It is important to determine the condition of your roof. It is difficult to estimate how long a roof will last, especially if the homeowner doesn’t know when or how it was installed. Due to Florida’s harsh weather, it can be difficult to determine the age and longevity of a roof. It is important to consider the quality of materials and how long they will last. Your roof can be severely damaged by extreme heat, moisture, rain, wind, and even hurricanes. The humidity can cause corrosion in metal fasteners holding a roof together. These factors, combined with the harsh elements of the weather can cause Florida roofs to last less than in other states.
How Long Do Asphalt Shingle Roofs Last?
Asphalt shingles can be difficult and complicated to evaluate in terms of their lifespan. This is due to many factors such as the material used, the thickness and quality of the shingle, proper installation quality, and so on. Each material has a life expectancy. For example, asphalt shingle roofs There could be two types. These are the ” 3-tab asphalt shingle The roof is also known as the “dimensional asphalt shingle”, but the other one is the “architectural asphalt shingle”.
Dimensional Asphalt Shingle
This shingle roof has two layers, making it appear more 3D. Because it has thicker and more durable shingles, it can withstand higher winds. This thickness is also beneficial in preventing rain from getting inside the house. The reason is that thicker shingles have more materials. These shingles are more durable than dimensional ones. However, a Florida dimensional shingle might last 17-20 years. In Florida, the life expectancy for a dimensional sheller is 20, 25, and sometimes 30 years. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can dry asphalt quickly, causing shingles to crack and expose fiberglass. The roof frame bracing combined with specific installation methods can give dimensional shingles a longer life span. They can withstand twice as much wind resistance than three-tab shingles.
How Long Do Tile Roofs Last?
These can vary depending on where you live, but the average lifespan of tile roofs is around 20-25 years in Florida. The maintenance of tile roofs can have a significant impact on their durability. Underlayment damage can occur due to tree debris (including its seeds and leaves) accumulating beneath tiles. It is recommended to remove leaves and palm fronds from tile roofs. Due to debris buildup, roofs can also have their valleys and water flow blocked. Water is another enemy of roofs. If water reaches the roof’s valleys, it can lead to premature roof failure. Ten-year-old tiles roofs are especially vulnerable to water damage. This is true for every tile roof. To avoid damage or other problems, it is best to contact a professional if cleaning is required. It is also not recommended to use high-powered machinery. Contractors are recommended for roof maintenance because they have more experience and knowledge in dealing with delicate roofs. Clay tiles and Florida tiles can become brittle from heat, especially clay tiles. They may even crack when they are walked on. Roofers can repair or replace tiles that are damaged by the heat, or tighten any loose connections. Even tropical storms can cause hurricanes in Florida. This is particularly true for South Florida. Southern Florida is home to some of the most severe storms. It may experience 90 days per year in certain areas. Florida also has the highest storm count annually. Florida has the highest lightning density, undoubtedly the most in the USA. South Florida tile roofs might have more trouble than those in the northern or central regions. Preparation is crucial in strong storms. People tend to strengthen their roofs as best they can, while the hurricane moves on. Roofs are the most vulnerable to damage in such cases and will usually be the first thing to fall. Houses that cannot withstand these harsh weather conditions will either collapse partially or completely. Poorly maintained tile roofs can lead to weaker felts that are easily blown away by hurricanes. It is highly recommended to maintain tile roofs in Florida. A structurally sound roof will withstand heavy rains and storms.
How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?
Most people are likely to use metal roofs. It has lots of advantages such as less maintenance needed, energy-efficient, and most importantly, durability. Not only that, there are quite a variety of choices for materials to choose from, it may be steel, copper, aluminum, tin, or even zinc. This material is especially appropriate for Florida as it can endure extremely harsh conditions. Not only is it durable, but it has quite a higher longevity than most other materials, with a lifespan of 20 – 30 years. Even though harsh conditions, it can apply with wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour. Although it is still recommendable to find yourself high-quality metal for better performance. Metal roofs are extremely durable. Compared to other materials that may easily crack, break or corrode, metal roofs are way tougher. Although it isn’t necessarily completely unbreakable, unlike tile roofs, roofs made from metal aren’t weak from tree debris. Depending on what metal is used, these types of roofs may also resist lots of impact from random objects thrown by a hurricane’s breeze. As mentioned before, Florida experiences quite dangerous lightning during storms. The sparks produced by this lightning may result in fires starting. Metal roofs combat these metals are essentially not conducive to electricity conduction, and so, are saved from such unfortunate tragedies. One of the perfect factors why metal roofs fit in Florida so much is that solar radiant heat is reflected off metal roofs. Potentially lowering cooling costs while shielding the building from the Florida heat.
Increasing The Longevity of a Roof
A roof’s lifespan is affected by many factors. Some factors may not be controllable like Florida’s climate and may mean that your roof is in dire need of repair. For all your roofing needs, you can call a professional company immediately. There are some things that homeowners can avoid. These are some tips that can prolong the life of a roof. Remove the Leaves and Palm Fronds It is important to blow off any leaves that have accumulated on the roof, as we’ve already mentioned. Leaves and other debris can build up, especially if there are many trees or forestry on your lawn. Leaves can trap moisture and cause damage to the roof. If the homeowner decides to do the job themselves, a garden hose can be used in conjunction with a leaf blower. Pressure washers can cause damage to shingles. Cleaning the Gutters A restricted gutter can cause roof damage. If the gutter is blocked, water can get into the roof sheathing and cause it to rot. Cleaning can be done by a professional to prevent any damage, or you can do it yourself. Trimming branches – Tree branches can fall onto roofs, causing damage or casualties. The roof’s life expectancy can be greatly extended by trimming these branches.
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing, one of the best roofing companies in Saint Petersburg, FL! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.
