof in Florida are as follows:
- Type of metal used
- Installation quality
- Maintenance
Type of Metal Used
The most common choices for metal roofs are steel, aluminum, and copper.
Steel, while being more affordable than the others, can rust if it’s not coated properly and maintained. This can be an issue in humid Florida, where it rains just about every day in the summer and where hurricanes can occur regularly.
In addition, steel can be prone to corrosion if you live close to the coastline, where the salty ocean air tends to affect it. Stone-coated steel metal roofs from Erie Home, however, resist corrosion and pitting.
Erie Home metal roofs have a and a class 4 hail impact rating. Our metal roofs can also withstand winds up to 120 mph, a must in hurricane-prone areas like Florida. To give you peace of mind, they’re backed by a 50-year limited lifetime transferable warranty.
Aluminum is more resistant to corrosion, making it a good mid-priced option for those near the coasts, where salty air and hurricanes tend to be issues.
Copper roofing is the most expensive but also the most durable type of metal roofing. In some cases, it can last longer than 50 years.
Installation Quality
Having your metal roof installed by a qualified professional, such as Erie Home, is of paramount importance if you want it to last for many decades. A pro will be using the correct materials, including not only the metal panels but also the underlayment, flashing, and fasteners.
Also, fastening the metal panels correctly does take some skill and know-how to make the roof water-tight.
Maintenance
While a metal roof doesn’t need much maintenance, it should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure there are no repairs needed. Even a small repair left unchecked for years can lead to roof failure.
Also, if you have a steel roof, you may want to have it resealed every 10 years or so. An annual inspection by a roofer will let you know if this should be done sooner rather than later.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing in Florida
Thanks to their affordability and versatility, asphalt shingle roofs have often been the go-to for many homeowners in Florida. Their lifespan will generally be between 20 and 30 years, although depending on the type of asphalt shingles, it can range from 10 to 40 years. However, an asphalt roof can be prone to damage from hurricanes and even tropical storms.
Some of the factors that could impact an asphalt shingle roof’s lifespan include the following:
Quality of the Shingles
Not all asphalt shingles are equal, and they are available at various price points. Some are more resistant to rain, wind, and UV rays than others, so choosing a higher-quality shingle will help your roof last longer.
Climate and Weather
Florida’s climate is tough on any roof, and it does take its toll on asphalt. If you have little to no shade cover, your roof will be exposed to intense sunlight, which can lead to brittleness and fading.
While some interior sections of North Florida won’t see hurricanes often, the coasts and the peninsula are quite prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can damage and destroy roofs.
Erie Home asphalt shingle roofs can withstand winds up to 130 mph and have algae-resistant protection to protect your roof in wet climates. With a class 3 impact resistance rating, they can withstand hailstones up to 1.75 inches in diameter. They’re backed by a 30-year limited lifetime transferable warranty.
Ventilation and Insulation
If your attic doesn’t have proper ventilation and insulation, heat and moisture will accumulate, which can cause not only accelerated shingle wear and tear but also mold and mildew growth.
Your roofer will examine your attic conditions to determine whether you need to add more insulation or make other changes to prevent premature deterioration.
Maintenance
Again, inspections, cleaning, and minor repairs can help extend the lifespan of your shingle roof. If one or more shingles are loosened or blown off after a storm, it’s important to have them replaced as quickly as possible.
If there are any roof leaks, they should be addressed right away. Lastly, keeping your gutters clean can help prevent water from backing up onto the roof and causing damage that way.
Tile Roofing in Florida
Tile roofing is a beautiful choice that many Floridians love. It’s required in some HOAs, and it’s durable and strong enough to withstand challenging weather conditions. The lifespan of a tile roof in Florida should be at least 50 years and possibly even longer when it’s maintained well.
Like with the other roofing types, some factors will influence the lifespan of a tile roof:
Material Type
Tile roofing comes in many different styles and types. Clay, concrete, and slate are all common. All will last for several decades, but slate is the material that will last the longest, so if you’re hoping to get a full century out of your roof, slate may be the way to go.
Proper Installation
Installing a tile roof isn’t a DIY proposition; you’ll need to hire a professional to position and fasten each tile securely. If any of the tiles are misplaced or misaligned, there might not be good drainage, and the wind will be able to get under them more easily, making them prone to lifting in a storm.
Be sure to hire experienced roofers with expertise in tile roofs to prevent serious structural damage to the roof and your home.
Maintenance
While tile roofs require little to no maintenance, you should still ensure you have an inspection every year or two to check for cracked or damaged tiles.
Also, moss and algae can build up, and if left to grow, it can impact the roof’s longevity. You’ll want to have the tiles cleaned regularly to remove this type of growth.
Final Thoughts
The type of roof you get, as well as the quality of the installation and how well you maintain it, will determine the lifespan. As you might expect, having a less expensive shingle roof placed will result in the need to replace the roof sooner compared to a metal roof or tile roof.
At Erie Home, we’d love to talk to you about your roofing needs, budget, and any considerations unique to your property. Call us today at 1-800-998-8301 or get in touch to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the average cost to replace a roof in Florida?
This will depend on the type of roof you have placed, the size of your home, and much more. You might pay only $10,000 for a small, simple roof, or you may pay triple that or more for a large house with a higher-quality roof. At Erie Home, we provide free consultations and price quotes, so we can go over the specifics with you at no cost.
Will insurance cover a 20-year-old roof in Florida?
Although the laws have changed in recent years, insurance companies must now inspect your roof to determine if it has at least five years of life left. If it does, they will cover it. If not, you’ll need to have it replaced.
Does a new roof increase home value in Florida?
Yes. Like most other large home improvements, replacing your roof can increase your property’s value. After all, your buyers will be glad they won’t need to replace the roof on their own! Talk to your real estate professional for more information.
Can you insure a 15-year-old roof in Florida?
Yes, you can insure a 15-year-old roof in Florida, but it may be more challenging. Many insurance companies have stricter requirements for older roofs due to the increased risk of damage from weather events like hurricanes.
Insurers may require an inspection to verify the roof’s condition, and if the roof is found to be in poor shape or not up to current building codes, they may refuse coverage or require repairs before issuing a policy. Additionally, insurance premiums may be higher for older roofs.
What is the roof rule in Florida?
The “roof rule” in Florida typically refers to insurance policy terms and building codes that dictate how roof repairs or replacements are handled. As of recent updates, Florida building codes require that if more than 25% of a roof is damaged within a 12-month period, the entire roof must be replaced, not just the damaged section.
This rule is designed to ensure that roofs can adequately protect structures from Florida’s severe weather conditions. Insurance policies might have specific clauses related to the age and condition of the roof when determining coverage and reimbursement for roof damage.