Your roof is one of the most expensive investments of your home, and while the roofing materials used primarily in homes throughout Southwest Florida typically last for over a decade, chances are that you will encounter the need to re-roof a home at least once in your lifetime. Damage from our harsh Southwest Florida climate, coupled with the materials used to construct your home’s roof all play a role in the longevity of one of the most important structures on your home.
As referenced above, the longevity of your home’s roof really depends on the material that it is constructed from, and the environment it is subject to. For most common materials, the lifespan can range anywhere from 10 to 50 years. Consider the lifespans of the following roofing material types when posed with a need to replace the roof on your existing residence:
- Asphalt Shingles: 20 to 25 years
- Wood Shakes/Wooden Roof Materials: Up to 30 years
- Tile: 50 years
- Metal: 50-70 years
- Slate: Depends on the type of slate, but typically well over 50 years.
When Should You Consider Replacing Your Roof?
In general, if your roof experiences any major damage, say from severe weather like a Florida hurricane, roof replacement may be a more sound option than an extensive roof repair. In cases like these, the structural damage to the roof may be too great for a simple repair, warranting a complete re-roof of your home. Age also plays a very important role when determining when to replace a residential roof, but how do you know when it’s time to replace an old roof? The answer depends on several different factors which include the age of the roof, the materials used, how the roof has aged and the integrity of the structure beneath the roof, and more. Consulting with a roofing professional will allow you to obtain a comprehensive report that will provide an in depth look at the health of your roof and what options are best suited for your situation.
Please note, the majority of residential roofs in Florida are constructed using shingles because they are light and inexpensive. However, shingles are prone to several issues such as wind and water damage. If a shingle gets loose during a storm, it’s very easy for moisture to seep into the roof’s structure, allowing mold to grow, warping the roof structure underneath, and weakening the roof overall. If caught early, repairing shingles is relatively quick and easy. The problem, however, is that damage to shingles often goes unnoticed, which over time can lead to costly repairs.
We often recommend to customers when faced with the need to re-roof their homes that they explore all of their potential roofing material options if they plan to live in the home for an extended period of time as referenced above. If financially possible in these situations, the difference in longevity and strength far outweighs the increased up front costs associated with metal or tile roofs for those who plan to live in their current residence for years to come.
Roof Replacement Services
When faced with the need to replace the roof on your home, we urge you the homeowner to contact a reputable roofing company. The roofing team at First Service have the experience and resources to efficiently and effectively provide our Southwest Florida community with the highest level of roofing service available. Our team takes pride in educating our customers of their options to empower them to make the best decisions possible for their home.
Contact the professionals at First Service today for an honest, transparent re-roofing quote. We look forward to the opportunity to educate you of your options and earn your business!