When it comes to elemental wear and tear, our roofs take on the brunt of what nature can throw at us: from rain and hail to high winds, hot sunny days and temperature changes, modern roofs are designed for rugged longevity, so much so that many manufacturers now offer lifetime warranties on their products.
But despite being designed to last, no roof is immortal; it is only a matter of time until even the toughest roof will need replacing. So how long does a roof last, typically speaking? The answer depends on a multitude of factors, from the type of roof and shingles used to quality of workmanship to the surrounding climate.
While every roofing situation is unique, here’s a quick rundown of the more common determining factors of a roof’s lifespan.
Factors that Determine Roof Lifespan
Shingles
The shingles are undoubtedly the biggest factor when it comes to the life of your roof. While there are many options available–from metal to slate to architectural to wood–80% of households utilize asphalt shingles for their affordability, availability, and reliability. Asphalt shingles typically last 15 – 25 years. Standard asphalt shingles consist of a 3-tab structure with an underlying layer of asphalt that melts in the hot sun and binds to the roof, creating a watertight seal. Architectural shingles are essentially asphalt shingles with an upgrade; whereas standard 3-tab asphalt shingles last 15 – 25 years and can withstand winds of up to 70 mph, architectural shingles last 25 – 30 years due to their increased thickness and can handle wind resistance of up to 110 mph. Architectural shingles are a sort of “premium” asphalt shingle in that they offer increased durability as well as stylistic options that can mimic more expensive materials and designs. Wood shingles or shakes are surprisingly durable and can last up to 30 years, however they require annual maintenance due to a higher tendency for wear. Wood’s natural state makes it prone to warping and splitting, and it requires more care and attention than asphalt or metal shingles. Despite the upkeep factor, wood shingles remain a popular choice for cottage-style homes due to their natural beauty. Insect and rot-resistant woods such as Cedar make the best wood shingles.Metal
When it comes to roof lifespan, metal takes the cake, with several options available that can last up to 50 – 70 years. The life of a metal roof depends mostly on its thickness, or gauge; the thicker the panels, the longer-lasting the roof. Metal roofs are typically constructed of standing-seam panels, meaning that the edges of each panel are turned up and interlocked with adjacent panels. More affordable options are made of aluminum and steel, while copper and stone-coated steel tiles can be significantly more expensive, but with added longevity. For quality and durability, metal is the go-to choice for roofs, especially in extreme climates. It’s particularly effective against heavy snow, which slides right off the roof with ease thanks to the metal’s slick texture.Clay
A popular option in southwestern areas of the US, clay tiles offer a more natural and earthy look to a roof, at the expense of higher cost and specially designed framing needed to withstand clay’s heavy weight. Clay tiles are durable and require little maintenance, making them a premium roofing material that can last anywhere from 50 – 100 years.
