The Florida climate can be brutal on your roof. Between the near-constant sunshine and the sea spray, Florida is one of the most taxing states for roof durability.
Unfortunately, there is no universal lifespan for a roof in Florida. It will depend on many factors.
However, in the following post, Roofer’s Guild provides a general idea of how long you can expect your Florida roof to last.
We also offer insights into why Florida weather can be so damaging to roofing systems (both residential and commercial) and what you can do about it.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are common because they are affordable. However, they don’t hold up very well against Florida weather compared to other roofing materials.
In general, you can expect your asphalt shingles to last between 15 and 30 years in the Florida climate. That sounds like a lot – and it is for how much it costs to install an asphalt shingle roof.
But as you will see as we work down the list of materials, asphalt shingles are near the bottom of the list of durable roofing materials for Florida weather.
One of the best things that asphalt shingles have going for them is their low profile. As a result, asphalt shingles can be rated class H, which means they can stand up to winds of up to 150 MPH.
Of course, you can expect to pay more for class H asphalt shingles than you would for, say, class D-rated shingles. In contrast, asphalt shingles are susceptible to moisture and UV exposure.
The fluctuation between wet and dry/hot conditions can break down the granules that top asphalt shingles and weaken defenses.
Asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years in Florida, making them a popular roofing material for Floridians.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is ideal for Florida. Metal roofs typically last between 15 and 50 years in the Florida climate. In addition, they are rated to withstand extremely high winds, undoubtedly a boon in Florida.
They are also not as susceptible to salty air as some other common types of roofing systems. Metal roofs are made from galvanized steel to hold up well to rust.
Unlike tile and asphalt roofs, metal roofs stand up much better to UV rays. This is because the inorganic material doesn’t break down after prolonged exposure.
Installation is the only thing you have to worry about with metal roofs. If they are not installed properly, they will not provide optimal protection.
Metal roofs typically come with excellent warranties – a testament to how long they generally last and the low maintenance cost. However, whether you want a metal roof for your home or business, expect to pay near top dollar.
Metal roofs last between 15 and 50 years in Florida while withstanding high winds that are typical in the climate.
Tile Roofing
Tile is a reasonably close runner-up to metal in terms of durability. They stand up well to UV exposure and aren’t as susceptible to salt air as other natural roofing material types.
Generally, you can expect a tile roof to last 20-50 years in Florida. The main concern with tile roofing is the relatively high profile. Tile roofing will generally sit higher off the roof decking than other materials, making it more vulnerable to extremely high winds.
Conversely, a material like metal can stand up to winds of 180 MPH; tile roofs typically top out at 125 MPH.
However, the winds would have to be very high to pose a threat due to tile roofs’ weight and installation (again, when done correctly). That all being said, another downside to tile roofs is their weight.
The weight of tiles tends to strain the structure and sometimes requires reinforcement.
Tile roofs last between 20-50 years in Florida though they may require reinforcements over that span.
Shake Shingles
Wood shingles (also known as shake shingles) offer decent protection from the Florida sun and wind. However, they are susceptible to the elements differently than all the other materials we have covered so far.
If you have lived through any summer in Florida, you know that the humidity can be relentless. This can be bad news for wood shingles because they can gather moss, mildew, and even mold in humid conditions.
Shake shingles must be maintained very carefully to last a long time in Florida. You can expect your wood shingles to last between 10 and 40 years with the proper maintenance.
One of the most important things to remember about wood shingles is that you have to make sure there is no standing water on them for more than a couple of days.
Shake shingles last between 10 and 40 years in Florida, depending on maintenance frequency and weather.
Factors Affecting Roof Longevity in Florida
The following factors may impact the longevity of a roof in a typical Flordia climate:
- UV Exposure: Hot summers and direct sunlight can break down organic roofing materials and cause premature aging.
- Humidity: High humidity can cause mold or mildew to grow on your roof and within the internal structure.
- High Winds: Florida is home to high coastal winds that can pull up shingles and send debris crashing onto roofs.
- Salt Air: Salt content from the sea breeze can be highly corrosive to some roof materials.
Roofing Work in Florida
If you are a roofer operating in Florida, your customers will often ask about the projected lifespan of a roofing system.
Answering these concerns with confidence is a great way to promote your business and earn referrals.
While you may not have time to think about roofing marketing, it is essential to the success of your business. So try investing in Florida Roofing SEO to get those replacement jobs that pay big money.
