How long does each roofing material last in Central Florida Climates?

For obvious reasons, roofing durability is a concern for both owners of commercial property and homeowners. It makes perfect sense to want to know how long your roof will last, since the failure of the roof leads to the functions of a structure failing no matter how well it is built. So, it is natural that you would want to know which roofing materials stand up best against the Central Florida climates.

How Long Materials Last

The industry wide estimates of how long different roofing materials last are given below:

• Asphalt Roofing shingles last 15 to 20 years
• Concrete or clay tiles typically last at least 20 years
• Wood shingles are good for 10 to 40 years
• Metal Roofing shingles or panels last 15 to 40 years
• Slate lasts for 30 to 100 years

Now, you may be wondering why there is such a huge spread in how long different classes of material last. This is because it is impossible to give an estimate that can be applied universally to even one type of roofing material. There are just too many factors that play into a roof’s durability.

Factors that Affect Your Roof’s Lifespan

You already know what our climate does to things if you live in Florida. For example, the tires you may have purchased a few years ago may be shot after 60,000 miles despite being rated to last for 75,000 miles. What you have on your roof is affected by the same heat that makes it so you can fry an egg on our blacktop roads, and the heat is just one factor. You also need to consider how well the roof is guttered, maintained, protected from UV rays, and ventilated. And, of course, the quality of the original roofing construction also comes into play.

A roofing system tends to last longer if the owner is vigilant and takes care of his home by hiring professional roofers for annual inspections. You can prevent minor faults from becoming major problems by giving them immediate attention, regardless of what material was used in building the home.

Have Your Roof Inspected

As you can see, to determine the number of years your roof will last you, there are a number of aspects that need to be considered. You may want to hire a certified roofing contractor to inspect roofs for you if you are considering buying a home that was previously owned by another person. They will be able to tell if the roof needs to be replaced completely, it just needs a few repairs, or if it is in good shape.

Having a professional Orlando roofing contractor inspect your roof is the best way to not only maintain it but to also determine how long your roof will last. The entire roofing system will be inspected by a pro, who will look at the flashing, sheathing, drainage, roof structure, and roof covering. He can give you suggestions on ways to extend your roof’s life through roof repairs and roof maintenance.