The most common roofs on Florida homes are asphalt shingle roofs. This is due to their low cost and overall performance. Unfortunately, many shingle roofing manufacturers issue warranties in the range of 20-30 years, but their lifespans are, in fact, much shorter. The average lifespan of a shingle roof in Florida is actually 10-20 years with multiple factors determining its life expectancy.
Factors Determining Roof Life Expectancy in Florida:
Types of Roof Installed –
- 3-tab shingles have a life expectancy of 10 years
- Architectural tab shingles have a life expectancy of 15-20 years
- Metal Roof(s)
- Mill finishes have a clear protective coating applied over galvanized metal. They generally last about 20 years.
- SMP finish or siliconized modified polyester finish provides a long-term protection that can last up to 25-30 years.
- PVDF finish or polyvinylidene thermoplastic fluoropolymer, commonly known as Kynar 500, is a premium finish which can serve in excess of 30 years of protection.
- Tile roofs can last upwards of 50 years.
Florida Climate –
- Extreme prolonged ultra-violet radiation combined with heat can create elevated surface temperatures, pairing it with a normal afternoon thunderstorm, creates thermal shock which by definition is a rapid change of temperature. This fluctuation of surface temperatures can lead to the expansion and contraction of any shingle therefore reducing its lifespan.
- Florida experiences scorching heat combined with extreme humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms or tropical disturbances can also develop and create strong, high winds. Depending on where you live in Florida, your home could also experience salt spray.
Damage –
- Tree branches, piles of leaves, corrosion, hail, and excessive walking on your roof can cause damage to your roof.
- Neglect
- Delaying repairs or poorly maintaining your roof or its surroundings can accelerate damage. Trimming branches from neighboring trees can reduce the risk of falling branches, branches rubbing the roof and excessive build-up of leaves. Cleaning your gutters can also reduce the potential for water overflowing and leaking into your sheathing.
Signs You Need A New Roof In Florida
- You begin noticing leaks inside your home
- Your asphalt shingles are beginning to curl, buckle, crack, warp or move in the wind
- Sagging roofline
- Granules from your asphalt shingles collecting in your gutter
- Metal fasteners beginning to back out or weather head grommet crack or missing
- You notice broken or missing tiles
- You are noticing excessive mold growth
- The age of your roof is near or exceeding the average life expectancy in Florida
