A roof is your home’s crowning glory. Therefore, keeping your roof in good condition is key to preserving the integrity of your home. But as we all know, roofs don’t last forever.
Regardless of how well you take care of your roof, it’s likely to need replacement eventually. So, how long does a roof last? The average lifespan of a roof is 25–50 years.
A roof’s life expectancy depends on the type of roof, quality of materials, workmanship of the installation, and the elements. In most cases, the roof’s lifespan will be greater than the warranty offered if its life expectancy is cut short by inclement weather.
Common Types of Roofs and Their Life Expectancy
How long does a roof last? Ultimately, your roof’s lifespan depends on the materials used — or the type of roof. Each roofing material has different durability. Here’s a rundown of common types of roofs and their life expectancy.
Wood Shingles
When it comes to roofing materials, wood shakes and shingles are very popular. Usually cut from cedar, spruce, or pine, wood shakes and shingles last for about 30 years with proper care — warranties for wooden shingle roofs run up to 40 years.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is the most prevalent roofing material in the United States. Homeowners love asphalt shingles because they’re budget-friendly, but they also have one of the lowest life expectancies. The average life expectancy of an asphalt roof is 15 to 20 years.
Metal Roof
Metal roofs typically last longer than asphalt options but require a higher upfront investment to install. The life expectancy of a metal roof will depend on the thickness of the metal you choose. A thick, high-quality metal roof can last for more than 50 years.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete roofs are popular because they can be styled to mimic the appearance of other roof types, including clay, wood, slate, and stone. As one of the strongest materials available, a concrete tile roof will also stand the test of time. Concrete roofs can last for over 50 years.
Clay Tiles
Clay tile roofs and their concrete tile counterparts have many similarities. For instance, they are both heavy, weather-resistant, and highly durable roofs that require little maintenance. A clay tile roof will protect your home for 50 years or longer under the right conditions.
Slate Tiles
Slate tile roofs are known for their durability. Slate has the longest life expectancy of all roofing materials, lasting anywhere from 50 to 200 years — under the right conditions. For the most part, a slate roof does not require much maintenance once installed in a home.
With proper maintenance, you can expect your roof to last anywhere between 25 to 50 years — barring a fallen tree or severe storm. But roofs don’t last forever, and yours will likely need to be replaced at some point.
Protect Your Roof. It Protects You.
If you don’t replace your roof when necessary, you could open yourself up to additional expenses on top of paying for a new one. Are you interested in getting a new roof or preparing your roof for solar?
Solar Optimum can help protect your home and optimize energy usage with a new roof. Contact us for more information.
