According to one study, almost 40% of Americans planned on doing renovations to their home over the next two years. Among the most expensive renovations, replacing your roof ranks high.Before you fork out that money,you should know how long does a roof last.
The lifespan of a roof varies depending on a number of variables, of which the type of material is the most important. We’ll tell you all about the roof life expectancy for different materials as well as the telltale signs you need a new roof in this guide to lifespans. Read on to learn more.
How Long Does a Roof Last?
The lifespan of a roof depends mostly on the type of roofing material.Hereare the most common types of roofs and their average lifespans:
- Asphalt roofs come in different varieties and can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years. 3 tab shingles are on the lower end of that lifespan with 10 to 20 years and architectural shingles are on the higher end with 15 to 25.
- Metal roofing systems like standing seam systems can last from 30 to 50 years.
- Clay tiles are usually installed on premium homes because they require a special frame to support their weight. They can last between 50 and 100 years.
- Cedar shake roofs are used on Cape Cod style and beach homes. They can last from 20 to 35 years.
- Slate roofs are heavy material that costs a lot of money. But their lifespan is between 50 and 100 years.
Although asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for their cost and durability, you can also purchase synthetic composite shingles. These don’t even look like your regular asphalt shingle – they more closely resemble slate tiles or cedar shakes. For about the same cost as standing seam roofs, they last between 30 and 50 years.
Other Variables Affecting Lifespan
Of course, there are additional variables affecting the lifespan. If you live in an area with all four seasons or a more extreme climate, your roof will have a shorter lifespan. That’s because your roof takes most of the impact from snow, rain, wind, and storms, and that weather damages it over time.
Two other important factors affecting roof life expectancy are regular roof maintenance and installation. If you take care of your roof by keeping it clear and clean and regularly addressing issues, it will last longer. As for installation, you need to have your roof properly installed in order to get the most years from it.
When to Replace It
Shingles make it easy to tell if it needs replacement. If your shingles are curling or missing, it might be time to replace them. The same can be said if you’re finding granules in your gutter.
A sagging roof is a telltale sign that you need a new one. This typically indicates a structural problem. When it comes to structural problems, it’s better to address them right away before they become worse and more expensive to fix.
Finally, if it is more than 25 years old and it’s made of shingles, then it’s probably time to think about a replacement.
Has Your Roof Reached It’s Life Expectancy?
The answer to “how long does a roof last?” doesn’t have a black and white answer. The type of roofing material gives you a pretty good idea of how long it will last. But the environment in which you live, the maintenance schedule you keep, and the installation of it will impact the roof lifespan.
If it has reached the end of its life, then it’s time to call the professionals. Contact us to get started.
The post How Long Does a Roof Last on Average? appeared first on TC Backer Construction.
FAQs
The average lifespan of a roof usually ranges between 25 to 50 years. However, a roof's life expectancy ultimately depends on the quality, durability and type of material chosen.
What roof lasts 100 years? ›
Concrete, clay, and slate tiles have an average lifespan of 100 or more years. They are without a doubt the materials that last the longest but are also, bar none, some of the most expensive. Slate roofs are often called the “forever roof” because they can last seemingly forever.
What is the life expectancy of a roof deck? ›
The lifetime of a roof deck varies depending on its condition and the type of materials used in construction – but replacing it every 20-30 years is typically recommended.
What roof lasts 50 years? ›
Heavier materials—including clay, slate, and metal roofs—can last more than 50 years but are expensive and difficult to maintain. If you're looking for an affordable and long-lasting option, consider 50 year shingles and tiles.
Do 30 year shingles really last 30 years? ›
The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it's not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years. That's one of the big misconceptions in the roofing marketplace.
How long does a 20 year roof really last? ›
When properly ventilated and installed, the three main types of asphalt shingles should each last about 80% to 85% of their stated lifespan. These are 3-tab, dimensional, and premium asphalt shingles. In other words, a 3-tab shingle roof lasts 20-22 years, while a dimensional shingle roof lasts 25-28 years.
Does a 40 year roof really last 40 years? ›
Nor does that mean it is warrantied for 30 years. What this means—and it's the same for 40-year and 50-year shingles—is that the life expectancy of those shingles is about 30 years when placed in ideal conditions, such as minimal sun exposure, shade, minor fluctuations in temperature, no wind damage, and so on.
Is a 20 year old roof too old? ›
Once your roof's age reaches around 80-85% of its maximum lifespan, you'll know it's time to start budgeting for a roof replacement. However, getting a jumpstart on budgeting at the 20-year mark is a good idea to avoid any sticker shock when the day comes.
Do 50-year roofs really last? ›
Lifespan of Shingles
The next thing you need to consider is this: 50-year shingles do not necessarily have a lifespan of 50 years. In fact, they usually fall 5-10 years short of that period. While this is sometimes caused by improper installation, it is more often the result of poor maintenance or negligence.
What roof has the shortest lifespan? ›
Which Types of Roofs Have the Shortest Lifespan? Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials and are relatively affordable. However, they typically have a shorter lifespan compared to other materials, ranging from 15 to 30 years.
The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) rates slate as by far the longest lasting roofing material, with a life expectancy of 150+ years, followed closely by clay and concrete at roughly 100 years.
What is the longest a roof can last? ›
Slate roofs are the longest-lasting type of roofing material, as they can last one hundred years or more.
What color roof lasts the longest? ›
By reflecting more light, light-colored shingles may help you keep your air conditioning bills down during the summer. In terms of how long the shingles actually last, however, many shingle manufacturers claim that there is no definitive difference between the longevities of dark- and light-colored shingles.
What is the cheapest longest lasting roof? ›
Asphalt Shingles
In addition, most roofing services agree that shingle roof repair is among the easiest. If you're looking for the cheapest roofing material, asphalt shingles are typically the best option.
What is the strongest roof in the world? ›
If you're looking for the strongest type of roof, you're looking for a DECRA metal roof. Since 1957, DECRA Metal Roofing has set the industry standard for durability and longevity.
Can a 30 year roof last longer? ›
In the end, your 30-year roof could last for 30 years and beyond with great maintenance – barring any heavy storm damage. Working with your local roofing company to maintain and repair your roof as things arise can help you get the longest life from it.
Can a roof last 30 years? ›
Most asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years – based on your area's weather conditions and climate. The type of asphalt shingle also influences its lifespan: Three-tab shingles last from 15 to 20 years and are the cheapest option. Architectural (dimensional) shingles last from 20 to 30 years.
What is the lifespan of a shingle roof? ›
The average lifespan for shingles, which is normally around 20 years, is determined to be about 14 years for warmer environment, such as the Southwest; whereas, in the North and Northeastern regions of the United States, asphalt shingles last anywhere from 19 to more than 20 years.
How long does a 25 year roof really last? ›
Typically, a 30 – year roof will last on average 12-15 years in more extreme climates, such as we have here in Texas. 25 – year roofs lasting 9-12 years on average.
