You just got a new roof installed on your Florida home. The crew is gone, the debris is cleaned up, and everything looks great. Then the sun comes out, the temperature climbs, and you notice a strong smell coming from your roof. Is something wrong? In the vast majority of cases, no. That smell is a normal part of the break-in period for asphalt shingle roofs, and it is more noticeable in Florida than almost anywhere else.
Why New Roofs Smell
Asphalt roofing shingles are manufactured using petroleum-based asphalt mixed with mineral fillers and fiberglass mat. During production, the asphalt is heated to several hundred degrees and applied to the fiberglass base. When the shingles cool and are packaged, some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remain in the material.
When those shingles are installed on your roof and exposed to Florida's intense sun, the roof surface temperature reaches 150 to 180 degrees or higher. At these temperatures, the trapped VOCs begin to off-gas — releasing into the air as a vapor that produces the characteristic tar or petroleum smell.
This process is called thermal off-gassing and it is completely normal. Every asphalt shingle roof goes through it. The difference in Florida is that your roof gets hotter, faster, and for more days of the year than roofs in northern climates, making the smell more intense and more noticeable.
How Long the Smell Lasts
In Florida's climate, expect the following timeline.
Days 1 to 3. Strongest smell. The first few hot days after installation produce the most intense off-gassing as the shingles heat up for the first time at full exposure. The smell may be noticeable from your yard and occasionally inside the house.
Days 4 to 14. Gradually decreasing. Each day in the sun burns off more VOCs. The smell is still noticeable up close but should be fading.
Weeks 3 to 4. Minimal. Most of the volatile compounds have evaporated. You may notice a faint odor on very hot afternoons but it should not be strong.
After 4 to 6 weeks. Gone. The shingles have fully cured and off-gassing is complete. If the smell persists beyond 6 weeks, contact your roofer.
The timeline is faster in summer (when roof temperatures peak daily) and slower in winter (when the sun is less intense). A roof installed in July may finish off-gassing in 2 to 3 weeks, while a roof installed in January may take 4 to 6 weeks.
Is the Smell Harmful?
The VOCs released during off-gassing are the same compounds found in many petroleum-based products. In the open air on your roof, they dissipate quickly and pose no health risk. Indoor exposure is minimal because the shingles are on the exterior and the roof deck, underlayment, and insulation create barriers between the shingles and your living space.
People with chemical sensitivities may notice the smell more intensely. If you are sensitive to petroleum-based odors, maximize ventilation during the first two weeks: open windows, run fans, and ensure attic ventilation is functioning properly.
When to Worry
While normal off-gassing is harmless, certain smells indicate a problem.
Burning smell. A sharp, acrid burning odor — distinct from the mild tar smell — can indicate overheating. This may occur if attic ventilation is severely inadequate, causing the underside of the roof deck to reach temperatures that stress the shingle adhesive. It can also occur if a heat source in the attic (improperly installed recessed lighting, an overheating HVAC unit) is too close to the roof deck.
Smoke or visible fumes. Any visible smoke from the roof surface is not normal. Call your contractor immediately.
Getting stronger over time. Normal off-gassing decreases daily. A smell that intensifies after the first week suggests something other than standard off-gassing.
Chemical or plastic smell. A smell distinctly different from tar or petroleum — especially a chemical or melting plastic odor — could indicate a manufacturing defect or incompatible materials. Contact your contractor.
Reducing the Smell Inside Your Home
Most homeowners only notice the new roof smell outdoors, but some homes have enough air exchange between the attic and living space that the odor is noticeable inside. Here is how to minimize it.
Check attic access. Ensure attic hatches and pull-down stairs are closed and sealed. Weatherstripping around the attic hatch prevents attic air from entering your living space.
Verify ventilation. Proper ridge vent and soffit vent function creates airflow that carries VOCs out of the attic rather than letting them seep into the house. If your ventilation was modified during the re-roof, verify that soffit vents are not blocked by insulation.
Run HVAC fan. Setting your thermostat fan to "on" instead of "auto" circulates and filters indoor air continuously. Change your HVAC filter after the off-gassing period.
Open windows strategically. Morning and evening, when the roof is cooler and off-gassing is minimal, open windows to flush indoor air.
The Bottom Line
New roof smell in Florida is normal, expected, and temporary. It is caused by standard asphalt off-gassing that is intensified by Florida's heat. The smell peaks in the first 3 days and disappears within 4 to 6 weeks. If the smell is unusual — burning, chemical, or intensifying — contact your contractor. At Goliath Roofing, we explain the off-gassing process to every customer before installation so there are no surprises when the sun hits your new roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a new roof to smell in Florida?
Yes. Asphalt shingle off-gassing in Florida heat is stronger but completely normal. It peaks in the first 3 days and fades within 4 to 6 weeks.
When should I worry about a smell from my new roof?
If it smells like burning rather than tar, if it gets stronger instead of fading, or if you see smoke or visible fumes. These are not normal.
How can I reduce the smell from a new roof inside my Florida home?
Seal the attic hatch, ensure ridge and soffit vents are open, run your HVAC fan on continuous, and ventilate with open windows in cooler morning and evening hours.