How Long Does A Shingle Roof Last In Florida?

If you live in Florida, you know how quickly the weather can change, and because of the weather conditions here Florida roofs are always at risk. 

Shingle roofs are the most common type of roof in Florida due to their durability and affordability. They also provide resistance to weather impacts. To better understand shingle roofs, their lifespan, and the factors that can affect them, read this complete guide.

Average Lifespan Of A Shingle Roof In Florida

Before installing a roof, you should know about its material’s level of longevity and durability. Understanding shingle roofs and the factors affecting them can help you increase their lifespan. 

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials in Florida. Homeowners prefer installing asphalt shingles due to their ease of installation and availability. Because asphalt shingles have a warranted lifespan of 20 to 25 years, they provide a homeowner peace of mind that their roof will last. Additionally, asphalt shingles are resistant to weather-related impacts. 

For more information, you can also read our blog post on the 5 best roof shingles for Florida homes in 2023. 

Although asphalt shingles are durable and resistant to weather-related impacts, Florida’s weather conditions still wreak havoc on them, reducing their strength and leading to leaks. If you want a more durable roofing option for your Florida home, check out the following materials below that offer greater durability. 

3 Types Of Shingle Roofs Installed In Florida

Asphalt shingles, as mentioned above, are the most preferred choice among home and business owners. Their durability and availability make them the primary option when it comes to a new roof installation and replacement. However, there are 3 main types of shingles, and we’ve described each one below. 

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles

To begin with, 3-tab shingles represent the most basic and cost-effective type of asphalt shingle roofing material. This type of roof is characterized by its flat surface with three tabs that simulate the appearance of individual shingles. Additionally, 3-tab shingles consist of a single layer of asphalt, which contributes to their simple, uniform look.

3-Tab shingles come in diverse colors and are the most frequently used roofing material in the United States. This is due to their affordability and ease of installation. While their lifespan typically ranges from 15 to 25 years, some manufacturers provide up to 30-year warranties.

Dimensional Shingles

In terms of appearance and durability, dimensional shingles represent a significant upgrade from traditional 3-tab shingles. These shingles, also known as architectural or laminate shingles, offer a multi-dimensional look to a roof and are designed to simulate the appearance of other roofing materials, such as wood or slate.

Dimensional shingles consist of multiple layers of asphalt that are laminated together to create a textured, multi-dimensional appearance. With a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, they are significantly more durable than 3-tab shingles. Additionally, they come in a broad spectrum of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to customize their roofs’ look to their liking.

Luxury Shingles

Luxury shingles are a top-of-the-line version of asphalt shingles. They are durable, long-lasting, and come in various shapes, colors, and designs. Their variety of designs and colors make them a versatile option for home and business owners. Luxury shingles are also the preferred choice of homeowners with high-end homes, while also providing them with enhanced protection against wind and sunlight. 

Luxury shingles are made of many different materials, including granules, fiberglass, and ceramic. Additionally, they are manufactured using advanced technology and under a professional roofer’s guidance. The choice of materials used in manufacturing luxury shingles extends their lifespan beyond 50 years, making their longevity better than other types of asphalt shingles. 

How Florida’s Weather Affects Your Shingle Roof

When it comes to home construction and roof installation in Florida, we can’t ignore the weather conditions here. Unpredictable weather is a major concern for home and business owners. As rain and storms can start in the middle of a sunny day, roofs are vulnerable to damage at any time. 

Because of these rapid changes in weather, roofs here tend to trap moisture and humidity. The trapped moisture then leads to mold and mildew growth and considerably impacts the roof’s integrity. 

High Temperature

Since Florida is located near the equator, it receives sunshine throughout the year and therefore is named the Sunshine state of the United States. Due to the exceptionally sunny and humid climate, the temperature variance causes damage to roofs. Additionally, many meteorological factors, including high winds, storms, and humid air, are all responsible for roof damage and even for deaths and casualties in Florida. 

Thunderstorms And Lightning

During summer, thunderstorms in Florida are more frequent, lasting between a couple of minutes to a few hours. Reports suggest that people in Florida experience thunderstorms 100 days a year on average, which is a large number compared to the frequency of storms in other states. Due to how heavy winds and lightning accompany heavy storms throughout the year, roofs are always vulnerable to damage. 

Rain And Hurricanes

Rain and hurricanes in Florida are two major causes of roof damage. Hurricanes typically cause severe damage leading to economic loss. If the roofing material on a home is unsuitable for Florida weather, no matter how durable it claims to be, a homeowner will experience leaks and roof damage.

Therefore, experts recommend that residential and commercial building owners install a durable, long-lasting roof with materials to protect and accompany them through all weather conditions. 

Signs You Need A New Shingle Roof In Florida

Whether your roof needs a complete replacement or a minor repair, there are some telltale signs to look out for. 

Age – A shingle’s age is the first sign that should alert you of the need for a roof replacement or  new roof installation. If the age is above or reaching the warranted period, you should look for another roofing option. 

Curling Or Cracked Shingles – If you notice your shingles curling and cracking because of the moisture and humidity in the air, it’s time to repair them. The cracked shingles may invite further damage and lead to more costs to pay, and if the issue persists over a large area, you’re better off replacing your roof rather than making numerous repairs.  

How Can You Protect Your Roof In Florida? 

Although Florida experiences many weather changes throughout the year, people here still live happy lives and frequently enjoy the weather. The reason behind much of their happiness is the protective nature of their home and the decisions they made regarding their roof.

If you also want to protect your roof before it becomes vulnerable to damage, read the following instructions: 

Keep Your Gutters Clean And Protected 

Gutters play a major role in directing water away from the roof and foundation of a home. If they are clogged with dust and debris, water may overflow the gutters, making your roof more vulnerable to water damage. They are installed along the edge of your roof and are generally made of aluminum, copper, and steel. However, due to debris and the elements, clogged gutters are more at risk of rusting and damage. 

For proper water drainage, you must regularly clean and repair gutters on your roof. Improper maintenance affects the overall lifespan of the gutter system. 

Remove Dirt And Debris 

Not only do you need to clean the gutters, but also the roof itself. A roof with dirt and debris is more likely to prevent water from reaching the gutters and cause it to pond in certain areas. Some debris may leave dents and punctures in your roofing material and add to the weight of the roofing structure, causing it to weaken. In order to prevent this, you need to maintain and clean your roof regularly.

Properly Ventilate Your Attic 

Proper ventilation systems on your roof help maintain consistent airflow inside your home. If the excessive moisture and humidity in your kitchen or bathroom remain trapped, this hot air rises to your attic and may lead the roofing material to deteriorate over time and mold to grow. With this, the roofing system can become damaged. 

Install Flashing On Your Roof 

Flashing is a roofing component that prevents water infiltration inside a home by covering holes and gaps between intersections along your roof. Installing flashing ensures your roof is secure with additional protection. 

Or, if you have already installed flashing on your roof, you need to keep it maintained. Due to a roof’s consistent contact with water, the flashing will rot and deteriorate over time, so proper maintenance is key. Without it, water may seep into the roof and leak inside a building. 

Look For Professional Assistance In Tampa, Florida 

If you’re looking for professional assistance with roof replacement, maintenance, inspection, and installation, you need to contact SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors. Our team is proficient in handling all types of roofing projects regardless of their complexity and labor. Call us today at (813) 400-3329 to discuss your roofing needs with our experts.