Tile roofs are long-lasting, beautiful options that are built to withstand hot and humid climates without losing their charm. However, no roof is built to last forever. Whether you’ve had the same tile roof for decades or you’ve noticed that your roof needs increasing levels of maintenance over the years, it’s important to know how long your tile roof can last and how many years it has left.
How Long Should You Expect Your Tile Roof to Last in Florida?
Tile roofs are built to last for decades. Many buildings in Florida and around the world have tile roofs that are centuries old. Most manufacturers will rate their roofs to last for 50 years, at minimum. This is a very conservative estimate, as tile can last decades longer. There are several different factors that can impact the total lifespan of a tile roof, including:
The Weather
Tile can survive torrential winds and heavy rains. But extreme temperature changes season to season, especially cold temperatures, can start to weaken the tile material and make it more likely to break or wear out.
The Material
Multiple different types of tile can be used on roofs. Three of the most common are:
- Concrete: This material is sturdy and durable. However, it is less resistant to moisture than other options, so it may only last between thirty and fifty years.
- Clay: While clay is heavy and can be more costly than other tile options, it’s one of the longest-lasting options.
- Terracotta: Terracotta is a specialty clay that has its color baked in. Not only does it have the same long-lasting properties as clay in general, but it can better reflect and withstand heat.
The Shape
Tiles can be specifically shaped to aid in water runoff, not just for beautiful aesthetics. French tiles, for example, have indents that speed up the movement of water away from the roof’s surface.
Can Tile Roofs Really Withstand Bad Weather?
Tile roofs are built to withstand a variety of extreme conditions, including tropical storms, hail, and even fires. Tile roofs have a Class A rating for fire resistance, stay locked in place even in winds reaching 150 miles per hour, and can withstand seismic activity.
Tile roofs can even reflect sunlight and heat, so they transfer 70% less heat into your home than other roof systems.
How to Determine How Old Your Tile Roof Is
Because tile can withstand damage for decades and even resist fading from constant exposure to sunlight, it can be difficult to know exactly how old your home’s roof is if you weren’t the one to replace it. You can examine the tiles for signs of excess wear along water runoff channels, but that may not give you an accurate answer. Instead of examining the tiles themselves, you can approximate the age and condition of the roof by looking for:
- Water damage or daylight inside the home, which indicates both the tile roof and the underlayment have been breached
- Tile granules inside your gutters from wear and tear
- Rusty or missing flashing
If you notice these problems, as well as general signs of damage like multiple missing tiles, it may be time to bring in a professional.
Is It Time for a New Tile Roof?
If your home’s roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, don’t wait for significant damage to set in. Contact our team today for a free estimate and helpful information about getting the right next roof for your home. We have over 30 years of roofing repair and installation experience in the Edgewater, Florida, area, and we work with flat roofs, metal roofs, tile roofs, and shingle roofs.
