How long does a roof last, exactly? For starters, roof longevity depends on the roof materials used and whether the roofing has been properly taken care of over the years. If you’re curious about the specific details, Roof Pro Local is here with all the information on roof life expectancy, including tips to help expand your roof’s lifespan and how to tell if it’s time for a roof replacement.
Estimated Life Expectancy of Different Roofing Materials
Durable materials really make a difference when it comes to a roof’s life expectancy. Different roof types have different longevity, so we put together a comprehensive rundown of the most popular roofing material types and how long you can expect them to hold up.
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt roofs are probably the most common roofing material out there. Many homeowners choose asphalt shingle roofs because of their affordability and the fact that they come in a wide variety of colors and designs. This makes it easier for you to customize your asphalt roof based on your preferences. On the topic of roof’s lifespan, however, it’s safe to say that they can last for a moderately long time.
On average, this type of roof lasts 15-40 years depending on the exact type of asphalt shingle roof you’ve got.
Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years
Premium Shingles: 20-30 years
Architectural Shingles: 25-40 years
2. Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are all the rage for commercial buildings, though it has also been gaining popularity as a residential roofing option. A metal roof is undeniably sturdier than other roofing materials as it can handle extreme weather conditions like storms, high winds, heavy rain, and snow. Additionally, metal roofs are energy efficient because of how they reflect the sun and heat, making them a top choice for those who want more energy savings.
Now, on to the numbers—the life expectancy of a metal roof ranges from 40-100 years. Again, it really depends on the type of metal roof you have, so check out the list below for a more detailed breakdown.
Galvanized Steel: 40-70 years
Galvalume Steel: 30-50 years
Aluminum: 50-70 years
Copper: 70-100 years
Zinc: 80-100 years
Tin: 20-50 years
3. Clay Tiles and Concrete Tiles
Clay tile roofs and concrete tile roofs are well-loved because of their timeless look and their suitability for homes in warmer regions. As they’re made from natural materials, clay and concrete tiles also don’t shy away from harsh weather events; instead, these tiles can easily handle them without cracking or fading. Their only potential downside is that they’re quite heavy, so you need to make sure your home’s structure can handle the weight before installing them.
Thanks to the durability of clay and concrete roofing tiles, you can expect them to last for an impressive 50-100 years—as long as they’re properly maintained.
4. Wood Roofs
Another classic and charming choice is wood roof shingles. Unlike other types of roofing, however, wood shingles are more vulnerable to moisture or harsh weather. Applying a protective coating can help with that, so make sure to look into coatings for moisture protection, UV protection, and insect resistance. Aside from that, proper maintenance and regular inspections are a surefire way to guarantee that your roofing materials last longer.
Based on various factors, wood roofing can last for 20-40 years.
Cedar Shingles: 20-30 years
Cedar Shake Roof: 30-40 years
Redwood Shingles: 25-30 years
Cypress Shingles: 25-30 years
Pine Shingles: 20-30 years
5. Slate Roofs
Slate tile roofs are known for their long-lasting properties and overall toughness. With a slate roof, you get a perfect combination of eye-catching appearance and sturdiness that can protect you and your home from a number of exterior elements. Often, slate roofs also have features like weather and fire resistance. That said, slate tiles are quite pricey and still require careful maintenance and regular assessments to make sure they’re at their best.
If you ask us, it’s definitely a worthy investment as the roof lasts anywhere between 75-150 years. It’s so durable you’ll likely never have to replace your slate tile roof in your lifetime!
6. Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are a staple commercial roofing choice, mostly because of the convenience and advantages they have to offer. For instance, if you have a flat roof, you have more usable space on your property. You can repurpose it into whatever you like, be it rooftop gardens or extra storage space. They’re also a cost-effective choice for commercial properties that take up a lot of land because they maximize space.
However, flat roofs tend to have drainage issues because of how level they are. So, most people make sure their flat roofs are properly sloped to drain rainwater and avoid water accumulation and damage.
Typically, flat roofs last about 10-30 years. Here are the specifics based on the type of material used:
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): 20-30 years
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): 15-20 years
BUR (Built-Up Roofing): 15-25 years
Summary: The Lifespan of Various Roof Types at a Glance
Asphalt Shingles | 15-40 years |
Metal Roofs | 40-100 years |
Clay Tiles and Concrete Tiles | 50-100 years |
Wood Roofs | 20-40 years |
Slate Roofs | 75-150 years |
Flat Roofs | 10-30 years |
Tips to Help Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan
Even if your roof promises a long life, you still have the responsibility to maintain it and make sure it reaches its full lifespan. Without proper maintenance, your roof will require more frequent repairs, and possibly even a roof replacement that won’t be too kind on your wallet. So, to make the most out of your current roof, here are some tips to try out to extend your roof’s life for as long as possible.
1. Check Your Roof After Extreme Weather
Extreme weather conditions can wreak havoc on your roofing materials. Heavy downpours, snowstorms, and high winds can lead to issues like missing shingles, damaged roof tiles, roof leaks, cracked shingles, and all sorts of storm damage. Even extreme heat can cause overheated shingles, which weakens roofing materials and makes them more prone to increased deterioration.
To combat this, make sure you inspect your roof after major weather events. This will help you find issues that need fixing before they get worse. For your safety, you can hire roofing professionals to do the inspections for you so you don’t have to go up to the roof yourself after a storm. You can also look into a roof protection plan to help you prepare your roof for extreme weather in the future.
2. Fix Roof Issues As Soon As Possible
The sooner you contact a roofing contractor to fix roof issues, the better. Even small problems like missing shingles, curled shingles, or minor roof leaks can turn into bigger problems if they’re not addressed early enough. These problems can affect attic ventilation, leading to moisture buildup, mold growth, and even higher electricity bills. Overall, these issues can shorten the lifespan of your roof, so it’s really best to prioritize timely roof repairs.
3. Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clean
Maintaining your gutters and downspouts can work wonders for your roof’s longevity. When gutters get clogged with leaves and dirt, water can’t flow off your roof the way it’s supposed to. Instead, it can back up and start pooling on your roof, which can lead to all sorts of roof damage like rot and leaks. Regularly cleaning your gutters and downspouts, especially in the fall when leaves are everywhere, means you’re helping prevent troublesome water buildup. It’s a simple task that can help your roof last longer and save you from expensive repairs later on.
4. Trim Back Tree Branches
Having trees near your house means that their overhanging branches could scratch against the protective granules of your roofing materials, especially during windy or rainy days. Even durable material can be damaged by this, so it’s important to keep your tree branches trimmed back. Doing so not only protects your roof from direct impact, but also helps reduce the amount of leaves and debris that can collect in your gutters and downspouts.
5. Schedule Annual Roof Inspections and Routine Maintenance
Contacting roofing contractors like Roof Pro Local for annual roof inspections is one of the smartest moves you can make for your roof’s integrity. During these inspections, a professional can look for things like missing shingles, leaks, or signs of a sagging roof that you might not notice from the ground. They can also check the flashing around the vents and chimneys, which are often trouble spots. Aside from saving you from the headache of worsening issues, knowing your roof is in good shape can also give you peace of mind, especially during stormy weather conditions.
When Is It Time for a Full Roof Replacement?
Knowing your roof’s life expectancy gives you a general idea of how long it can last, but how do you really know when it’s time for a new roof? Here are a few signs and factors to keep in mind:
Roofs Nearing Their Maximum Age
Each type of roofing material has its own lifespan, and once your roof nears that maximum age, it’s time to start paying extra attention to it. Even if your roof looks great from the ground, an older roof can have hidden problems that you might not notice right away. Additionally, if you’re starting to see more and more signs of wear and tear and damage, they are indications that your roof may not last for long. Generally, it’s also just safer to replace an old roof rather than to wait for a storm or extreme weather event to tear it apart in its vulnerable state.
Frequent Repairs
Even with proper installation and maintenance, frequent roof repairs can be troublesome. It’s normal to have the occasional roof issue, but if you’re constantly patching up leaks, replacing shingles, or fixing the same spot over and over, it might be best to consider a new roof. Those small fixes add up, and it might make more sense financially to invest in a brand new roof instead. Aside from that, constantly dealing with repairs can be a hassle. With a new roof, you don’t have to worry about the next storm bringing more damage to your roof.
Sagging Roofs or Uneven Areas
Some of the biggest signs that it might be time for a roof replacement are sagging roofs and uneven areas on the roof surface. A sagging roof often points to underlying issues like weakened support beams or structural damage. On the other hand, a roof that isn’t level can cause rainwater to pool in certain spots instead of draining off properly. The pooling, in turn, can lead to even more damage. Ultimately, we suggest that you get a professional assessment if you notice any sagging or unevenness in your roof so you know the best way to move forward.
Roof Pro Local: High-Quality Roof Replacement and Installation
When it comes to your roofing system, high-quality materials and installation quality matter. This is why you should only trust skilled roofing contractors like Roof Pro Local for your roofing needs.
If you’re ready to invest in top-notch roof services in Oklahoma, don’t settle for anything less than the best!
Contact us today to get started!
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