How Long Does a Tile Roof Last in Florida?

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Homes in Florida with tile roofs

Tile roofs have become increasingly popular over the years. They're pleasing to the eye and work well on a wide range of home styles. But what makes them one of the best roofing materials is their strength and durability, especially in states with extreme climates like Florida.

On average, a tile roof lasts between 25 and 50 years in Florida. Whether you’re at the low end or high end of that range depends on a number of factors which we’ll discuss in more detail throughout this article.

What Are Some Roof Lifespan Considerations?

Tile roofs in florida getting hit by a thunderstorm.

There are several factors that determine how long your tile roof will last. We’ll discuss the factors that affect roof longevity in Florida specifically, but we’ll make sure to cover other factors as well. 

How the Florida climate affects how long your tile roof will last

The extreme climate and weather conditions in Florida absolutely affect your roof's lifespan. Florida has a sunny climate throughout the year with an average temperature of 88°F to 91°F. Rain is very common and often comes with harsh thunderstorms.

The harsh sun in Florida causes extreme surface heat. This is accompanied by high humidity which causes issues of its own.

Strong winds, which are often associated with warmer weather, can dislodge tiles from the roof and cause them to break or crack upon impact. This can cause further damage to the roof and reduce its overall lifespan.

Aside from all this, Florida has an active hurricane season. If your home is in the path of a major hurricane, your roof can easily suffer enough damage to warrant a roof replacement regardless of how new your roof is.

Thankfully, tile roofs are very strong and durable. You’re much better off with a tile roof in Florida than a shingle roof

Quality of Roof Materials

Tile roofs come from natural and recyclable materials, including clay and concrete. Regardless of your preference, tile roofs are naturally durable compared to other roofing materials like metal and shingles. However, you'll still need to ensure that you're getting high-quality tiles. These tiles must be crafted with the right ingredients, proportions, and the proper techniques.

Installation Methods

Tile roofs typically last for up to 50 years or more. However, your roof’s lifespan may be cut in half if the proper installation techniques aren’t used. 

While it may be enticing to get a cheap roof replacement from a random roofing contractor, it’s not a good idea in the long run. 

If you want your tile roof to last, treat it like an investment. Choose a reputable roofing company and quality materials.

Insulation and Ventilation

Another factor that could reduce your tile roof life expectancy is poor insulation and ventilation. Unregulated temperatures in your home may enable warm and humid air to promote mold growth and moisture damage on your roof. That may prompt you to replace your tile roof sooner than expected.

Maintenance Routine

Having a proper maintenance and inspection routine can greatly extend your roof’s lifespan.

Because of the extreme weather events in Florida and harsh climate, it’s important to get regular roof inspections for three reasons: 

  1. Regular roof inspections can detect small issues before they become big issues.
  2. Regular roof inspections create consistent maintenance documentation which is important should you need to file an insurance claim in the future.
  3. Regular roof inspections can find major issues after a storm that could warrant a roof replacement fully covered by your insurance.

At RoofClaim, we offer free roof inspections, so there’s really no excuse to not get your home inspected.

Protective Coating

Applying a protective coating to the tiles can help protect them from UV radiation and other environmental factors that can cause damage. A roofing professional can recommend the best type of coating for your specific type of tiles.

Not All Tile Roofs Are the Same

black ceramic tile roof

Did you know there are different types of tile roofs? Each type has its own pros and cons and different life expectancies.

How Long Does a Concrete Tile Roof Last in Florida?

Concrete tile roofs are durable enough to last at least 30 to 50 years as long as they're properly installed and maintained and do not sustain any physical damage. These tile roofs come from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. You can also get them in diverse tile shapes like flat-shaped, low profile, or high profile tiles.

One downside with concrete tile roofs is their high water absorption rate. That means they absorb more water from storms and hurricanes when compared to clay tile roofs. As a result, they become more prone to mold growth and stains. They also become heavier when wet, so you'll need a robust structural reinforcement to keep them intact.

Another downside with concrete tiles is that a white residue called efflorescence can appear on the surface. This can happen with any product containing concrete. Efflorescence is caused by the moisture in the concrete moving to the surface, carrying calcium salts that react with the CO2 in the air and form insoluble calcium carbonate.

How Long Does a Clay Tile Roof Last in Florida?

Clay tile roofs have a longer life expectancy than concrete. With proper installation and maintenance, they can reach up to 100 years in theory. This roofing material comes from molded clay and exhibits diverse color palettes from white to yellow to brown.

Compared to concrete tile roofs, clay tile roofs have lower water absorption rates, allowing them to better withstand hurricanes and storms. Their colors also don't fade off and can keep your home's natural aesthetic for a long time. 

The only unfortunate thing about this roofing material is that they cost much more than concrete tile roofs.

Work With the Best Roofers in Florida

If you want your tile roof to last as long as possible, it comes down to three things:

  1. Choose quality materials
  2. Hire the best roofers
  3. Establish a consistent maintenance routine

With RoofClaim, the first two are guaranteed and we can even help with #3 by providing regular inspections. Get started today with a free inspection.

Your Free Inspection is just a click away! Get your roof inspected today.
RoofClaim is not a licensed public adjuster under section 626.854, Florida Statutes and does not provide services as a public adjuster for insurance claims.
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