How Often Should You Replace Your Roof?

It’s more than just a layer of shingles; it’s the first defense for your home against the wind, the rain, and the heat. In Florida, where we have wild weather and sweat to contend with every day, a good roof to protect what you have put into your home is crucial. But, the one thing every homeowner wants to know is: how often do I have to replace my roof?

It is the result of influences that run from what kind of roofing material to Florida’s very particular climatic requirements. In this guide, we will show you how to inspect the health of your roof, the types of wear and tear to be on the lookout for, and when it is time to give us a call and have the pros here at Florida Roofing and Gutters replace it.

How Long Does A Roof Last Based On Material?

As you may have guessed already, one of the biggest factors that will determine the lifespan of your roof is what your roof is made of. Below, we outline the average life of popular roofing materials in Florida:

Asphalt Shingles – These are the most likely on your roof, currently, and by far the most popular and least expensive option for a new roof, with a life expectancy of 15 – 25 years. But Florida’s punishing UV rays and frequent storms could limit its range.

Metal Roofing: Nothing quite compares with the longevity and energy efficiency of metal roofs (when maintained correctly, they can last 40 to 70 years).

Tile: The only type of tile we know and use is made of clay or concrete, and it provides us a stunning and quite durable flooring for our litoral areas. Lifespan ranges between 40–50 years.

Modified Bitumen (or Flat Roofs, commonly found on commercial buildings): Flat roofs typically last 20-30 years or more, again depending on the number of elements they are exposed to, and how well they are maintained.

So, how long is a reasonable length of time before your roof needs to be replaced?, Whether the roof on your home is years beyond its serviceable life or has been damaged by the weather, it’s time for you to have your roof inspected!

What Hammers Florida’s Flora on a Roof?

Sure, your roof’s material likely has a life expectancy, but you’re going to make the process go a whole lot faster if you’re not maintaining your roof properly. Some uniquely Florida factors fanning the flames that you can sense all the sooner:

Powerful UV Rays: The Florida sunshine is strong, and powerful UV rays cook shingles, making them vulnerable to cracking and curling.

Wind: Tropical Storms and Hurricanes: High winds can cause destruction, especially on un-updated or non-hurricane-strapped roofs.

High Humidity and Salt Air: Salty breezes and ocean views are seductive to many of us, but if you live in the path of salinity, it may not be so kind to your house-especially the salt-laden air that can corrode and encourage mold or algae to feast on roofing materials.

Inadequate Ventilation: If the attic isn’t properly vented, heat and moisture can get backed up and age shingles prematurely.

Should I Get a New Roof?

So, when you do bite the bullet and bring in the pros from Florida Roofing and Gutters to replace your roof instead of simply settling for another repair? Here are some signs the roof over your head sucks, and it’s on its way out:

Age: If your roof is older than 20 years and you haven’t had any inspections in the recent past, it might be time to discuss the decision about replacement.

Curling or Buckling – Curled shingles can no longer shed water or hold up to wind.

Granules: Do you see granules in your gutters or downspouts? That’s evidence that your asphalt shingles are on the way out.

Leaks or Water Stains: If watermarks appear on the ceiling, walls, or roof rafters in your attic, you may not have to search far for a leaking roof system.

Mold or Algae: It grows or re-grows and erodes roofing material, and causes wood underneath to rot away.

Sagging Rooflines: Sagging in rooflines can be caused by structural rot from years of water damage or attic ventilation issues.

You see one or more of these red flags, ask yourself again: How often do I replace a roof? The answer could be — sooner than you think.

Homeowners Are Protecting As A Result Of FL Roofers and Gutters

You can’t simply commission a contractor to work with water, heat, and ordinances in Florida. And that’s where Florida Roofing and Gutters comes in to save the day.

We are among the best roofing contractors in Fort Myers for residential and commercial roof replacements. At the office of Florida’s Best Roofing, we start with a 12-point inspection and inventory list to make sure we have a comprehensive perspective on all the parts and pieces that make up the system that is your roof, from the top down to flashing, attic ventilation, and the building that serves as the foundation for the structure. We provide you with straightforward, honest advice without any tricks or sales pitches.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Florida Bred: We understand how hurricanes and salt air can impact your roof.

Factory-trained and certified: Our installers are certified well beyond Florida building codes.

Insurance & Storm Damage: If the roof on your home has storm damage, our team will help you through the insurance process.

Quality Workmanship – Our installers are professional craftsmen, and our installation work is warranty-protected with a guaranteed level of workmanship.

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof

Let’s bring it full circle. How Long Should a Roof Last? One realistic schedule, in regular practices plus occasional maintenance, would be like this.

• Asphalt Shingles: 15 – 20 years (less if you reside in a storm area)
• Metal Roofing: 40–70 years
• Tile Roofing: 40–50 years
• Flat Roofing Systems: 20–30 years

That’s a low estimate. The real condition of the roof is contingent on the maintenance history, the climate in which you live, and how well the roof was installed.

That’s why we all advise a professional inspection at age 10 for asphalt roofs (every few years for other materials) and especially if your home and roof took a thumping from a major storm.

Maintenance Is All In All To A Roof’s Long Life

The routine maintenance inspections may delay the roof replacement. We’ve put together a useful selection of roofing maintenance, structural steel bending, and tweaking tips from our Florida Roofer.

Have your roof inspected annually or between seasons, preferably before and after hurricane season.

If you keep your gutters clean, they won’t get clogged with water.

Speaking of your roof: Don’t forget to chip away at tree branches and clear the roof of debris.

Search for organic growth (moss, algae, mildew) and clean as needed.

Ventilate the attic to keep heat and moisture out of the house.

It’s not a permanent solution, but it’s a way to eke life out of your roof.

Don’t Sit Around Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop

Learning how much a new roof costs and when you should replace your roof is not a matter of clicking; it’s about protecting your home, your family, and your peace of mind. In Florida, a pause can also mean water damage, battles with insurance companies, and emergency repairs that cost so much you end up fighting with your neighbors to keep your life savings from flowing where the floodwaters went.

Let Florida’s Roofing And Gutters Experts Help You Make The Decision: Does Your Roof Need To Be Replaced? 

If you are not sure if you need a new roof or if you just need some repairs, have one of our contractors come to your home and provide a free estimate with no obligation on your part. Whether it’s a few small repairs or you are looking for a new roof installation, we want to be your roofer, and we are committed to being the best in everything we do.

Read on to determine whether you need a new roof. Call Florida Roofing and Gutters today and get on the schedule for your free Inspection Consultation. Don’t wait for the next storm to save your home.