How Long Do Tile Roofs Last in Florida and Other Fun Facts

Barrel Tile Roof Replacement Florida

Tile roofs are more prevalent in Florida than in other regions of the US. They’re stylish, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. While at first glance, they tick all the boxes as the best choice for Florida homeowners, you should know how long tile roofs last in Florida’s climate and if investing in them pays off in the long run. In this post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions for Florida homeowners and share with you a few additional fun facts about tile roofs.

How Long Do Florida Tile Roofs Last? 

In one of our previous posts, we highlighted how longevity is one of the most significant advantages of tile roofs. Regardless of which material comprises your tile roof, it’s designed and made to last a lifetime. 

Tile roofs are among the most durable roofing materials and can last for 50 to 100 years under the right conditions. Since Florida has hot and humid weather, their lifespan will likely be closer to the former of those two numbers.

That said, tile roofs are still very sturdy and can withstand rain, heavy winds, and are fireproof. Tile roofs can even stand up to hurricane-force winds — an essential feature to consider if you live in Florida. 

Tiles don’t rapidly diminish in quality over the years and maintain the appearance and performance well into the final part of their lifecycle. If you install a tile roof on your Florida home, chances are, it’ll last you for the rest of your life.

Long-Term Savings: High Up-Front Costs

Tile roofs are more energy-efficient compared to other roofing materials. They’ll allow you to save quite a bit of money on energy costs over the years. Tile roofs are easy to maintain and require little to no maintenance and attention — barring emergency repairs that include replacing cracked or broken tiles. Due to their features, most notably their high fireproof ability, insurance premiums for homes with tile roofs are often much lower.

Because of all of their features mentioned above, tile roofs are often costly to install. While the cost can vary depending on many different factors, you can expect to pay around $20,000 or more if you have an average-sized house. The installation process is more complicated than other roofing solutions, so tile roofs also come with a higher installation cost. If you’re looking to install a tile roof, make sure to outline how you’ll plan and pay for a new roof.  

Florida Tile Roof Installation Process and Timeframe

Replacing a tile roof or installing a brand new roof is not an overly-complicated process. But it’s noisy and dirty work that no homeowner likes having over their head. Just like the cost of the installation, the timeframe can vary based on several determinants.

There are many factors to consider when carrying out a tile roof installation project, with your home’s size being the most important one. A while back, we shared with you tips on finding out how long it will take a roofer to replace your roof. Make sure to read up on it a bit more if you want to find out more precise details.

Best Way to Clean a Tile Roof in Florida

In Florida’s tropical climate, moss and algae thrive and grow at a staggering pace. If left unattended, they can take up your entire roof. This can lead to many problems, including structural damage, overheating, blocked gutters, and a moldy roof. It’s crucial to clean your tile roof occasionally and keep these problems in check for these reasons. 

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when cleaning your Florida tile roof:

  • Use a recommended chemical cleaner — There are several chemical solutions available for cleaning roof algae and moss. Pick a suitable solution for removing moss and algae, but not too strong that it could damage your roof tiles.
  • Avoid using a pressure washer — It can remove the finish from the tiles and damage the structural integrity of the tiles. Additionally, there’s also a more significant risk of flooding your attic. The high-pressure water stream can get between the small gaps in the tiles.
  • Clean with a stiff brush — A stiff brush can quickly and effectively removing dirt and algae from the roof. You can also use a trowel to scrape off the moss. Just be careful not to damage or crack the tiles.

Tile Roofing on the Rise in Florida

Tile roofs are nothing new in the roofing business. The earliest evidence of tile roofs dates back to Ancient Greece, in the 3rd millennium BC. Today, tile roofs an eco-friendly and sustainable roofing solution for homeowners in all parts of the world.

According to research provided by the Tile Roofing Institute, tile roofing has had stable, robust growth over 20 years. It has experienced growth from 13% per year in the ’90s to over 60% per year in the mid-2000s. While tile roofs have historically had a good presence in Florida and California, roofs made from this material are now seen across the US.

Contact Us and Get a Free Quote for Your Next Roofing Project

A tile roof can be a great addition to your home, not just from an aesthetic perspective but also from a functional one. With that in mind, it’s an expensive investment that demands a lot of planning and preparation. If you want to install a new tile roof or have any questions regarding this topic, we’re happy to help.

Call us today at 813-373-9088. Or fill out our short contact form and get a free roof estimate for your roofing project.

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