SOUTH/CENTRAL FLORIDA
(352) 246-4980
1608 SW 168th Loop,
Ocala, FL 34473
(352) 246-4980
1608 SW 168th Loop,
Ocala, FL 34473
OPEN HOURS
Monday - Friday:
8am - 5pm
8am - 5pm
COMPANY ADDRESS
268 SE Press Ruth Dr.
Lake City, FL 32025
Lake City, FL 32025
As one of the major components of a home, it is reasonable for homeowners to consider the cost and benefit of the different roofing options available. But aesthetics and cost are not the only considerations, possibly not even the most important ones, considering how many people are more concerned with how long the roof will last.
There are several factors that determine the life of a roof, including, the quality of the materials, environmental conditions and the quality of workmanship. We will explore a few of these considerations here below:
The average lifespan of a roof is approximately 30 years, but that number can vary greatly depending on several factors.
Weather conditions like wind, rain, sun, and hail have a major impact on the lifespan of your roof. Roofs are designed to stand up to rain, but when you combine rain with strong driving winds, your roof can really be tested.
While low quality roofing materials might save you some money at the beginning of your roofing project, they severely impact the life of your roof. Many homeowners who’ve opted to go for cheaper materials have regretted the decision within 10 years, having to repair or even replace the roof so early in its life.
Even if you are in the best environment – with no real severe weather conditions, and you use the best materials for your roof, if the quality of the roof installer is poor, then you’ve just nullified everything you had going for your roof. Poor quality roof installers often cut corners, leaving your home and family exposed to the dangers of a failing roof.
Not all roofing materials are created equal, each has differing strengths and weaknesses that can affect the longevity of your roof. It is a good idea to consider using roofing materials that have the most advantageous attributes, this way you ensure you will get the most out of your money and efforts.
As already mentioned, there are several roofing types to consider, we’ll look at the strengths and weaknesses of each below:
It is one of the more common roofing types and has been the primary roofing material used in the last few decades. It is affordable (on the front end) and lasts between 15 and 25 years, depending on the quality of shingle material used. The lifespan can be drastically reduced in environments with harsher climates.
Asphalt Shingles is typically made of a fiberglass or felt paper base, coated with a waterproof layer of asphalt, and topped with ceramic granules. Considering the makeup of this roofing material, we can understand why Asphalt Shingles only provide a limited amount of protection for your home, and why the lifespan is so short.
If you are searching for a more natural and rustic look, Wood Shake or Wood Shingles is the answer. The cost of Wood Shake or shingle roofs is much higher than Asphalt Shingles, but with proper care lasts much longer too.
However, because this roofing material is made from wood, it is not very fire resistant, and is more susceptible to ultraviolet sun damage. Wood roofs are also much more likely to have an insect infestation or may have mold or mildew growth.
The weight of the roof is also a concern, that much wood material causes immense stress on the structure below, which could cause cracks, breaks and failures of different kinds.
Clay Tile roofs are extremely durable and with proper care, can last over 100 years. They are known to withstand extreme weather, such as large hailstones and winds over 150mph.
Clay Tiles are also a great Green Roofing choice as they are made from earth minerals and can be easily recycled once removed.
But Clay Tiles are expensive, approximately 3 times the cost of Asphalt Shingles, and they are heavy too, so you would need additional structural reinforcement for your home to be able to handle the weight of it.
Although Clay Tiles are very durable, they are brittle and are very susceptible to breaking under heavy impacts, such as a fallen tree limb or even the pressure of walking on them.
Slate is a very dense material, so it helps to contain the temperatures inside a home and keeps the elements out of the home rather well. It is a completely fire-resistant material because it is a natural stone product. The lifespan of a Slate roof can exceed 100 years.
However, there are a few drawbacks, Slate roofing is probably the most expensive roofing you can buy, so there is a massive outlay of money upfront, but considering how long it lasts, it may be worth the investment… if you can afford it.
Slate roofing is also extremely heavy, which kind of limits its application to new construction, because the cost of reinforcing the house structure does not make it viable for most homeowners.
Slate is very durable, but does not hold up well against direct impact, walking on them can severely damage them.
This is our favorite roofing type because it meets all the necessary requirements of the typical homeowner. Metal Roofing lasts over 50 years, and with proper care can even last over 100 years. Its pricing is medium to high depending on whether you choose painted or plain galvalume, exposed or hidden fasteners, the thickness or gauge of the metal, and whether you build out the entire Roofing System or just go with the basics.
Metal Roofing is very durable, and can handle the harshest of weather conditions. It is also extremely energy efficient. Because it is so high in reflectivity and remittance, a Metal Roofing system can reduce your energy bill, which drastically reduces the overall cost of the roof over its lifespan.
Metal Roofing is also lightweight, so no additional structural reinforcement is required, and it can typically be installed over existing roofs.
With so many positive qualities it’s easy to see why Metal Roofing has surged in its popularity, and why so many homeowners are choosing this roofing type as the protection and coverage they need.
Send us an email or give us a call, Florida Roof Masters LLC can help you with a roof that will not only looks good and is energy efficient but will last a lifetime too!
