Tile roofs have become increasingly popular lately. While they still don’t compare to asphalt shingles in popularity, more and more people are realizing the advantages of tile roofing over shingles. From their higher curb appeal to their remarkable resistance to extreme weather conditions, tiles have proven to be a wise investment for homeowners in Lighthouse Point and South Florida.
With humid summers and windy winters, roofs in Lighthouse Point stand temperature changes and weather hardships that really test their expected lifespan, and tile roofs are one of them. Though durable tile roofing solutions are often more long-lasting than other roofing materials, it’s natural to wonder how long they will last before paying for a tile roof replacement, especially knowing how challenging Florida’s weather can be.
On average, tile roofing in Florida lasts between 25 and 50 years, often over 50 years. However, the lifespan of your roof depends on several factors, some within your control and others that are just how life is.
What affects your tile roof’s lifespan
1. Tile material
Tiles can be made from several different materials, from slate to PVC, and your tile’s base materials have an impact on their durability. We’ll focus on two of the most popular choices: clay and concrete tiles.
Clay tiles
Clay tiles, along with slate tiles, are among the most durable tile roofing solutions available. With proper installation and maintenance, there have been cases of clay tiles lasting up to a century. Clay tile roofing often lasts longer than concrete because it has a lower water absorption rate, allowing it to withstand storms and hurricanes better and prevent mold and stains. However, some people may avoid clay tiles due to their costs.
Concrete tiles
Concrete tiles, on the other hand, usually last between 30 and 50 years in Florida’s weather, with proper installation and maintenance and without physical damage. Their lower costs allow for a more affordable tile roof installation than clay tiles.
Their weak point is that, since one of their main components is cement, these tiles absorb more water than clay ones. Constant exposure makes them more prone to mold growth and stains. Hence, you may need more frequent maintenance than with clay tile roofing.
2. Weather conditions
Weather plays a vital role in how durable tile roofing solutions are. Lighthouse Point enjoys a hot climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 47° F, and its residents are not strangers to rainy days and high humidity throughout the year. These conditions contribute to moss and algae growth on the surface of your tiles and diminish their appearance.
Likewise, warmer temperatures often come with strong winds that can dislodge tiles from the roof and may result in cracks due to falling objects, reducing the overall span of your roof. On top of this, the city’s location makes it a high-risk hurricane zone, which can damage your tile roofing, regardless of its quality or newness.
Nonetheless, clay and concrete tiles have been tested to resist wind speeds over 100 miles per hour, meaning that, while the weather can take a toll on your new roof, it’ll likely last longer than a shingle roof.
3. Installation methods
In Florida’s climate, tile roofs often last over 50 years, but if your contractor didn’t adhere to the proper techniques or cut corners during installation, your roof’s life expectancy may be cut in half.
For example, if they nail the tiles to your roof without battens but underdrive the nail or don’t seal the hole properly, that will likely result in leaks. Hence, when looking for tile roofing contractors near me online, compare the quotes and inquire about their work quality with past customers before signing the contract.
4. Maintenance frequency
Although tile roofing doesn’t require maintenance as often as asphalt shingles, weather can still damage it. That’s why scheduling regular maintenance inspections is essential to extend your roof’s lifespan.
Inspections will detect minor issues before they start causing problems, such as minor chips in your tiles and flashings that could turn into hazardous leaks over time. They are also helpful after heavy storms to catch any damage that isn’t visible from the ground level, such as dislodged tiles. In the long run, addressing repairs can be cost-effective and less stressful than searching for another affordable tile roof installation.
5. Insulation and ventilation
Another factor that could reduce the durability of your tile roofing is the roof ventilation system and insulation. Poor attic ventilation and insulation beneath the roof could lead to unregulated temperatures and promote mold and moisture damage to your tiles.
Ensure truly durable tile roofing solutions with Hyer Quality
With Hyer Quality Roofing, you can ensure that your new tile roof installation is done right the first time, and you won’t have to deal with leaks, gaps, and other issues that would taint your experience.
Besides guaranteeing a quality installation, our crew is always ready to help you with any repairs and maintenance you need due to Lighthouse Point’s demanding weather, from removing algae off your tile roofing to replacing those tiles cracked after a storm.
Contact us today for your free quote!