Never in the history of homeownership has the topic of “Roof life expectancy” been such a concern with Floridians. Recently the insurance industry has put pressure on home owners to replace their old roof or risk being dropped. Even homes with shingle roofs that 10 years ago would not be considered in need of replacing are being forced to. This article will help shed some light on which type of roof to choose for longevity.
What materials have the longest roof life expectancy?
The two roof materials known to have the longest life are Standing seam metal & concrete tile. Both are also double the cost of a standard shingle roof to install. The material with the shortest lifespan would be Modified bitumen & 3 tab shingles. When choosing a shingle we recommend spending a little more for Architectural style. Architectural shingles have an advantage over 3 tab as they use two layers which can resist damage during high winds and the shingle material is usually thicker. FABI came out with this roof life expectancy chart which will give you a good understanding for each material. This chart is just a guide as some may last longer than stated or may fail before. This is why it’s important to choose a qualified roofing contractor!
What are insurance companies requiring?
Home insurance in Florida is an ever evolving change. Unless you are in the insurance industry it can be hard to keep up with the changes. As of writing this article(2023) it seems most good insurance companies will not insure a home with shingles that are older than 15 years. Some companies start to drop off at 10 even! Homeowners with older shingle roofs will either have to look at replacement or go with Citizens Insurance which is the state run insurance company. If you are lucky enough to have Metal or Tile we have heard insurance companies will go 30 years for those.
What are the average costs for each type of roof?
Like with anything the cost of a roof install can vary quite a bit. These factors can be based on size & complexity of the roof, whether the house is 1 or 2 stories, slope of the roof and which material you choose. Bryan Bitler at 3MG roofing states that these are the average prices in Central Florida for the most popular materials.
- 3 tab shingles – $500 per square
- Architectural shingles – $550 per square
- Modified Bitumen – $550- $650 per square
- Standing Seam Metal – $1300 per square
- Concrete Tile – $1400 per square
Whichever material you choose for your home it’s important to have it inspected for proper install by a 3rd party inspector. You can call us at 407-633-1661 or book online.