Wondering how long your roof will push through until it's time for the next? As a homeowner, you may eventually have to make the decision to ditch your current roof and get a shiny new one. It can be challenging to determine when that time will be, though, especially if you live in an older home with no knowledge of previous roof documentation.
So how do you know?
We're thrilled you decided to stop by because RoofCrafters has been a trusted name in the roofing industry for nearly three decades. We've been in contact with so many roofs that, at this point, we have a pretty good idea of how long they last and what goes their lifespan. Conveniently, we've compiled everything you should know right here in this little area of the internet. Exciting, huh? Let's get started!
Factors Involved in Determining How Long a Roof Lasts
The truth is, it's hard to determine when exactly your roof may fail. There are several factors at play when it comes to roof life expectancy, including:
- Weather (wind, hail, rain)
- Geographical Location
- Algae and Moss
- Unresolved Issues
- Sun Exposure
- Roof Type
- Ventilation
Did we miss anything?
Weather
Weather is something your roof, unfortunately, can't escape from. In fact, your roof was made to protect you from it. Because of that, it's built solid and durable but can only go through so much. Wind, hail, and rain each do their own types of damage to the roof, decreasing its life expectancy.
Geographical Location & Sun Exposure
Believe it or not, where you live also dramatically impacts your roof, from which options are best for your area to the damage it's more likely to be affected by. Living in Florida, you may deal with common issues related to the sun, like bleaching, and you could also deal with rust and the dreaded wind-driven shingle damage. No one likes hurricanes, but they're common in the Southeast.
Algae & Moss
Excessive shade and moisture are breeding grounds for algae and moss, which weaken the roof over time. Though they may show a display of interesting colors on your roof, they're slowly hurting it. Preventative maintenance can help fight this issue.
Roof Type & Ventilation
Not every roof is made equally. Three-tab shingles have nothing on a metal roof, but a metal roof may not be the best option depending on where you live. Make sense? The specific type of you you go with will directly impact how long it lasts because every roofing material is different. A few options are made to last for up to 100 years, while others may only last 15-20 years.
Ventilation also plays a massive role in the life of a roof. A properly insulated and ventilated attic will disperse heat through the home properly, while your home will suffer profound consequences if you have faulty ventilation.
3 Roof Types and How Long They Last on Average
As briefly mentioned earlier, the type of roof you choose will heavily determine its lifespan. Generally, asphalt shingles aren't the longest lasting, though they are a common choice among homeowners. However, slate roofs can last for a century.
Asphalt and Architectural Shingles
Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive to buy, so by default, they don't last as long. Architectural Shingles, however, are up to three times denser than your typical asphalt shingle. Because of this, they're expected to last from around 25-35 years, while standard asphalt shingles last between 15-25 years.
Clay Roofing
Clay tiles are highly durable, require little to no maintenance, and are long-lasting. They're also more than twice the price of architectural shingles and weigh significantly more than their asphalt counterparts. This is one reason why you usually only see them in luxury homes near or on the beach. They last between 35-50 years.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing gets a bad rep for being "noisy," but truthfully, that's a myth. A metal roof is strong, durable, and can last from 50-75 years, and that's almost-lifetime status if you keep it taken care of. The great thing about metal roofing, though, is it requires little maintenance!
Roof Types That May Actually Last a Lifetime
You may be surprised to know that there are a few roof materials that could outlive you, from clay roofing back to a specific style of metal roofing, including:
- Clay/Concrete Roofing
- Slate Roofing
- Copper Roofing
If you're looking for a roof that'll outlast storms and practically everything else, you have a few options that will amaze you. Clay/concrete and slate roofing are heavy types, so they're often considered "lifetime" roofs. Copper roofing is also built to last and is commonly found on homes that are over 100 years old.
3 Signs You May Need a Roof Replacement
Now that we have all of that covered, you may wonder what signs to look for in a failing roof. Here are a few:
Shingle Damage
Shingle damage is typically easy to spot and can range from curling to blistering to them being completely removed from your roof. It's essential to call your local, trusted roofer out to help you determine the correct steps to take, though.
Damaged Flashing or Vents
When essential roof components are suffering, it affects the rest of your home. If you're in need of some new roof elements, hop on having them assessed and replaced as soon as possible.
Extensive Moss or Algae Growth
Signs of moss, algae, or mold growth can be a sign that your roof needed some TLC a long time ago. While these aren't the worst issues to have initially, they become progressively more severe over time.
Will My Roof Last a Lifetime?
While a lot of roofs don't, you can still ensure yours lasts for years (and even decades) through regular maintenance and TLC. By the way, have you checked out our learning center? It's your one-stop shop for all things roofing, from information on storm damage to how long specific roof types last.There's something for everyone, so it's a wonderful place to visit if you want to brush up on your roofing knowledge or have some extra time. If you're a researcher, we can help with that!
Hoorah! You made it! If you have any questions or concerns regarding your roof or a project you're considering, RoofCrafters is more than delighted to assist you. Before you get in contact with a roofer, though, feel free to take a quick look at our comprehensive roofer checklist to ensure you know who to look out for when searching for a contractor. To get in touch with one of our friendly representatives, head on over to our contact page.
