How Long Do Tile Roofs Last in Florida?

The roof is such an essential part of a home that choosing the right material is crucial, especially for Floridians who have to deal with ever-changing, unpredictable weather. While an asphalt shingle roof is affordable, it doesn’t offer the necessary protection or longevity. A tile roof can be a much better option, with better durability, which means better longevity. What counts as a tile roof, and how long do tile roofs last in Florida? Keep reading to find out.

What is a Tile Roof?

The tile roof is a unique form of roofing that is far different from other materials in virtually every way, leaving it in its own category. It has been around for centuries and is made from local, natural, and recyclable materials, including clay (or terracotta), slate, and concrete. 

While these materials differ in composition, they are known for their durability, offering extreme weather resistance and fireproofing capabilities. They are also known for their extended lifespan, but how long do tile roofs last in Florida? While there are averages, each tile is different, and many factors go into determining the life expectancy of a tile roof in Florida.

How Long Should a Tile Roof Last in Florida?

As said earlier, there is no defínete answer to how long should a tile roof should last in Florida. Different types of tiles have different lifespans. While you can’t necessarily determine an individual tile roof lifespan, Florida residents can take steps to ensure the longest lifespan possible. This involves considering everything that affects a roof’s lifespan: the material, quality, installation, weather, and maintenance. The best way to look at a tile roof’s life expectancy is to look at each material separately. 

Clay

Clay roofing has been used since 10,000 B.C. and is favored for its durability, minimal maintenance, and classic beauty. These tiles can withstand all sorts of weather, including hurricane-force winds. Clay tiles come in various styles, including Spanish, Mission, and Flat. They are one of the most popular roofing materials in Florida and the Southeast of the country, where durable roofing is necessary to protect homes from the harsh tropical storms each year. 

How long do clay tile roofs last in Florida? As mentioned before, that is dependent on several factors. However, a well-installed and maintained clay tile roof can last up to 100 years.

Slate

Slate, like clay tiles, is renowned for its lifespan. The slate tile roof life expectancy in Florida ranges from 75 to 100 years. Like clay and concrete, slate is capable of surviving harsh weather conditions. However, it is more fragile in terms of impact resistance, with tiles breaking more easily than clay or concrete. This can make it a poor choice for areas of Florida prone to strong winds that can send debris flying. 

Concrete

Concrete is an alternative to clay tiles, offering the same benefits, including the ability to withstand extreme weather. However, the life expectancy of a concrete tile roof in Florida is much shorter than that of a clay tile roof, ranging from 25 to 50 years. This shorter lifespan is because concrete is a more porous material, meaning it absorbs more water, which can lead to mold, mildew, discoloration, and the weakening of the tiles. 

Fortunately, these issues can be lessened with regular maintenance and protective coatings that minimize concrete’s porosity. 

Synthetic

Synthetic tiles are another option for tile roofing. While not made from natural materials, these tiles are typically made with sustainable, recycled materials, including plastics, rubber, and polymers. This ensures that, like the other tiles, they can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. 

They are highly durable and offer fire, wind, and impact resistance. Unlike clay and concrete, they do not absorb water, eliminating concerns of mold, mildew, and wreaking of the tiles. They also do not come brittle, and the colors won’t fade or chip. For synthetic tiles, the life expectancy of a tile roof in Florida is around 50 years, with minimal maintenance necessary. 

Maximizing Your Tile Roof Lifespan in Florida

The average life expectancy of a tile roof far surpasses that of common materials like asphalt shingles and other roofing options like wood shakes or shingles. While you can’t control the weather, which is a major factor in a roof’s lifespan, there are other things you can do to get the longest life possible out of your roof.

1. Hire Experts

Proper installation and maintenance are key factors in how long any roof lasts, especially tile roofing. More specifically, clay, concrete, and slate tiles require an expert, as they are heavy yet fragile materials that require careful handling for a safe and secure installation. An expert will know everything required for proper installation and maintenance, which will help get you off to the right start on a long life. 

2. Regular Maintenance

Maintenance is critical to extending the life of your roof. While clay is a low-maintenance product, you still want to keep the tiles clean and have regular inspections to ensure no damage. The same goes for concrete and slate tiles. For concrete tiles, you also want to apply protective coatings to help minimize the porosity so there is less risk of mold, mildew, and weakening.

Synthetic roofing tiles are more low maintenance, requiring cleaning once or twice a year with just a hose and some soap. However, you’ll still want to perform regular inspections.

3. Add Additional Weather Support

While these materials are highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, you can still provide additional support to ensure the roof remains safe from the harsh Florida weather. Additions like hurricane straps and more ventilation are two ways to increase tile roof life expectancy in Florida. 

These are only three things you can do, but much more goes into extending your roof’s lifespan as much as possible.

Tile Roofing That Last Centuries

Floridians are no strangers to harsh weather, and a roof that can withstand these conditions is vital to protecting the home as much as possible. With a tile roof, worries about strong winds ripping your roof away or the sun degrading your tiles can fade into the background, as these roofs can handle the harshest conditions with little to no damage and last for decades, maybe even a century. However, to truly have your roof last that long, you must work with the right roofing company.

Florida Speciality Roofing is a premier company that works with all types of tile roofing, using the best brands around. With their expertise, you can be sure you’ll have a perfectly installed tile roof and that the maintenance will keep them looking like new. 

Contact Florida Speciality Roofing today to learn more about the different tile roofing options and which is best for you.