The best time to replace a Florida roof is during the Winter or Spring. This is when the fewest storms and hurricanes pop up, meaning fewer delays due to weather. There are also fewer urgent repairs resulting from severe storms. This means you won’t be placed after higher priority projects. If you have the option, the best time to replace your roof is during the Winter. The cooler weather allows for quicker installation and winters tend to be a less busy time for roofers than the Spring months.
How long does a roof last in Florida?
Roofs can last anywhere from 15 to 100 years depending on the type of roofing material you have installed on your home. Shingles are more affordable but tend to only last for 10 to 20 years depending on the type you have installed. Tile roofs, on the other hand, can stay in good shape for 40 years or more. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate lifespans for different roof types commonly found in Florida, along with the reasons behind their durability:
1. Shingle Roof:
- Lifespan: 15 to 30 years
- Reason: Shingle roofs are popular due to their affordability and ease of installation. However, the hot and humid climate in Florida can accelerate the aging process of shingles. The combination of intense sunlight, high temperatures, and occasional storms can cause shingles to deteriorate faster, reducing their lifespan.
2. Metal Roof:
- Lifespan: 30 to 70 years
- Reason: Metal roofs are highly durable and can withstand the harsh Florida weather conditions. They are resistant to damage from UV rays, heavy rain, and strong winds. Metal roofs also offer excellent heat reflection, which helps reduce energy costs by keeping the interior cooler. With proper maintenance, metal roofs can last significantly longer than shingle roofs.
3. Tile Roof:
- Lifespan: 50 to 100+ years
- Reason: Tile roofs, such as clay or concrete tiles, are renowned for their exceptional longevity. They are resistant to fire, insects, and rot. Tile roofs can withstand Florida’s heat, UV radiation, and high winds quite well. While the underlayment beneath the tiles may need replacement over time, the tiles themselves can often last several decades or even a century if properly maintained.
- It’s important to note that these are general estimates and the lifespan of a roof can be influenced by various factors, including the quality of materials, installation techniques, maintenance, and weather events. Regular inspections, maintenance, and timely repairs can help extend the lifespan of any type of roof in Florida.
What is the best time of year to replace a roof in Florida?
The best time of year to replace a roof in Florida depends on several factors. Different people will recommend different times of the year for different reasons. It’s important to not wait until the last minute when an emergency replacement might be necessary. If you plan ahead, you can get better prices and not wait as long to replace your roof.
Florida’s weather is generally much nicer throughout the entire year compared to other locations. This allows you to replace your roof at any time of year. Just remember, summer and fall months come with storms and hurricanes. This can lead to major delays in the roofing process.
Signs You Need a New Roof in Florida
Signs that your roof is ready to be replaced vary depending on the type of material. For shingles, look for:
- Granule loss
- Blistering
- Buckling
- Curling shingles
- Rotting shingles
- Algae growth
- Bald spots
In Florida, where the climate can be unforgiving to roofs, it’s important to recognize the signs that indicate the need for a roof replacement. One common sign is the presence of missing or damaged shingles, which can expose the underlying structure to water damage. Additionally, if you notice granules from shingles accumulating in gutters or around your property, it may indicate that the shingles are deteriorating and losing their protective coating. Another warning sign is the appearance of water stains on interior ceilings or walls, suggesting a leak in the roof. Sagging or bowing in the roof deck is another concerning sign, as it could indicate structural issues. High energy bills may also indicate poor insulation due to an aging roof. Finally, if your roof is approaching the end of its expected lifespan or has endured severe weather events, it’s prudent to have it inspected by a professional to determine if a replacement is necessary. Being attentive to these signs can help you address roof issues promptly and protect your home from further damage in the Sunshine State.
What is the average cost of a Florida roof?
Roof replacement costs may vary at different times of the year. Roofing contractors generally experience an uptick in jobs during the Spring months. This allows them to pick only the jobs they find most profitable, raising prices and increasing wait times.
If you get your roof replaced during the slower season, you’ll have more wiggle room to negotiate the price and weigh your options between different roofing companies. Roofers will generally have fewer jobs lined up, so there could be less of a wait.
How long does it take to reroof a house?
It takes an average of three to four days to reroof a house. But this timeframe isn’t set in stone. A number of factors can cause the average time to fluctuate. The number of days it takes to complete a reroofing job depends on:
- Pitch of roof
- Size of roof
- Weather
- Type of roofing material installed
Your roofing contractor should give you an expected completion date and review the reroofing timeline with you prior to starting the job.
How does weather affect the roofing process?
Florida may not have the winter snowstorms that plague other parts of the country during the winter, but the weather does have an effect on roof prices. It can also set back progress if inclement weather occurs.
Hurricane season can cause delays and can damage a new roof before it has had time to set. Some materials should only be installed in certain temperatures. Shingles, for example, shouldn’t be installed in temperatures below 40 degrees due to adhesion issues. They may also soften in the heat of the summer.
How to choose a roofing company?
During the busy season, roofing companies have their choice of jobs. They can prioritize the highest-paying jobs and there may be long wait times. But during the off-season, the situation is reversed. You’ll have your choice of roofing companies and can compare the quality of installation and price to get the best deal.
Waiting for the less busy times of the year can result in having work completed by your preferred roofer. It can also result in a decreased cost of installation.
How long will you have to wait for roof installation to begin?
During the busy season, wait times can be longer than off-seasons. Choosing the off-season means you’re more likely to be at or near the top of the list. Other factors may affect wait times, however. If you need a roof replacement during hurricane season, for example, adverse weather may delay the installation. High temperatures in the middle of the summer may also affect wait times, depending on your choice of roofing material.
How to avoid roof damage during Florida roof installations
You should steer clear of certain times of the year for roofing replacement to prevent damage to your roof as it’s being installed. Hurricane season could mean a storm comes through in the middle of the installation. If this happens, your home could be in danger of severe damage while not fully protected by a new roof.
The summer heat, on the other hand, could soften shingles and result in damage even as they’re being installed. Keep the weather in mind when scheduling a roof replacement to reduce your risks and protect your new roof from damage.
How roofing work hours are affected by time of year
The time of year may affect how long a roofing company can work on your roof each day. Summer heat may require more frequent breaks. In winter, the sun sets earlier, limiting how late roofers can be on your roof.
When should you replace your roof?
It’s important to know the expected lifespan of your roof. It’s also important to know how old your roof is and to regularly inspect it for any damage. If a hurricane or hail storm has just hit your area, it’s essential to check for damage and have it professionally inspected. Depending on the damage, repairs may be possible. If the roof is older or the damage is extensive, you may need a complete roof replacement. Here’s what you should consider if you’re stuck between repairs and replacement.
THE LIFESPAN OF A ROOF
Shingles can last 10-15 years if they’re 3-tab or 15-20 years if they’re architectural. Tile roofs can last up to 40 years, depending on the specific material used.
A variety of factors contribute to the average lifespan of a roof:
- Climate
- Nearby trees
- Color
- Slope
- Installation
- Ventilation
- Orientation
- Quality of materials
A lighter roof color, well-manicured trees, regular inspections, and a proper installation with the right materials can work to increase your roof’s lifespan.
When Repairs Are No Longer Enough
Repairs can successfully prolong the life expectancy of your roof if done right. They’re good for patching specific damaged areas or replacing individual shingles. But if the underlayment of your roof is damaged or if the problems are more widespread, you’re looking at a complete replacement.
If there are extensive leaks and pinholes in your roof you’ll need to consider a replacement over a repair. A roofing contractor will be able to guide you to the best decision for your roof.
Failure to Replace
If you don’t replace your roof when it’s needed, the best-case scenario is slight water damage inside your house from leaks. Your utility bill can also rise because heat and air conditioning are escaping out of the damaged roof. Over the long term, however, constant leaks can damage the wood underneath, which can eventually lead to collapse.
Replacing a sagging roof with extensive water damage underneath is much more expensive prospect than replacing the exterior of the roof by itself.
Does Florida’s climate affect the health of a roof?
The roof you have installed needs to be able to withstand whatever your location throws its way. In Florida, that means heat, humidity, and the occasional hurricane.
Heat
Florida gets hot in the summer. Average temperatures can be in the 90s. While this may not have much effect on a metal roof, the sun beating down on shingles can soften them and wear them out. This can be a problem during installation as it’s more difficult to nail shingles down when they’re softened by the summer heat.
UV Rays
Heat isn’t the only culprit from the sun. UV rays and years of exposure to the sun can cause shingle roofs to become thinner and more brittle.
Humidity
Humidity, both outdoor and indoor, can affect the longevity of your roof. Moisture buildup can gradually cause water damage. If the moisture gets into the inside of your house, it can also cause mold and rot.
Rain
Rain can result in lost shingles and water damage to a roof. You can have roofers install waterproofing underneath the shingles to help protect your home from water damage if you live in an area that receives heavy rain (like Florida).
Wind
High winds can cause shingles to lift up, loosening the nails. But, it won’t look like there’s any damage from the ground. This means you may not even realize the extent of damage done to your roof.
In addition, wind can blow trees over or cause them to drop foliage and branches onto your roof, leading to further damage. Depending on the size of the branches, major repairs or full replacement may be needed. Your best bet is to prepare for heavy winds by trimming trees and, if possible, relocating any that may cause problems in the coming years.
Avoiding Hurricane and Storm Damage to Florida Homes
Hurricanes are a combination of heavy wind and rain and can wreak havoc on a roof. Hurricanes are known for dredging up tornadoes, another major threat to the structural integrity of your roof. Damage from a hurricane often requires a complete roof replacement because the damage affects the entire roof.
Best roofing material for Florida?
Tile and metal roofs tend to be the most durable long-term solutions to Florida roofing. Remember, the material your roof is made out of affects how long it will last and what kind of damage it may sustain over its lifetime. Therefore, the type of roof you have does affect when you’ll need to replace it.
Consider how long you plan to stay in the house and compare it with the lifespans of all the materials you’re considering. Going with a roofing material that will last longer than your planned residence on the property or picking roofing material with a life expectancy that exceeds your own will lead to fewer reroofing hassles in the future.
Best Fire Resistant Roofing
Metal roofs are the most fire-resistant when it comes to external fires.
However, if a fire originates inside the house, sometimes firefighters must cut through the roof. This is where metal roofing’s durability can work against it as these roofs tend to be very difficult to cut through.
Best Hurricane Resistant Roofing
Tile roofs can be extremely durable to the high winds and heavy rains of a hurricane. Metal roofs are another great option for hurricane resistance, but the sounds of the rainfall may be louder with a metal roof than other options.
Best Wind Resistant Roofing
Tile and shingle roofs can all be highly wind resistant. It’s important to ensure that the roof material is installed properly so that wind doesn’t get underneath it and lift it up, causing roof damage. If potential wind damage is a major concern, shingles should be the last choice you go with.
Best Energy Efficient Roofing
Tile roofs can be very energy-efficient. They prevent heat transfer more so than other types of roofs. This helps to maintain the temperature within your home and avoid overuse of your AC.
Homeowners with tile roofs can benefit from potentially lower energy bills if switching from shingles to tile due to the improved energy efficiency tile roofs offer.
Best Roofing Based on Upkeep Needs
Tile roofs are the best options based on upkeep requirements. Tile roofs are expected to last a lifetime but may require the occasional tile replacement from any targeted damage caused by foliage or branches of surrounding trees.
Any kind of long-lasting roof may need to have the underlayment replaced sooner than the roof itself. While you should still have roof cleaning and inspections performed to ensure no invisible damage is present, tile and metal roofs are generally low maintenance options.
Best Roofing Materials for Florida Homes
Architectural shingle roofs are very popular for Florida homes. They’re durable and can endure Florida’s harsh weather. They’re also not significantly more expensive than 3-tab shingles. Another option for Florida homeowners are tile shingles. These are a pricier alternative to architectural shingles but come with an extended lifespan and better durability.
Can you replace your own roof in Florida?
Sorry DIY-ers but roofing is left up to the pros in Florida. Under Florida State law, all construction work must be performed by a licensed professional. There are loopholes to this law, but roofing isn’t a weekend project to do for fun.
Contacting a licensed roofing contractor means you have access to expert advice, guidance, and experienced workers. For a structure that protects you, your family, and your assets. You don’t want to take any risks when it comes to your roof.