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How to Make Your Roof Last

March 13, 20152 min read
How-To Articles
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Roof replacement or repair is a major investment. Thankfully, your roof is designed to last for decades or longer. So why are many roofs these days not lasting the full duration of their intended lifespan? The usual suspects in premature roof failure are poor craftsmanship during the initial repair or replacement, and, in an act of neglect on the part of the homeowner, a lack of ongoing maintenance and inspection.

When choosing a roofing contractor, it is imperative to choose a licensed, insured, and reputable company that only uses the highest quality materials and skilled craftsmen. High quality materials will include long-term warranties, protecting the homeowner from the risk of premature material failures and other problems. In addition, honest and reputable contractors will get the proper permits needed for all work, as well as bring out building inspectors who will ensure that the work is meeting (or exceeding) any and all code requirements for your area. For more on local permit and inspection regulations, you can visit the Sarasota County Building Department.

Once you have a high-quality roof that has been installed by experienced craftsmen, the homeowner’s focus should shift to regular maintenance and inspection. The lifespan of a roof will rely heavily on how well the building owner maintains it. Crucial to the long life of a roof is regular inspections, preferably done on an annual basis. Many homeowners are mistaken in believing that their homeowner’s insurance protects against roof failure; however, if that failure is due to neglect or lack of maintenance, your insurance will do little to help you. You can learn more about homeowner responsibilities from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

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A common cause of major failure caused by small leaks can frequently be prevented with regular inspection. If you aren’t having your roof regularly inspected, a small leak could go unnoticed for years. The amount of damage that can eventually be caused by such a leak is staggering. From rot of wood sheathing and trusses, ineffective water-soaked insulation to health risks from mold and mildew, a small leak can chip away at the integrity of your home for long periods of time, before you see any evidence of it inside the home.

SonShine Roofing offers membership into an exclusive Roof Care Club, designed to make regular inspection and care an easy task on any homeowner’s to-do list. With a membership into this program, you’ll receive an annual roof inspection, priority service, free gutter cleanings and more. Take the guesswork out of roof maintenance and arm yourself against roofing risks, like small leaks that turn into big nightmares.

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General FAQs

Does attic insulation and ventilation really make a difference?

Yes—more than most homeowners realize. Your roof surface can run nearly 100°F hotter than the air on summer days, and attics can hit the high 100s. Without proper insulation and balanced airflow, that heat and moisture can warp beams, fry shingles from beneath, and invite rot. The fix is straightforward: sufficient attic insulation plus soffit intake + ridge exhaust ventilation to move hot, wet air out. 

How do the main roofing materials compare in Sarasota’s climate?

  • Asphalt shingles: Affordable, easy to source, and versatile. Pros: fire/water resistance, low maintenance, ~25-year lifespan. Cons: lighter weight can mean blow-offs in big storms; extreme summer heat can warp/crack; expect occasional repair budgeting. 
  • Clay tile: Classic look, handles heat and salt spray, long-lasting (up to ~50 years). Pros: fire/rot resistance, stays put in wind. Cons: pricey, heavy (may need structural reinforcement), and fragile during handling. 
  • Concrete tile: Popular in Florida and lighter than many expect. Pros: durable (about 50–100 years), low maintenance, fire/water resistance, strong wind performance, color options (can mimic wood/other looks). Cons: somewhat expensive; design options are more limited than premium materials. 
  • Metal roofing: Comes in profiles that resemble shingles/tiles/shakes. Pros: little maintenance, fire/water/insect resistance, stands up to salt spray, reflects heat (can lower cooling bills), up to ~40-year lifespan. Cons: higher upfront cost and more limited design choices. 
  • Slate: Stunning and extremely durable (often 100+ years). Pros: water/rot/fire resistance, high hurricane tolerance. Cons: very heavy (reinforcement likely), fragile to walk on, and the most expensive option here. 

What causes roof leaks?

Leaks usually start at weak points—not just during hurricanes. In Florida, extreme heat and UV make materials expand/contract, turning brittle and cracking over time; even asphalt tar can soften and lose its seal. 

  • Aging roof: Heat/UV cycles degrade shingles and seals, opening paths for water. 
  • Flashing failures: Cracked, rusted, or separated metal around chimneys, vents, valleys, and walls.  
  • Missing/damaged shingles: Wind and storms pull or crack shingles, exposing underlayment and decking.  
  • Clogged gutters: Standing water backs up under edges and soaks materials—especially in rainy season.
  • Skylight leaks: Worn rubber seals or loose skylight flashing let water in at the frame.

Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. If you browse our Roofing Project Gallery, you will see high-resolution drone videos of our featured projects with links to the materials we used.

How can I extend my roof’s lifespan?

Treat it like preventive medicine.

  • Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t back up under edges and soak the decking—check especially after storms. 
  • Manage trees: trim back overhangs; big branches are a real hazard in wind events. 
  • Insulate the attic to reduce heat transfer that can stress rafters and age materials faster. 
  • Ventilate the attic (intake at soffits, exhaust at ridge) to dump heat and moisture before they warp wood or cook shingles from below. 
  • Do regular roof cleanups/visual checks for debris, missing/curling shingles, or granule loss. 
  • Schedule professional inspections to catch small issues before they snowball. Sarasota heat + summer storms reward proactive care. 

What’s the best roof type for Florida homes?

There isn’t a single winner—it’s about matching material to Sarasota’s heat, humidity, storms, wind, and (for coastal folks) salt spray. Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly and common; concrete and clay tiles bring serious longevity and wind resistance; metal reflects heat and shrugs off salt; slate is gorgeous and ultra-durable but heavy and costly. The “best” choice balances your budget, aesthetics, structural needs, and how exposed your home is to wind and sea air.  

Do you employ subcontractors?

No, we do not employ subcontractors. All of the crews we employ are W-2 employees and on our payroll.

Are you licensed and insured in the State of Florida?

Yes, we are licensed by the State of Florida, which you can verify here. We also carry comprehensive liability insurance.

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