Roof types
Shingle roofs
Asphalt shingle is the most common roof on Central Florida homes. It costs less upfront than tile or metal, repairs easily and comes in many colors. In Florida, its life depends heavily on heat, ventilation and installation, so how it goes on matters as much as which shingle you choose.
What goes into a shingle reroof
- Architectural (dimensional) shingles with a wind rating suited to the site
- Underlayment and secondary water barrier to current Florida code
- New drip edge and valley protection
- Starter strips and hip and ridge caps from the same shingle system
- New pipe boots, vents and wall flashing
- Attic ventilation checked and balanced
Shingles and Florida heat
Heat is what ages a shingle roof here. A hot, poorly ventilated attic cooks the shingles from below while the sun works on them from above. Balanced intake and exhaust ventilation and lighter colors help a shingle roof last longer and can keep the attic cooler.
Shingles also need a minimum slope. Below 2:12 they are not allowed; that is where a low-slope system belongs.
Signs your shingle roof needs attention
- Granules collecting in gutters or at downspouts
- Curling, cupping or cracked shingles
- Shingles lifted or missing after a storm
- Dark streaks together with brittle shingles (streaks alone are usually algae)
- Cracked rubber around plumbing vent pipes
Can you put new shingles over my old ones?
We do not recommend it in Florida. Tearing off lets us inspect and replace damaged decking, re-nail the deck to current standards and install the underlayment current code calls for. Layering over hides problems, adds weight and can shorten the life of the new roof.
Are dark streaks on my shingles a problem?
Usually they are algae, which is common in Florida’s humidity, and mostly cosmetic. Pressure washing a shingle roof can strip granules, so avoid it. If the shingles are also brittle or curling, that is an age problem worth inspecting.
How long does a roof last in Central Florida?
Heat, sun and storms shorten roof life here compared with milder climates. As a rough guide, asphalt shingle roofs often last around 15 to 20 years; concrete and clay tile lasts much longer, though the underlayment beneath the tile often needs replacing around the 20 to 30 year mark; and metal roofs commonly last 40 years or more. Ventilation, installation quality and storm exposure move those numbers a lot.
Talk to a roofer who works here
Call Roof It at (321) 352-3177 for a free estimate on a repair, a reroof or a new roof in Longwood and nearby Seminole County. You get a straight answer about what the roof needs, and a written proposal before any work starts.