The roof is arguably the most critical part of your home, as it protects you from all of the elements. If you live in Florida, your roof needs to be sturdy and tough enough to withstand the hot and humid climate without deteriorating prematurely. With these crucial criteria in mind, many Florida homeowners opt for tile roofs. In this blog post, we’ll address all of the important questions related to this roofing material to get the most precise answer on how long tile roofs last in Florida.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Tile Roofs in Florida
Pros of Tile Roofs
Tile roofs offer several significant advantages over other roofing materials. Here are some of the most notable pros of tile roofs for Florida homeowners:
- High Resistance —Tiles are resistant to strong winds, hail, and fire. They can stand up to seismic activities and extreme weather conditions that frequently affect Florida.
- Excellent Visual Appearance — The roof’s curb appeal can make all of the difference when you’re trying to sell your house. Tiles come in various styles and colors, so you have a lot of freedom when designing your roof.
- Environmentally Friendly — Tiles, particularly clay ones, are one of the most environmentally friendly roofing materials.
Cons of Tile Roofs
The benefits of tile roofs heavily outweigh the drawbacks. However, like any roofing material, tile roofs have some disadvantages you should be aware of, including:
- High Up-front Investment — In terms of initial investment cost, tile roofs rank very high as one of the most expensive roofing solutions. That said, they are very economical in the long run.
- Can be Difficult to Repair — TIle roofs can last for a very long time but can be challenging to repair when the time comes for it. Replacing tile roofs requires a skillful and experienced approach.
Factors That Impact Tile Roof Life Expectancy
No answer applies across the board, as tile roofs don’t come with a fixed expiration date. With proper maintenance and care practices, tile roofs are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials. Your tile roof can last up to half a century.
However, poor installation, low-quality material, or inadequate maintenance can all shorten your roof’s life. Even one major hurricane can affect your roof’s lifespan. Here’s a rundown of the factors that play a role in how long your tile roof will last:
- Climate and Weather — One of the most significant advantages of living in Florida is that you never have to experience harsh winters or deal with snow and ice. However, the year-round high humidity and constant heat can take their toll on a roof. Not to mention the frequency at which Floridians experience hurricanes. Since 1851, only eighteen hurricane seasons have passed without an impactful hurricane storm in Florida.
- Maintenance — Many homeowners disregard the importance of correct and regular roof maintenance. Although you can’t do much about the climate you’re living in, you can make sure you’re keeping your roof in good condition year-round. This includes cleaning your gutters, trimming nearby trees, and ensuring proper insulation and ventilation inside your household.
- Tile Materials – Your roof is only as good as the materials you used to build it. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at how long you can expect your tile roof to last, based on the material it’s made of.
How Long do Clay Tile Roofs Last?
As the gold standard of roofing materials, clay tile roofs can last for 50 years. There are even Florida households with tile roofs that are old as twice as much.
A house with a clay tile roof will also sell for more money than a house with a metal or asphalt shingle roof. This is essential to keep in mind if you plan on selling your home shortly.
How Long do Concrete Tile Roofs Last?
Concrete tile roofs are a popular choice of homeowners who want the reliability and durability of a traditional tile roof but can’t afford to install a clay tile roof. They are fire-resistant, earthquake resistant, and offer excellent resistivity to both the dry and the stormy climate Florida experiences throughout the year.
Compared to clay tiles, concrete tiles can endure power watching much better and won’t break easily when walked on.
How to Tell If Your Tile Roof is at its End
Now that you know approximately how long you can expect your tile roof to last, it’s also essential to learn how to tell where your roof currently stands in terms of its life expectancy. One of the most significant telltale signs that you need a new roof is its age. Suppose you’ve bought your house decades ago and haven’t renovated the roof since — the high chances are that it’s due a makeover.
You can perform a basic roof check on your own. Just grab a ladder and climb up to take a closer look. If you find any cracked or broken tiles, or spots that are missing tiles entirely, you should call your contractor to fix the roof without delay.
Moreover, if you notice any signs of water damage or sagging, don’t delay fixing the problem. Wet and rotten wood underneath the roof can be a severe issue, as it can compromise your entire roofing structure.
Are Tile Roofs a Good Choice for Florida Homeowners? Key Takeaways
With all of the characteristics we’ve discussed above, tile roofs are undoubtedly a good roofing solution. But are they suitable for Florida’s climate? The short answer is — yes!
Tile roofs, especially clay ones, have the properties to provide excellent roofing protection in Florida. They are resistant to salty, hot, and humid air and are durable enough to withstand hurricane-force winds that often affect Florida.
Is your roof due for a repair, or even a complete replacement? If, after reading this page, you’ve realized that your Florida roof is getting near the end of its lifespan, signing up for a roof inspection is the best way to keep your roof in check. Even if you think your roof is in good condition, a regular roof inspection might help you catch any problems in their early stages.
Contact us today for a free roof estimate. Call 813-373-9088 or reach out to us online.
