To any homeowner or commercial developer, the roof is the building’s best accessory. The roof is a statement piece that adds character to the construction project. It also assures that the inhabitants will be protected from the elements. As much as it is essential, roofing is an expensive endeavor, and therefore most people tend to wonder just how long their roof will stand.
So, how long does a roof last? How long until you need a roof replacement? There are a lot of factors that determine the longevity of which the roof of any building will last. However, on average, roofs can last between 25-50 years to answer the question of how long a roof lasts.
Depending on the roofing material and regular roofing maintenance practices, the figure can deviate to either side.
How Different Roofing Materials Affect Its Life Expectancy
As earlier mentioned, different roofing materials offer different degrees of durability that affect a roof life expectancy. Cost is usually a good indicator of durability, but this does not hold for all types of roofs. From roofing tiles to shingles, to metal roofs, and for the artistic few thatched roofs, the possibilities are endless regarding what you can do with your roof.
Roofing Shingles
Roof shingles have been around for quite some time. Shingles as roofing materials have proven a versatile and indispensable companion for homeowners. Depending on what type of shingles you have or intend to purchase, they confer varying levels of durability to the entire roof.
Naturally, it is always advisable to go for premium shingles. However, they are more likely to burn a deeper hole in your pocket.
Here are a few examples of the most common shingles on the market today and how long they are likely to last.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Asphalt roofs are the budget-friendly option to shingle roofs. With a relatively lower price, installation, and maintenance cost, asphalt roofs are the most common type of roofing shingles and are widely used in roofing.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they last for an impressive duration of 15-20 years. Furthermore, an asphalt roof replacement is equally inexpensive and can be done in record time.
Asphalt shingles are a broad category that houses two types of shingles: architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, and three-tab asphalt shingles. The three-tab asphalt shingles are the cheaper option and, therefore, the more common.
Wood Shingles
Wooden shingles are another option when it comes to shingle roofs. They are lightweight materials made by combining various types of wood in the narrow street and a basal material to stop any leaks through the wood. There are two types of wooden shingles: wood shakes and wood shingles.
Prevailing climate and weather conditions significantly affect wood shingles, but on average, the roof lasts anything from 15-50 years. Wood shakes can last longer than wood singles, but both provide a classy appearance compared to asphalt shingles.
Composite Shingles
Composite shingles are made by infusing different materials to create a hybrid material. The most common precursors to composite shingles are wood, concrete, and metals, such as aluminum, zinc, or copper. Fiber cement shingles are a good example of composite shingles.
Roofing Tiles
Roofing tiles are an excellent option for roofing. They are a broad category of roofing material under shingle roofs and are common worldwide. There are different tile shingles, and each material affects the roof’s lifespan. A tile roof combines durability and beauty without compromising cost.
Slate Roofing
When constructing a roofing system set to last for more than a generation, slate tiles are your best friend. A slate roof is made of tiles lasting between 60-150 years. They are, therefore, favorites when durability makes the bottom line. However, these tiles are relatively heavy, despite them being manufactured in thin slices.
This kind of roof is primarily immune to weather conditions and, when installed correctly, form a durable and reliable roof as they positively impact the roof life.
However, a significant downside to slate roof tiles is the cost of procurement and installation. Nevertheless, these beautiful tiles are worth the money and are arguably cheaper in the long run.
Slate roof manufacturers in the market today incorporate modern technology with preserved traditional preparation methods to ensure their products are of the highest quality.
Clay-Tile Roofs
Clay tile roofs are clay-based tiles, just as the name suggests. Clay tiles are perfect for hot climates and are more common in Florida. Still, due to their warm natural tone that lasts for hundreds of years, they are excellent roofing materials in any roofing system. They can be used in tandem with other materials such as wood shingles to accentuate the roof’s modern and rustic appearance.
All appreciate the durability and complexity of clay roof tiles with an elegant taste. Clay tiles can last a hundred years with the correct installation and maintenance processes.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete has dominated the construction industry for quite some time now, and it is no surprise that this super material has found its way to roofs.
Concrete tiles form durable tile roofs and last between 20-50 years. However, concrete is a complex material, and installation and labor costs may occasionally be high.
The life expectancy of concrete tiles changes with the manufacturing quality, as different manufacturers employ different techniques in making their tiles.
Wood Roofs
Wood roofs can be used in various ways since wood is a dynamic building material. Wood shingles are an example of wood roofs and are preferred by contractors with a slightly higher budget as they require a high level of mastery during installation.
Maintenance of the Roof
Maintenance practices are essential in ensuring the integrity of a roofing system. Therefore, a reputable roofing contractor becomes a key asset in improving the period a roof lasts. Maintenance may sometimes mean a roof replacement, replacing missing shingles, performing roof repairs on an existing roof, or getting your roof inspected.
Cracked shingles, roof leaks, or missing shingles are all indications that you need a new roof, and you should therefore seek the services of a professional contractor to set things straight.
In most cases, getting a new roof is an expensive undertaking, but carrying out partial repairs might make the roof ugly. In such a dilemma, contact an experienced roofing contractor for the best results.
Sloping roofs are easier to maintain as compared to flat roofs because of a variety of physical factors. Standing water common in flat roofs tends to wear down the materials that make up the shingles.