Roofs Built For Hurricane Force Winds
Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Dorian are only three of the recent storms our nation saw devastate families in coastal regions. Tons and tons of buildings were completely destroyed by water damage. Just as many, if not more, were destroyed after their roofs failed to hold against the wind.
Powerful winds can wreak all kinds of havoc on your poor rooftop. Any kind of overhangs attached to the structure can catch strong gusts, resulting in the roof being blown off the top of the building much more easily. On the flip side, a roof with a steep, narrow pitch can catch the wind kind of like a sail and put strain on the entire building. Plus, a roof without sufficient hurricane protection installed, of course, may also more easily detach from the rest of the structure.
All of that said, Florida is a beautiful state featuring gorgeous architecture. St. Augustine, especially, boasts some of the most stylish homes youll see anywhere around the United States. So what is a Florida homeowner to do when it comes time to put a roof over their head?
When you call your friendly neighborhood Florida roofing contractor like your friends at Elite Remodeling Services youll want to consider the practicality and safety of the roof types that they offer, and the style of home you want to build.
How Long Does Concrete Tile Underlayment Last
You probably know how important it is to lay underlay on the floor before you install a carpet. It adds a level of protection to the carpet, adds comfort and makes the carpet warmer to walk on. Underlayment is also a vital part of the roofing process. The pros at Right Way Roofing, Inc. are specialists who can help you choose the correct underlayment for your brand-new roof! The underlayment helps to prevent water intrusion and protects the roofing deck under extreme conditions. There are various kinds available:
Roofing underlayment is an extra layer of protection for your home. It does a lot more than shingles alone to protect your house in all kinds of climates and to withstand many kinds of weather events. Depending on weather and climate conditions, a good quality underlayment can last 25 years or more but it should always be regularly inspected to ensure it is doing the job properly.
How Long Should A Tile Roof Last
The lifespan of a tile roof could be 50 years or more. But a lot depends on the environment, the type of underlayment used, and maintenance. In Georgia, we get plenty of hard rains and hot, humid days. That makes moisture protection especially important. The underlayment, which protects against moisture, becomes especially significant in how long a roof lasts. But maintenance is also a major factor.
In general, it is important to keep your tile roof clean. It may come as a surprise, but one of the worst things for a tile roof is bird droppings. Bird droppings are acidic and will eat into your tiles. If you notice birds nesting on your roof, it is important to shoo them away as quickly as possible before they damage the roof. If you have a bird problem, or birds are already nesting on your roof, you may need to call a professional. A professional bird expert or pest control professional can safely remove birds from your roof.
Read Also: What Does A Roofing Contractor Do
How Long Does A Cedar Shake Roof Last
Cedar roofing is a popular choice due to its elegant appearance and weathered look that tends to get better with age and the fact that it is rot-resistant and insect-resistant. Cedar shakes or cedar shingle roofs can last for several decades or even longer with regular care. Cedar shakes or cedar shingles can last for around 30 to 40 years depending on the climate, the presence of any overhanging trees or other vegetation that may cause problems, and the level of maintenance that you or your roofing contractors perform.
Cedar shakes or cedar shingles can last from 20 to 40 years with proper care and maintenance, and they can withstand wind uplift of up to 110 MPH.
When you start seeing cedar shingles or shakes cracking or peeling, then you know it is time to look into repairing or replacing your roof.
Cedar shakes, shingles, and other types of wood roof require regular upkeep to stay in good shape.
An annual roof inspection think of it as a yearly physical for your roof is necessary to check out its condition, replace any split or peeling shingles, and check for leaks.
Treating the wood with a preservative that can penetrate the wood every five years can help prolong the life and beauty of your cedar roofing.
Ask the contractors who have built or inspected your cedar roofing if you need to treat your cedar roof and set up a regular maintenance schedule if you want to ensure that your cedar shingles or shakes last as long as possible.
How Long Does A Concrete Tile Roof Last
![How Much Does a Tile Roof Cost? How Much Does a Tile Roof Cost?](https://www.roofingproclub.com/wp-content/uploads/how-much-does-a-tile-roof-cost-angies-list.jpeg)
Although the lifespan of a concrete tile roof varies based on how well it is maintained, it can last 50 years or more under optimal conditions. As an added benefit, they are also a relatively inexpensive choice for a roof. With the proper maintenance, your concrete tile roof could virtually last a lifetime. However, there are factors that have a direct impact on reducing its overall lifespan. These include:
- Birds: Although birds themselves are harmless to your roof, their droppings can deteriorate concrete tiles when they are left to sit on them for an extended period of time. Bird droppings contain high levels of uric acid, which can weaken the structural integrity of your tiles.
- Leaves and debris: When leaves and other debris collect on your roof they can form water dams. Over time, these water dams will weaken your tiles and/or the supports underneath.
- Storms: Inclement weather conditions can knock branches or entire trees onto your roof. These large pieces can damage your concrete tiles or other parts of your roofing system.
Like anything, concrete tiles need the proper care for them to last their anticipated lifespan. However, the most vulnerable part of your concrete tile roof is the underlayment.
Also Check: Does My Home Warranty Cover Roof Leaks
When To Replace A Roof
If youve experienced a major weather event or a catastrophic disaster like a hurricane, tornado, house fire, or smoke damage then you already know that you need to replace your roof and that it is time to work with your insurance company to make a roof insurance claim and get the necessary work done.
However, if you havent had to deal with a significant disaster, you may still need to replace your roof due to its age, type, or other issues such as overhanging trees or shrubbery causing damage, or extreme humidity.
For instance, a typical residential roof will generally last for around 20 to 25 years, with the caveat that if your roof was installed with one layer over another, you will want to hire a roofing contractor or company who understands this type of roofing job in order to ensure that your current is properly repaired, replaced, or otherwise taken care of.
How Long Does A Tile Roof Last In South Florida Hurricanes
Tropical storms always have the potential to become hurricanes. As the southern region of Florida has a tropical climate, it is susceptible to these. In fact, many hurricanes terminate around South Florida after passing through the Caribbean in the months of June to November. Some areas in the southern sections of Florida have up to 90 thunderstorm days yearly, which is one of the reasons why the state has the highest storm count yearly. Furthermore, it has the highest lightning density in the USA. Some hurricanes such as Hurricane Michael have reached winds of 155 mph!
This means that tile roofs located in South Florida take more of a beating in this regard than those in the northern and central regions. As was mentioned above, maintenance is one of the key factors at play. Whenever hurricanes are approaching, people tend to do all they can to get their houses in the strongest state possible as hurricanes provide a constant battering over one or more days. Houses that cannot endure the harsh weather either partially or completely collapse, and roofs are usually one of the first areas to give way.
Recommended Reading: How To Change A Flat Roof To A Sloped Roof
Tile Roof: A Good Choice For Florida Homes
Theres no doubt that tiles are a popular and attractive choice, but are they really the best option for Florida homes?
Yes!
Tile roofs are great for coastal areas like Sarasota for many reasons. Salty ocean air, hot temperatures, and high winds will take their toll on other types of roofing materials .
The major benefits of clay tiles include:
- Resistance to damage from salty, humid air
- Durable enough to withstand hurricane-force winds
- Better temperature regulation inside your home
In our hot and storm-prone state, tile is one of the best roofing materials available. Your roof wont be completely immune to damage from storms, but the repairs will be less than with other materials.
Understanding The Structure Of Your Roof
No matter what type of roofing material you choose to install or that already exists on your property, you should learn about the way that it is built it will help you understand how long it can last, how roof inspections work, when and how your roof might need to be repaired, and even what kind of roof you should get if you are building a new house or replacing an existing roof.
A roof is built based on the deck, or the underlying surface that supports everything else.
This base layer also includes an ice and water barrier and a drip edge, which helps water fall off the eaves and away from the roof and the rest of the house.
It is essential that the deck be clean and dry before the rest of the layers are put into place and that the old shingles or roofing material is completely removed before the new layers are applied, since adding new product on top of the old can lead to a variety of long term problems that will shorten the life of the roof.
And then there is the underlayment, which helps keep the deck dry and adds another barrier against extreme weather conditions.
This layer also includes the ventilation and the flashing the ventilation helps air circulate and the flashing is what keeps things watertight around the chimney, skylight, dormers, or other features.
Making an investment in a high end watertight underlayer is always a good idea, especially in wet and cold climates like the northeastern U.S. and the northern Midwest that have long freezing winters.
Read Also: How Are Clay Roof Tiles Attached
How Long Does The Tile Roof Underlayment Last
The lifespan of tile roof underlayment varies depending on what it is made of and what kinds of conditions it is exposed to. The underlayment typically has much lower lifespan than the tiles, which means if you have a tile roof, youre more or less guaranteed to need to replace the underlayment eventually. A wide range of factors can reduce its lifespan such as extreme heat or cold, pests, or physical damage from debris. If the underlayment fails, water can quickly damage your roof, which can threaten its structural integrity.
Asphalt felt is the oldest and most common type of underlayment, and it typically lasts anywhere from 20 to 30 years, but in some cases it can last as little as eight. Newer synthetic or rubberized asphalt underlayments are much more durable than asphalt felt and offer better protection against water. These underlayments can last 25 years or more with inspections. Its important to schedule regular inspections of the underlayment every 3 to 5 years, or after you suspect it has been damaged, to maximize its lifespan.
Safety When Working In An Attic
Georgia has hot and humid summers. If it is hot outside, it will be much hotter and stuffier in your attic. While you may think you can handle the heat, it is best to wait until it cools down a bit. You could crawl into a tight space in your attic, be overcome by the heat, and pass out. If you plan to work in a hot attic, let someone know you are going up and have them check on you after a while.
You May Like: How To Figure Square Feet Of A Roof
Quality Of Materials And Installation
High-quality materials are more likely to last and withstand tough environmental conditions than low-quality materials. This, for example, is why architectural shingles outlast 3-tab shingles. Choosing the highest-quality roofing materials that you can afford will help extend the life of your roof.
Similarly, quality installation is essential to a long-lasting roof. Even good materials will not hold up well if they are poorly installed. They may become loose, or experience preventable water or wind damage if constructed improperly or carelessly.
Working with qualified and experienced roofing contractors will ensure that your roof is solidly constructed and prepared to withstand Floridas heat, sun, and storms.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of 3 Tab Shingles
![How Long Does Concrete Tile Roofs Last? How Long Does Concrete Tile Roofs Last?](https://www.roofingproclub.com/wp-content/uploads/how-long-does-concrete-tile-roofs-last-behmer-roofing.jpeg)
3 tab shingles are the most popular sort of shingles for sloped roofs, since they are comparably inexpensive, readily available in most areas, and can last for approximately 10 to 20 years.
One thing to keep in mind if youre considering a 3 tab shingle roof is that they tend to perform better in more temperate climates such as the east coast and midwest, so if you live in or are buying property somewhere with very cold winters or that is incredibly prone to major storms or blizzards, you might want to look at alternative options.
You May Like: Can I Pressure Wash My Roof
How Long Do Architectural Shingles Or Dimensional Shingles Last
Architectural or dimensional asphalt shingles are thicker and more durable and therefore more suited to places with more extreme weather conditions.
That said, they are also more expensive but they do last between 15 to 25 years and can withstand wind uplift for up to 110 miles MPH, or even up to 130 MPH with specialized installation techniques and roof bracing.
Factors In Tile Roof Life Expectancy
Tile roofs dont come with an expiration date, so theres no set answer for how long your roof will last.
Properly installed and maintained, you could get 50 years or more out of your tile roof.
On the other hand, inferior materials, poor maintenance, or one major hurricane could significantly alter that lifespan.
Heres a quick rundown of 3 factors that affect the lifespan of your roof.
Don’t Miss: Can Am X3 Roof Bag
The Anatomy Of A Tile Roof
Tile roofs have a more sophisticated construction than other types of roofs given the tasks they must perform. A tile roof must bear the considerable weight of its tiles for decades across a wide variety of weather conditions. Given these conditions, tile roofs are subject to more regulations than a typical shingle roof. The International Residential Code recommends that clay or concrete tile roofs have a minimum pitch of 2.5:1 while slate roofs should have a minimum pitch of 4:12.
The foundation of a tile roof is the roof deck . On top of the roof deck is the underlayment, which is typically made of synthetic materials and provides waterproof protection during and after construction. Thin strips of material called battens lay across the underlayment and serve as anchors for fasteners, nails, hooks, or other mechanisms that hold the tiles. Finally, the tiles themselves are attached to these across the roof.
Related: Why Do Roof Tiles Slip?
When To Hire Professionals
If you notice signs of water damage, bring in a roofer to do an inspection. Eagle Watch Roofing is happy to do a free inspection of your roof. Even if you dont see any damage, get your tile roof inspected once every year or two. Catching damaged tiles early will prevent more extensive damage. It is also good to have your roof professionally cleaned once a year. This will prevent a buildup of debris that could harm the roof. Dont attempt to walk on a tile roof yourself, as this could damage the tiles. Instead, contact Eagle Watch Roofing and well happily take care of your roof so you get its full lifespan.
*Conditions apply: We charge a one-time emergency fee of $350 within a 30-mile radius. The emergency fee does not include the price of tarping and/or containing the leak. Our emergency fee starts at $350 and the following may affect pricing after hours and contingent on weather conditions. If you are outside our 30-mile radius extra charges will apply. Upon arrival our roofing professionals will assess a thorough investigation and determine what needs to be done. Please note,we charge $150 if you do not own the house and/or want an inspection report.This includes a detailed report on the roof, the age, and any repairs needed along with pictures.
Don’t Miss: When Will Insurance Pay For A New Roof
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Concrete Tile Roof
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
The life expectancy of a concrete tile roof is 35 to 50 years. Although the tile is rated by manufacturers as a having a 50-year life or more, it is primarily a protective covering for the asphalt-based roofing layer below ittypically 30-pound felt or mineral surface roll roofing, secured to the roof sheathing and down-lapped. Sometimes a heavier felt is used. The underlayment roof material, battens used to secure the tile in place, and the fasteners that connect the tiles to the battens usually have a life of closer to 40 years. The tile roof surface is water-resistant, but not water-tight, and prone to penetration by minor wind-driven rain but leakage is protected by the roof layer below the tile.
This graph compares average lifespan of a concrete tile roof to other roof types:
The average lifespan estimate is based on average conditions, and many factors contribute to a longer or shorter life of the roof. So a particular tile roofs life can varysometimes significantlyfrom the average.
Heres a list of conditions that affect roof longevity:
www.thevillagesbestinspector.com Comments or questions to