Whether you are building a new home at the coast or simply deciding to renovate your existing house, you may be wondering how much a new roof is going to cost you, and subsequently, how long would your new roof last at the beach?
While the average lifespan for a residential roof can last anywhere between 15-100 years, the roof of a house in a coastal area may deteriorate far quicker due to the harsher environment. Beach house roofs can last anywhere between 10-50 years, depending on the quality of the materials used.
How long your roof will last at the coast depends on various factors such as the quality of material used for your roof, the type of environment your house is situated in, and whether or not there was a recent extreme weather event such as a hurricane. All of these factors will play a crucial role in the lifespan of your roof.
The Lifespan Of A Roof Near The Coast
Depending on your location, there may be numerous environmental factors that could affect the lifespan of your roof. Extreme weather near the coast, such as high humidity, heavy rain, and wind due to storms, sun exposure, and potential hurricane threats, can all massively impact how long your roof is going to last.
Depending on the materials used, your roof near the coast could last anywhere between 10-50 years. Suppose you do not want to be financially burdened by replacing your roof every few years. In that case, it is essential to research the different materials used and their lifespans regarding the environment you are in.
Since roofs near the coast deteriorate far quicker than other environments, you may want to check the durability of your roof a few years before its guaranteed lifespan. For example, a three-tab shingle roof is expected to last up to 20 years. However, it has been reported to only last around 15 years in Florida homes.
Factors That Can Affect The Lifespan Of A Beach House Roof
Numerous factors could potentially affect the lifespan of your roof. Some may be out of your control, such as extreme weather at the coast. However, it is still essential to be aware of all the things that could potentially affect how long your roof can last, which will make it easier to identify when your roof needs to be replaced.
The Material Of Your Roof
It is common knowledge that the type of material used for your roof has a noticeable impact on how long your roof can last. Although asphalt shingle is the most commonly used material for American roofs, it deteriorates a lot quicker than metal or tiled roofs.
The Effect Of Extreme Weather And Sun Exposure On Your Roof
The main reason why your roof may deteriorate faster at the coast is because of extreme weather. Strong winds, rain, and hail from storms coupled with natural disasters like hurricanes, will have a noticeable impact on your roof’s lifespan.
If your beach house is situated in a warm and sunny environment, it may have to be replaced sooner than the guaranteed lifespan. This is because prolonged sun exposure and ultraviolet rays drastically quicken the deterioration of your roof as it will fade and start to crack.
How Proper Installation Could Affect Your Roofs Lifespan
Choosing high-quality and durable materials for your roof may be null-and-void if your roof has been installed incorrectly. Incorrect installation of your roof may lead to a significant failure that will have you replacing your roof prematurely.
It is vital to choose a proper roofing contractor to ensure the correct installation technique for your roof is being applied. You may feel those high-end roofing companies are too pricey. However, installing a new roof will cost you even more if your old roof starts to fail because of incorrect installation.
The Most Common Roof Material For Coastal Homes
With numerous roofing options and materials on the market, you may be wondering which is the best type to choose for your coastal home. Below is a list of the most popular roofs for beach houses.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are trendy in coastal areas because they offer the aesthetic appearance of Mediterranean-style architecture. However, they have a lot more to offer. Clay tiles are naturally weather-resistant, which is appealing for coastal homes as they provide durability against the effects of excess water and sea air. Another perk is that they are fire-resistant.
However, there are some cons to clay tiling. Clay tiles are known to be very heavy, which may be too much weight for some houses to bear. An advantage of heavier tiles is that they will stay in place during periods of extreme winds. Clay tiles have a lifespan of around 40-50 years, which is one of the reasons they are so pricey.
Slate Tiles
Slate tiles are standard in coastal homes because they are also highly durable. Slate is a natural material made out of stone and offered in various colors. Choosing colorful tiling is appealing to many people who have a particular aesthetic for their home.
If you are more than willing to pay the price, slate roofs can last over a century. So you will never have to have your roof replaced again. However, this type of tiling is even heavier than clay tiles, to the point where your home may need extra framing to bear the weight.
Copper Roofs
Copper roofs are another common type of roof used in coastal homes. Due to the moisture in the air, your copper roof will develop a shiny green layer called a patina. There is no actual need to worry, as this layer will protect the metal from any corrosion.
Copper roofs are typical in coastal areas since it is pretty heavy it can withstand strong winds and storms, which is ideal for hurricane-prone places like Florida.
Signs That Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced
If you have had your roof for decades or you’ve recently experienced a storm, you may want to look out for signs that your roof needs replacing.
A leaking roof – One of the main signs that your roof may need to be replaced is if you notice water stains after it has been raining. The best way to check your roof for leaks is to head up into the attic and search for signs of a leaky roof.
Cracked and buckling shingles – A sign that your roof may be at the end of its lifespan is cracked, buckling, or damaged shingles. Shingles should lie flat against the roof.
Signs of rot – A roof that is dropping or sagging is in dire need of replacing. Rotting boards, sagging spots, and trapped moisture are all signs your roof will need to be replaced as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The lifespan of your beach house roof will depend on multiple factors, such as the material used, the installation process, and the environment your house is in. Roofs near the coast may deteriorate faster. Depending on the material of your roof, it could last anywhere between 10-50 years. However, some materials may last over a century!
References
- https://www.roofingcalc.com/how-long-does-a-roof-last/
- https://www.huberroofing.com/blog/2020/2/3/the-best-type-of-roof-for-your-beach-or-coastal-home
- https://allbeachesroofing.com/best-metal-roofing-material-coastal-areas/
- https://321gutterdone.com/how-long-does-a-roof-last-on-average/#:~:text=They%20can%20last%20between%2050,costs%20a%20lot%20of%20money.
- https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-signs-you-need-a-new-roof-48751
