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. Here are 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.
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