Shingles have become an extremely popular choice of roofing material because they’re relatively low maintenance, last a long time, and are affordable. The biggest problem with shingles is also one of their biggest benefits. That’s why we put together this guide on how long shingle roofs do last in Florida as well as a few other details about choosing this type of roofing material.

Shingle roofs are not difficult to choose for your Florida roof. Most homeowners will select shingles that match their home’s architectural design. Roof shingles should protect your home against hailstorms, rainwater, and high winds. It’s important to remember that function is more important than form when choosing shingles for your roof.

Florida’s weather can be very different than other states. You’ll face strong winds, heavy rain, and high humidity when you visit. It can be costly to replace or install your roof. It can cost thousands of dollars to replace your roof with new materials and labor. It’s a good idea to do some research on the life expectancy of shingles if this is the case.

Let’s look at the factors we need to consider and what preparations we should make before installing your shingle roofing.

Factors and Preparations to Consider

Florida has a higher humidity level and a warmer climate than other states. It is, therefore, logical to consider external factors. You want your roof to be able to adapt to the environment in which it is situated.

Humidity

Florida’s humid climate is unlike other states with colder and drier weather. Because it is humid, moisture and water molecules can easily build up on your roof’s interior. As we all know, moisture can build up on your roof and cause mold, mildew, or moss growths. You can use felt paper and water protection to protect your roof from moisture and prevent fungal growths.

To prevent moisture and water damage, we recommend that you always place underlayments beneath your shingles. Dark stains or smudges on your ceilings and roof supports could indicate mildew, mold, or other organic growths. You can already see these within a few months. Because they remove the minerals that keep your roof strong and durable, mildew and mold can significantly reduce the life expectancy of your roof. Contact HD Roofers immediately if this happens.

Impact Resistance

Even though hailstorms are not as common or as severe as those in Texas, Florida still experiences hailstorms every year. This has resulted in millions of dollars in damage to Florida homes. Hailstorms can damage most roofing materials, including asphalt shingles and architectural shingles. When hailstorms hit your roofing materials, they can break, valley, or crack, which can lead to water leaking and dents.

If you live in an area that is prone to hailstorms, most roofing contractors will recommend that you purchase impact-resistant shingles. You’ll see that there are many types of impact-resistant roofing shingles if you go to your local building supply store. You should look for shingles that are class 4, with the UL 2218 standard, to protect your home and roof from hailstorms.

Impact-resistant materials will help prolong the life of your shingle roofs. They also reduce the cost of roof repairs and replacements by thousands of dollars.

Roof Materials

The roofing materials you use will ultimately determine how long your roof will last. Some roof shingles are more distinctive than others. Each roof shingle has a unique lifespan.

Shingles will last longer if they are of higher quality. A good indicator of how long a set of roofing shingles will last is if its warranty duration is proportional to how long your material will last. Manufacturers are more confident in their product’s durability if it lasts for a long time.

The material you use will determine the life expectancy of your shingles. Roof shingles, such as asphalt shingles, have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years if they are kept in good condition. Architectural shingles, for example, have a 25-35 year life expectancy.

It is important to consider many factors, such as the weather and how your shingle roofs will fare in Florida’s humidity and occasional hailstorms. These natural disasters can be mitigated by having the right materials.

Call HD Roofers for Your Roofing Needs

There are factors that will affect how long shingle roofs do last in Florida. Anything from the shape of the home and its geographic location to the type of shingle used could be combined with environmental factors like wind, rain, and sun to determine exactly how long Florida shingle roofs last before needing replacement. 

As you can see, shingle roofs in Florida can be installed for long periods of time and remain aesthetically appealing. If you are in the midst of replacing your shingles, don’t hesitate to contact HD Roofers today!