The average lifespan of your roof depends on the type of roofing material you have installed. Shingle roofs tend to have a shorter lifespan than other options, such as tile. The average lifespan of a roof can be affected by the slope of your home, the climate where you live, and the quality of material installed among other things.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Roof?
While there are many factors that can affect how long a roof will last, the main one is the material that it’s made out of. The average lifespans of the most common Florida roofing materials are as follows:
- 3-Tab Shingles – 10-15 years
- Architectural Shingles – 15-20 years
- Tile – 35-50 years
Roof lifespan factors you can control
1. Color
Dark colors absorb more heat. In states like Florida where the climate is warm, this becomes a concern. To boost the longevity of your roof, opt for a lighter color if possible. Lighter colors shingles and tiles will absorb less heat and last longer.
2. Quality of Material
The grade of materials for your roof can differ greatly based on affordability. Depending on your budget, it may be better for you to get the better, more expensive shingles or tiles to increase your roof’s lifespan and save money over the long run. Working with a roofing contractor who has a positive reputation can help ensure only top-quality materials are installed on your roof.
3. Installation
A professional installation of your roof can drastically improve the lifespan of it. A shoddy job may be less expensive upfront, but the cost will add up over time due to repairs and, eventually, an entirely new roof. Make sure you’re working with a trusted roofing contractor for proper installation.
4. Ventilation
If your attic isn’t ventilated properly, it can lower the lifespan of your roof and drastically increase your energy bills. Contact your local roofing contractor if you aren’t sure your attic is properly ventilated. A properly ventilated attic cuts out mold and moisture build-up.
5. Nearby Trees
Trees and nearby foliage can drop branches onto your roof. Depending upon how large these branches are it can cause weak points on your roof or cause sizeable damage in need of immediate repair. Trimming and maintaining any trees near your home can protect your roof.
Roof lifespan factors you can’t control
1. Angle of Slope
One of the biggest factors affecting the lifespan of your roof is heat from the sun. What does this have to do with the slope of your roof? A flatter pitched roof has more of the surface area being hit by the sun during the day. The higher-pitched the roof, the longer it will typically last. This is because less surface of your roof is consistently hit by the heat of the sun.
2. Orientation
If the majority of your roof is facing east or west, it will have more time being hit directly and consistently by the sun each day. This causes the lifespan of your roof to lower as your roof weathers heightened heat from the sun compared to a roof facing south or north.
3. Climate
Florida’s humid, hot, hurricane-prone climate will have an affect on your roof. While there’s virtually nothing that we can do to stop it, it’s worthwhile to point out the fact that Florida’s harsh climate is a serious factor in the lifespan of your roof. It just means that you’ll need to pay even more attention to your roof and really work to maintain it.
Other roofing considerations
Lifespan is important but it isn’t the only thing you should take into account when deciding on a roofing material for your home. You should also pay attention to the following qualities when looking for a roofing material to use on your home:
- Energy efficiency
- Resistance to hail
- Durability
- Resistance to hurricanes
- Maintenance required
- Initial cost
- HOA requirements
How to make your roof last longer
Taking proper roof maintenance into account you can help your roof withstand damage and extend its lifetime. This will help you save money long-term with fewer major repairs or complete replacements. Here are some tips for maintaining your roof:
- Get a free estimate after harsh weather or a hail storm to see if you need a repair
- Refrain from having trees or other foliage nearby your roof
- Pick a lighter color shingle or tile
- Purchase high-quality material from the start
Read more about the best shingles for Florida or contact us to learn how you can get a roof that lasts a lifetime.
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