When Should A Roof Be Replaced? Friday, April 22, 2022

Due to the continual exposure to adverse weather conditions, roofs in Florida are more prone to accelerated degradation. Despite the fact that Florida does not experience large snowfalls or thaw cycles like the northern states, it is subjected to the most extreme hurricane winds, humidity, tropical downpours, and scorching heat.

A rough estimate of how long a new Roof in Florida should last, is around 20 years depending on the quality of roofing and shingles - and how often the roof is inspected for damage during that time. 

Florida Roof Replacement

Florida Roofs degrade more quickly than roofs in other parts of the country due to the severe weather. As a result, you must regularly consider roof inspections, repair and replacement as a Florida homeowner. 

Below are a few indicators to look for to determine whether your Florida roof needs to be inspected, repaired or replaced.

These factors include:

• Blistering Shingles
• Excessive Loss of Shingles
• Algae Growth and Rotting Shingles

Blistering Roof Shingles

Florida roof shingles will begin to blister if there is a build-up of humidity and gases on your roof. Blisters develop on shingles due to your roof's exposure to direct sunlight and poorly ventilated attics. The cause of blistering shingles is also natural aging. If blistered shingles aren't changed, they'll develop cracks and holes, enabling water to leak through the roof, ceiling, and, ultimately, the home. During your monthly Florida roof inspection, you should be able to notice these blisters. It's better to upgrade your roof if the majority of the shingles exhibit indications of scorching. A roof with blistering shingles is expected to last between 10 and 12 years. 

You should contact your roof installer or manufacturer right away if you see certain shingles that appear to be blistering. Blistering is usually discovered shortly after the original installation, and the shingle manufacturer will cover the cost of a reinstallation.

Excessive Loss of Roof Shingle Granules

If you see huge numbers of granules in your drainage system or on the ground, and your roof comprises asphalt shingles, you should consider replacing your roof. When asphalt shingles reach the end of their useful life, they are known to drop a significant number of granules. If you see more of these sand-like grains in your home, it may be time to consider a roof replacement. Your roof may quickly leak if you do not replace the shingles. Roofs with excessive loss of shingle granules may have a life expectancy of less than five years since when the granules started falling.

Rotting Shingles or Algae Growth

Shingles, particularly wood shingles, are subject to deterioration while algae growth in Florida is high due to the high humidity and frequent rains. Your Florida roof inspection specialist will let you know if the damaged shingles have jeopardized the whole roof's integrity. More than dirt and leaves may accumulate on your roof. If left to its own devices, your roofing system may grow algae, which is unpleasant for your property. As bacteria take control, a roof may grow various algae, lichens, and mushrooms. Algae is sometimes confused with "roof mold" by homeowners. However, in most situations, it is a blue-green algae that creates black streaks on your roof as it dies.

Algae growths and stains on your new roof might be ugly. Unless you hire a professional cleaner, it will worsen year after year. Find information from various sites and roof installers to learn all you need to know about roof algae. 

Residential roofing contractors want you to be able to spot roof algae, understand the risks it poses to your house, and know when it's time to bring in the experts for comprehensive cleaning, roof repair, or roof replacement.

You can count on the experts at True Roofers for roof inspections, repairs and full roof replacements.

Roof damage is one of the last things you want to have to deal with as a homeowner. That is why we always suggest getting regular roof inspections so that you can fix weak spots before the storms roll in! If you do find yourself dealing with roof damage or needing a complete roof replacement, we can help. We will walk you through every step of the way, including the insurance claim process.

At True Roofers, we offer emergency roof services for properties in Wesley Chapel, Florida, including Plant City and Lakeland. Call us today at 863-800-1800 and let us know how we can help. Our team is available 24/7 to cater to your roofing needs.