Roof Life Expectancy: Everything You Need to Know
Learning about your roof’s life expectancy can help you make timely and smart decisions for your home.
Whether you have moved into a new home or are living in your current one for years, chances are that you are already familiar with the state of your roof.
However, for most homeowners and contractors, it can be pretty hard to determine how long their roofs will last and when they would need a roof replacement.
In this article, we will reveal the roof life expectancy of the 4 most common types of roofs so you can prepare yourself for a roof replacement beforehand.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Roof Life Expectancy: How Long Does a Roof Last?
The average roof life expectancy is 15 to 20 years. However, the exact lifespan actually depends on various factors, including environmental conditions, the quality of materials used, and the type of your roof.
Here’s how long different types of roofs last:
1. Metal Roofs
Metal roofs have one of the longest life expediencies. They can last anywhere between 4 to 7 decades.
However, it depends on the quality of the metal, its type, and the design of your roof. For instance, copper zinc roofs even last for up to a century.
Metal roofs are incredibly reliable, durable, and premium. They can last for up to 100 years if you keep them safe from rust, discoloration, water damage, and mold.
2. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofs are the most common type of roof found in the U.S. They are sturdy, affordable, and come with up to 25 years of warranties.
Made using an asphalt sealant and fiberglass, these roofs are ideal for protecting your house from any kind of weather conditions.
Asphalt shingle roofs usually last up to 30 years in ideal weather conditions. They won’t last as long in regions where there are dramatic temperature changes.
3. Wooden Shingles
Wooden shingle roofs can last for up to 3 decades. However, they require regular maintenance and upkeep, such as repainting, staining, and cleaning. The exact lifespan also depends on the type of wood used.
For instance, cedar shakes are the most durable type of wooden shingles as they stay safe from insects and rot. They are also ideal for extremely windy regions.
4. Clay Tiles
Clay tile roofs are also one of the most durable types of roofs. They can last anywhere between 5 decades to a century. Since these tiles are rot, weather, and fire-resistant, they tend to last longer than other roofing materials.
You can prolong the life of your clay tile roofs by cleaning them regularly and making sure moss and mold don't collect on them. However, do note that they are not ideal for colder regions.
Conclusion
Now that you know the average roof life expectancy of the most common types of roofs, make sure you perform regular roof maintenance to make your roofs last longer.
It’s a good idea to schedule bi-annual roof inspections. So, if it has been more than 6 months since you’ve had an inspection, we can help!