A strong, sturdy roof is perhaps the most important part of your home. It shields you from the elements and helps protect against pests. But many new home and business owners don’t realize that a roof can wear out more quickly in the sunshine state, and might be overdue for repair or replacement. Read on to learn how to tell if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Average Lifespan of a Roof in Tampa, FL

While many roofs carry warranties for decades, in Tampa, the weather packs quite a wallop. A good deal of asphalt shingled roofs begins to wear out within 10–12 years when they could last closer to 20 years in other parts of the country.

Your roof is your home’s main barrier from the elements. Keep your family and home safe by watching out for the following red flags to avoid some costly repairs down the road.

Top Signs Your Roof Needs to be Replaced

It’s more than 15 years old.

Life can be hectic, and for the most part, roofs take care of themselves, so it is not very often that you think about the last time you replaced your roof. Years like to fly by, and if it has been quite a while, it is worth your time to have it inspected to make sure it does not need repair.

The granules have worn off your shingles.

Asphalt shingles are constructed of three layers—a backing, a coating of asphalt, and granules on top. Besides giving your roof color, granules enhance its energy efficiency. In severe weather, these granules can be loosened up and washed away by rain, revealing the asphalt beneath. There might be some granules missing from your shingles if the roof looks unusually black or if your downspout looks like someone poured coffee grounds into it.

Your shingles are showing signs of damage.

Torn shingles, missing sections, and moss or algae growth are all signs of shingle damage that should not be overlooked. The best time to check your shingles for damage is after a storm, to ensure you have the time to get it repaired before the next one starts brewing.

There is water in your attic, or you have a sagging roof.

Where there is water, there is mold, the risk of structural damage, and the possibility of tiny unwelcome visitors. As soon as you see signs of water damage you know it is time to call a professional before the damage becomes more costly.

Your chimney flashing is damaged.

Sometimes, it is not your roof that shows the first signs of damage, but your chimney instead. The flashing along your chimney acts as a protective barrier between the chimney and the roof. When flashing is damaged there is a greater risk of leaks forming.

Advantages of Having a New Roof

The majority of homeowners delay replacing their roofs until it is too late. Although homeowners may not see it at first, investing in a new roof brings a wide range of benefits to their homes. Along with improving your property’s curb appeal, this project can also enhance your comfort and increase its value. In short, a roof offers the following perks:

• Better Durability: Not only does a new roof look good, it better protects you and your loved ones from damaging winds and storms.
• Helping You Go Green: Going green has become a trend lately, and for good reason! Roofs add appeal to a home, and they can also help repair leaks or cracks in the structure, preventing heat from escaping, and thus saving you energy over time.
• Increase Property Value: Replacing your roof is an investment, not just for the present but for future owners as well. On average, American families stay in their homes for 13 years before moving. Therefore, you are not only investing in your home while you are living there but also for the next homeowners when they move in.

3 Things to Consider Before You Buy

Choosing a new roof material isn’t as easy as comparing asphalt shingles and copper. Here are three things to keep in mind before you begin shopping:

1. Take Into Account Your Lifestyle

How long are you planning to stay in your current home? You need to consider how much money, effort, and time you wish to devote to your home when determining what kind of budget to set. Once you have a budget in mind, you can more easily decide which materials you can afford for your roof.

2. Consider your Aesthetic

It is very important to choose a roof for your home that complements the style of the rest of the exterior. The material you choose for your roof will have a huge impact on the overall style of your home, so make sure it is something that fits your budget and your home’s style.

3. Consider the Climate

The weather your roof will have to handle is a huge factor in deciding which material to go with. In Tampa, we get a lot of beautiful days of sunshine, but also a lot of storm activity—especially during hurricane season. Your roof must be capable of handling whatever weather comes your way.

Having considered these three factors, all that remains is determining which roofing material will work best for your home.

Selecting Your Roofing Material

At Matera Roofing Inc., we carry three quality types of roofing materials:

Asphalt Shingles

Install a beautiful asphalt shingle roof to enhance the external appeal of your house.

Asphalt shingle roofs are known to withstand hurricane winds up to 140 miles an hour and are made of organic materials such as fiberglass and asphalt. They can be susceptible to the heat, so if you’re in an area that isn’t too sunny, this can be a great choice of roof.

TPO Roofing Material

Often used in commercial and industrial buildings, TPO membranes are known to keep your insulation safe from the elements. They also prevent mold from growing within the fiberglass. TPO membranes last for 15 to 20 years, given the condition of the roof. Since they are made of rubber, you can recycle them too!

EPDM Roofing Material

EPDM can resist problems such as UV radiation, thermal shock, cyclic fatigue, hail damage, or brittleness that most other roofs cannot achieve in their lifetime. The material was built to handle constant changes in the climate, therefore, it contains a high-stress tolerance to most seasonal factors, so you can always feel protected.

Matera Roofing Can Help!

The time may have come to repair or replace your roof if it is no longer looking as good as it once did. At Matera Roofing Inc., we’re proud to be your source for professional roofing services, including repairs and replacements. Check out our commercial and residential roofing services, or give us a call at (813) 971-2527 to request an estimate.