Insurance companies have been canceling policies for thousands of Florida homeowners with roofs more than 15 years old. Progressive alone dropped almost 56,000 for not meeting this particular standard. It’s led to a scramble to find new insurance before hurricane season sets in.
If you are buying a house, or your roof is at least 10 years old, you might be considering replacing the roof to ensure your home will continue to be insurable. In that case, you might want to take a look at durable tile roofs in Florida, which offer great style and versatility.
But what are title roofs and how durable are they? Let’s take a look at what makes tile a great option in Florida and what you need to know about this particular roofing material.
TILE ROOF CHOICES
When you think of tile roofs, what pops into mind are likely the traditional curved terracotta tiles that give that Mediterranean look we associate with Southwest Florida. But tile comes in many different styles and materials so you can get just the aesthetic you want.
Roof tiles are made from clay, slate, or concrete, which makes them a very heavy material. The roof can withstand hail, fire, and high winds, but you need to make sure your home is built solid enough to be able to handle the tiles. While a square foot of asphalt shingles weighs three pounds, the same amount of tile weighs about 10 pounds.
Curious about different roofing styles? Visit our Roofing Styles page to learn more about the different categories of roofing styles.
WHY TILE ROOFS ARE IDEAL IN FLORIDA
Florida weather is rough on our homes, whether blazing sun, hurricanes, howling winds. The tile’s durability makes it perfect for standing up to anything Mother Nature can throw at it without being a lot of extra work for you.
LOW MAINTENANCE
Once the tiles are on your roof, there’s very little you ever need to do in terms of maintenance. Regular inspections of the tiles and the underside of the roof ensure you catch any potential issues quickly.
While tiles are designed to resist damage from hail larger than a golf ball, they can crack or break due to impact, so check on them anytime something strikes your roof.
Because of our environment, algae growth is an issue, which can cause dark streaks on the tiles. Washing them with an algae prevention solution can keep them clean for a few years at a time.
DURABILITY
Concrete tiles can last 40-50 years, while clay and slate can last more than 100 years. The tiles are actually protecting the underlayment, which is the real way to protect your home from the elements. The underlayment needs replacing every 20-30 years, but you can continue to use the same tiles on top of the new one.
FIRE RESISTANT
One of the best things about tile is the ability to handle the heat whether from the sun or fire. Tile roofs get a Class A fire rating, meaning they provide a high level of fire protection and don’t shoot off flying embers. It’s second only to a Class 1 rating.
HURRICANE WINDS
Any roof in Florida needs to be able to withstand hurricane conditions. Due to their weight, it’s much harder to blow tiles off a roof even when the wind gets up to 150 miles per hour.
Add to that the natural air ventilation created by the curve of the tile, which relieves wind stress. Hurricanes can damage the roof, but they should require less repair work than other materials.
INSECTS
All types of insects find most roofing materials great places to make a home. This includes not just carpenter ants and termites that like to eat the wood, but also bees and wasps making heavy homes off the roofing. Tiles of any type don’t have to endure insect damage as they are impervious to it.
WHAT IMPACTS THE DURABILITY OF TILE ROOFS?
While tile roofs are durable enough to handle Florida’s weather, it’s good to be aware of the things that can impact tile and shorten the lifespan of your roof. Tile only reaches that full 50-100 year lifespan if it’s properly taken care of.
Care starts with proper installation, which is why you should deal with a reputable company to put on your new roof. In particular, tile calls for specialty flashings, which is where many tile roofs fail and don’t last as long as they should.
Lack of maintenance is another issue, particularly failing to keep tree branches and other potential hazards away from your roof. Conducting roof inspections and repairs occasionally gives you a leg up on any maintenance tasks that should be taken care of. (They can also help you keep your insurance company happy.)
Florida’s extreme weather is a factor in the life of your roof. But this doesn’t mean just hurricane season. The sun beating down on the tile can lead to cracking, which regular inspections should uncover.
While tile is super durable, it can chip or break if not treated properly. This includes foot traffic, so a tile roof shouldn’t be walked on more than necessary.
LOOKING FOR DURABLE TILE ROOFS IN FLORIDA?
Sun, hurricane winds, and insects all do a number on roofs across Florida. Your choice of roofing material impacts how well your home is defended from those as well as the cost of your insurance premiums. A long-lasting tile roof maintains its beauty and protects your house for years with proper care.
Interested in the benefits of durable tile roofs in Florida? Contact us today! We’ll give you a free quote when you call 844.784.7663.
