Florida is known for its harsh environment for roofs—from storms to the summer heat, your roof goes through a lot to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the year. But how long can your roof endure this temperamental environment? It may be longer than you think, especially with the proper maintenance. Today, we’ll answer the question on every Florida homeowner’s mind: how long should a roof last in Florida?
How Long Should a Roof Last?
How long a roof should last is going to depend on a number of factors (which we’ll go over in more detail later in this article), the biggest one being the material. However, on average, a roof is going to last about 20–30 years.
It is important to note that Florida roofs may have a shorter lifespan due to the hot sun and frequent strong storms. So you could see as much as 5 to 10 years off the normal lifespan, making the average in Florida anywhere between 15 and 25 years.
Different Roofing Material Options
The material of your roof is going to the most important factor in determining your roof’s lifespan. There are several different roofing materials you can choose from, each with its own pros and cons.
- Asphalt Shingles: Shingles are the most common roofing material due to their versatility and easy maintenance needs. How long should a shingle roof last? This material has the shortest lifespan, averaging about 25 years. But it does have the added benefit of being the cheapest material and easiest to repair. Shingles are also pretty durable, but may not be able to withstand stronger hurricane winds.
- Metal: Metal roofing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Florida homes. It’s more durable than shingles and requires little to no maintenance year to year. Because of this, it tends to have a longer lifespan—some lasting as long as 50 years.
- Concrete: Concrete roofing is a good choice for those who want their roof to withstand any weather. These roofs are known for their advanced durability and resistance to pests or fires. Similar to metal roofing, concrete can last up to 50 years, but some of these roofs have lasted as long as 75 years.
- Clay: Clay is not only an attractive material, but it’s also the most durable and long-lasting roofing material available. While it comes at a higher price than other roofing materials, it can last as long as 100 years, making it well worth the investment.
We go into more detail about each roofing material for Florida homes in this article, so if you want more information about the pros and cons, check it out!
What Impacts Your Roof’s Lifespan
Regardless of your roofing material, there are several factors that impact your roof’s lifespan, for better or worse. Here are the six most significant factors that impact the overall longevity of your roof.
1. Routine Maintenance Schedule
Even if your roof is low maintenance, it’s still going to need some maintenance throughout the year. Some basic maintenance requirements include cleaning out your gutters, having debris removed, and scheduling at least one professional inspection each year.
We recommend completing a maintenance checklist before hurricane season begins and after a storm has passed if you were in the path of a hurricane. This biyearly schedule ensures you’re prepared for any storm that comes your way and that you catch damage early if it occurs.
2. How It Was Installed
How your roof was installed can make all the difference in how long the roof will last. Poor installation, and you may need a new roof in just a decade or so. Good installation, and you could get up to three or more decades out of your roof if you care for it well.
Because installation has such a big impact on longevity, you’ll want to hire a roofing contractor with years of experience, a good reputation, and the proper licensing for your area. The best of the best in roofing standards is if they are a CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster certified roofer, meaning a third-party company holds them to stringent standards and training.
3. Roof Color
While you may not think this impacts your roof, even just the color of your shingles can impact roof lifespan. This is mostly due to the strong heat of the Florida sun. Darker colored shingles will absorb the UV light, causing them to heat up and begin to crack and curl. While you can replace these damaged shingles, if you keep the same dark color, the new shingles will eventually meet the same fate. That’s why we recommend choosing a lighter colored roof, especially if you have asphalt shingles.
4. Tree Cover
Gainesville is known for its abundance of beautiful trees, and while we love how green our city is, trees can often be a culprit in a shortened roof lifespan. This isn’t only caused by the damage they can cause by falling during storms, but tree cover also means your roof is more prone to debris. As debris accumulates on your roof, it can trap moisture underneath, leading to water damage and even pest infestations.
If you live in a tree-heavy area, we highly recommend trimming your trees back, so they’re not directly over your roof. We’d also recommend having a professional clean off any debris periodically.
5. Where You Live
Roofs fare better in different climates than others. While the roofs up north have to deal with frost and snow, we in Florida have to worry about hurricane damage. A recent study found that 80% of 10-year-old roofs subjected to hurricane-force winds of 100 mph were showing signs of visible damage. This is often the reason roof replacements and repairs are needed so frequently in Florida.
However, even in Florida, where you live can make a difference—for example, roofs near a body of water (especially an ocean) tend to fare worse, and roofs near a forest are at higher risk of damage than those in an open field. While we’re not suggesting that you move, it’s important to consider all the ways your environment could impact your roof and discuss a game plan with a trusted roofing contractor to minimize damage.
6. Unseen Damage
The silent killer of roofs is unseen damage. Even just a small leak or one missing shingle can eventually cause severe damage to your roof. While you might be able to spot obvious damage to your roof, some damage may be out of sight or require a professional eye to catch. This is another reason we recommend professional inspections for your roof, especially after a storm.
Will Insurance Cover an Old Roof?
If you have an older roof, it may be time to consider a replacement just for the sake of your insurance. Most insurance companies may refuse to cover or even write a policy for a roof over 20 years old—meaning if you experience storm damage or home damage, you could be on the hook for the cost of repairs. Your insurance may be willing to work with you if you have a more durable roofing material, such as clay or concrete, but if you have a metal or shingle roof, you should start considering a roof replacement and call your insurance to ask how much longer you’ll be covered at the 20 year mark.
Keep Your Roof Functional for Years to Come with McFall Roofing
If you’re looking for an attractive roof that will last you for decades, McFall Roofing is the roofing company for you. As a CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster certified roofer with over 40 years of experience, we’ll provide the highest quality roof for your home and make sure it’s installed correctly. Our roofs are built to withstand any Florida weather, rain or shine. If you’re ready for a durable, functional, yet beautiful roof, schedule a roof replacement with our team today!