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At PRS Roofing, our clients frequently ask, “How long does a tile roof last in Florida?” As Florida-based roofing experts, we know the best materials for the area’s hot, humid, and hurricane-prone climate. Below, we discuss everything you need to know about the life expectancy of tile roofs in Florida.
What Is a Tile Roof?
Tile roofs are traditional systems composed of clay, concrete, or ceramic tiles, typically in a terracotta color scheme, highlighting Spanish or Tuscan-style homes. The roofing material does an excellent job keeping rain out and withstanding extreme winds. Many Florida homeowners choose tile for their next roof replacement because of the Spanish aesthetic and durable water, fire, wind, insect, and frost resistance.
Average Tile Roof Lifespan in Florida
How long does a tile roof last in Florida?
Many factors can affect how long your roof lasts, though on average, clay tile roofs last 25 to 30 years in Florida. Cement and concrete tile roofs can last as long as 100 years with proper maintenance. For reference, America’s most popular roofing system, asphalt, typically lasts only 10 to 20 years.
Factors Affecting Tile Roof Lifespans
As mentioned above, different factors determine how long your roof lasts within the estimated lifespan. Proper maintenance, installation from an expert roofing contractor, and sheer weather luck can help you enjoy maximum value from your roofing system.
Debris Maintenance
Tropical storms are quite common in Florida, hurling debris into the air and atop your roof. Branches, leaves, and other types of debris can damage your roof if not properly removed in time.
If seeds and leaves accumulate underneath the tiles, they can deteriorate the felt. When larger debris builds up over time, it can block the roof’s water flow system. For example, if you have a branch sitting on a valley or angle between two slopes, your flashing won’t properly divert the water.
Without proper water diversion, the entire roofing system will become compromised. Tile roofs can withstand regular rainfall, though not constant standing water. For this reason, you should not pressure-wash your roof.
You can help your system last as long as possible with adequate debris removal and roof maintenance. We discuss more maintenance tips below.
Tropical Storms
Florida’s tropical storms and hurricanes are some of your roofing system’s biggest enemies. While you can do your best to keep up with maintenance, you cannot control the weather. If a severe hurricane season hits with multiple bad storms striking your property, your tile roof likely will not fulfill its expected lifespan.
With wind speeds as high as 155 mph, an average of 90 thunderstorm days per year, and heavy rainfall, the best you can do is protect your roofing system before a storm hits. Ensure that nothing blocks the water drainage system, receive a professional inspection, and complete any repairs before the storm for maximum durability. After the storm, hire a professional to repair damages as soon as possible.
Proper Installation
Clay tile roofs are far heavier than traditional asphalt systems and other materials, and the shingles can easily crack from slight pressure. Because of the added weight and inherent fragility, the installation process is quite complex and involves knowledge, experience, and specific equipment.
Faulty installation can result in water leaks, tile cracks, and more that will compromise the structure, resulting in shorter lifespans. To ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible, you must find a contractor with ample experience at installing tile roofs in Florida homes.
How To Maintain Your Tile Roof for Optimal Longevity
The best thing you can do as a homeowner to increase your tile roof’s lifespan is to keep up with the maintenance requirements. You can complete some tasks on your own, though you should hire a professional to complete more complex maintenance and repairs annually. Because of the material’s fragility, you should not attempt to walk atop your roof without professional help.
We recommend the following maintenance tasks:
- Debris clearing: Regularly inspect your roof for branches, tree limbs, leaves, or debris pile-ups, especially after a storm. Remove items you can reach or hire a professional to inspect and clean the roof. Use the right cleaning products and avoid high-pressure systems to prevent tile cracking.
- Algae removal: As water builds up on your roofing system, algae, mold, and other fungi can grow within the tiles, causing many interior problems. We recommend scheduling annual inspections so your roofing contractor can locate and remove any plant growth.
- Stain removal: Tile roofs can stain over time, dampening the appearance of your home. When your contractor completes annual maintenance, they can also use the appropriate cleaning products to remove stains and ensure that each tile stays in great shape.
- Tile inspections: Clay tiles can easily crack during a storm, and you may not notice until you develop more serious problems. We recommend scheduling inspections regularly to stay ahead of potential repairs.
When To Replace Your Tile Roof
You should replace your roof before it endures severe damage to prevent leaks, underlayment damage, and more serious complications. We typically recommend replacing if you notice the following signs:
- Excessive tile cracking
- Attic or interior leaks
- Missing tiles
- Mold growth
- Tile stains
- Sudden energy bill spikes
We may be able to repair some of the above items, though it depends on the exact scenario. Your roofing contractor can examine your system’s age, value, and damage costs to recommend a replacement or repair.
Call PRS Roofing for Expert Maintenance, Repairs, and Installations
Now that you know the answer to “How long does a tile roof last in Florida?” you can consider the different material options. The four main types of roof tiles include clay, concrete, metal, and composite, each with varying advantages.
At PRS roofing, we install new roofs and offer prompt roof repairs in Lake Mary, FL. Our professional team provides reliable services for both residential and commercial houses. Contact PRS roofing at (800) 750-9198 to book a consultation today.
