Roofing Companies Orlando
Planning for future expenses as a homeowner can be frustrating, especially when home repairs come up unexpectedly. When it comes to roofing, it’s good to have an idea of the actual life expectancy of your roof versus the number of years stated by the manufacturer.
The life expectancy of your roof varies depending on the weather conditions where you live and the type of roof you have. The manufacturer warranty is generally 25 years on basic 3-tab asphalt shingles, which is the most commonly used roofing material. Meanwhile, the more expensive architectural shingles are thicker, more visually appealing, and generally come with a manufacturer warranty of 30 years. Learn more about different types of shingles.
In most parts of the U.S., you can expect your shingle roof to last 80-90% of the manufacturer warranty lifetime. For basic 3-tab asphalt shingles, that’s 20 to 22 years. For architectural shingles, you can expect your roof to last 24 to 27 years.
Roof Life Expectancy in Florida
Unfortunately, roofs have a shorter life expectancy in Florida than anywhere else in the U.S. Part of the price we pay for warm weather and proximity to beaches is wear and tear on our roofs from extreme weather conditions.
Hurricane level winds, frequent rain storms during the summer, and extreme high temperatures all take a toll of the life expectancy of a roof. In Florida, a 3-tab asphalt shingle roof lasts about 10 to 15 years. An architectural shingle roof in Florida is likely to last closer to 15 to 20 years.
Factors that Affect How Long Your Roof Lasts
1. Roof Installation
Incorrect roof installation will greatly reduce the lifespan of a new roof. While you may feel that you are saving money upfront by going with an unknown roof contractor, the cost in repairs and early roof replacement can add up quickly.
Hire a roofing company with a great track record for new roof installation and customer service. Proper roof installation is your first defense against an early roof replacement. A reputable roofer will make sure that roof flashing, roof sealant, and shingles are all installed for a water tight, secure roof. Furthermore, select a roofer that offers a warranty and a great customer service policy. The roofer should respond quickly to any leaks or other issues you have after your roof is installed
2. Roof Maintenance
Keep your roof and gutters clear of debris such as fallen tree limbs and leaves. The decaying matter from trees traps moisture and can cause your roof to rot prematurely.
Have your roof inspected regularly for missing or broken shingles and leaks. Catching a leak early is one of the most important factors in preventing further damage to your roof.
A small leak can allow large amounts of water to enter the structure of your roof and cause major problems with rotting wood. When the wood structure of your roof rots, a roof replacement becomes much more expensive, requiring not only replacement of the shingles but of the underlying structure.
Regular roof maintenance is one of the most important way to extend your roof life.
3. The Direction Your Roof Faces
You may notice that South-facing roof slopes discolor more quickly than the North-facing side of the roof. That’s because at our location north of the Equator, the Southern-facing side of the roof is exposed to the sun all day. The extra exposure to direct sunlight can cause premature roof shingle curling and cracking. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about this factor, but it is something to keep in mind when considering the lifespan of your roof.
Roof Life Expectancy FAQ’s
Due to the extreme heat, hurricane winds, and rain in Florida, roofs have a shorter life expectancy than in other areas of the country. In Florida, a 3 tab shingle roof often lasts 10 to 15 years. An architectural shingle roof has a longer life span of 15 to 20 years.
Depending on the weather conditions in your location, a 30 year roof will most likely between 50% to 90% of its lifespan, or 15 to 27 years.
Signs that your roof needs to be replaced are curling shingles, cracking shingles, missing or broken shingles, roof sagging, and roof leaks. If you see any of these signs, get a roof inspection to find out if your roof can be repaired or if it is time for a roof replacement.
Especially in Florida, light colored roofs tend to last slightly longer than darker roofs. White colors absorb less heat, causing less expansion of the shingles on hot days. Over time, this heating and expansion can slightly shorten the life of a roof.
Orlando Roofing Company
Castle Roofing Group is a local Orlando roofing company. As a family owned company with decades of experience, we take care to make sure each new roof meets our high standards. We service Orlando, Apopka, Winter Park, Clermont, DeLand, Sanford, The Villages, Kissimmee, and Davenport for roof replacement. Schedule an appointment for a free estimate with one of our roof experts, or call us at (407) 477-2823.
