How Long Will your Roof Last in Florida’s Weather?

The climate in Florida might not be very hostile but it can cause a lot of damage. Your roof receives most of the damage due to the local climate. Whether it is the installation of a new roof or the replacement of the damaged one, both can be expensive to do. When you are installing or fixing a roof, you need to be assured of its quality plus how long it would last you. So, what can cause the roof to get damaged?

• Hurricanes and Hail

Florida receives a lot of hurricanes during the year. The water that falls upon the rooftops does more damage than it looks. As water stays there for a long time, it can cause penetration in the roofs by damaging the shingles. As shingles get worn out this allows water to seep inside the house and damage the roof. No matter how much hurricane preparation you have done once the water seeps inside and it rots it out. The water might seep in the ceiling and the floor making your roof repair or even roof replacement getting more expensive.

• Sunlight and Heat

All of Florida also receives a lot of heat and light. Constant sunlight may damage the shingles. As there is a three sixty-degree change in the temperature the shingles might develop cracks. These cracks then allow water, air, and sand to get inside damaging the interior of your house. The intensity of the sun sometimes is so strong that it splits the shingles wide open.

• Composition and Quality of Shingles

Shingles are rectangular blocks that overlap each other while forming your roof. They are basically the outer layer which is subjected to the harsh weather. The harsh weather first cracks it open and then water seeps inside. You will need to check what shingle composition does your roof have. These can be 20 years, 30 years, or even lifetime. The asphalt shingles might last for 10 to 15 years but they are not durable for areas exposed to stormy weather that Florida has. The architectural shingles are more wind resistant. They can tolerate wind speeds greater than 100 mph.

• Ventilating System

The ventilating system is also important. The exit of the warm air increases the life of your roof. It means that the roof must have vents in both ways at the top and the bottom. If it does not have that then the shingles with an estimated life of 30 years are reduced to 15 years.

How can you help increase the lifetime of your roof?

The best you can do is check the condition of your roof quarterly in a year. As Florida receives a lot of storms on a yearly basis, to check your roof must be more frequent than this. As you are unable to see the cracks appearing in the shingles you need to hire a professional roofing company for this job. The more you delay the roof check-up, the higher cost you might face to fix it. As Florida’s temperature is not at all mild, frequent changes in conditions cause the wear and tear of the roofs much more quickly then you estimated.

Be aware that because of our weather conditions many insurance companies require your roof to be replaced after 15 years. Also, many companies will not be able to make repairs on roofs over 15 years. As roofs get old and wear out, trying to repair them, just causes more problems. If you think your roof needs to be replaced due to damage, or age contact Affordable Roofing. We are here to help with all your roofing needs.