How Long Does A Roof Last?

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects you from the elements and helps trap heat inside your home. Unfortunately, no roof lasts forever. But just how long can you expect a roof to last?

This is an impossible question to answer given that every roof is different. The material, the local climate and how well you maintain your roof can all affect the lifespan of your roof. To give you a rough idea of the life expectancy of your roof (and how much time you may have left before you need to consider a replacement), here is a closer look into some of the different factors that could impact how long your roof lasts. 

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How long do different roof materials last?

A major factor affecting the lifespan of your roof is the material that it’s made of. Roofs can be made out of all kinds of different substances. Some of the most popular roofing materials and their average life are listed below

Felt: 10 to 20 years

A popular option on flat roofs, felt typically only lasts one to two decades before needing to be replaced. Fortunately, it’s one of the cheapest roofing materials to repair and replace.

Asphalt: 15 to 30 years

Asphalt is the most common roofing material because of its affordability and well-balanced properties. An asphalt shingle roof will usually last no longer than 30 years. 

Wood: 30 to 50 years

Roofs made from cedar shakes can last a surprisingly long time if well maintained. This beautiful and rustic roofing solution typically costs more than asphalt.

Clay: 50 to 60 years

Clay tiles cost even more than wooden shingles, but are very durable. In many cases, they’ll last more than half a century – so you may not have to replace them in your lifetime. 

Metal: 30 to 70 years

Made from either steel or aluminium, metal roofs are another highly popular option that typically cost more than wooden roofs, but less than clay roofs. Their lifespan is heavily dependent on the level of maintenance they get – a well-maintained metal roof could last up to 70 years. 

Concrete: 40 to 75 years

Although not suitable for all structures due to their heaviness, concrete roofs are built to last. Concrete tiles can often last up to 75 years with the right amount of maintenance. Pricing can vary, but these roofs usually cost about as much to install as metal roofs. 

Slate: 50 to 100+ years

Slate roofs are not cheap – it is the most expensive popular roofing option that you can opt for. However, slate roofs look stunning and will last longer than any other roof. In fact, there are many centuries-old buildings that still have their original slate roofs intact. This makes them a good investment. 

What can reduce the life of a roof?

Beyond the material, the life of a roof is affected by many factors. A few things that could shorten the life of your roof include:

• Extreme weather: High winds, heavy rainfall, snow, hail or drastic temperature changes may shorten the life of your roof. If you live somewhere with an extreme climate, it is usually worth investing in a more durable roofing material – harsh weather could cause your roof to wear twice as fast. 
• Lack of maintenance: Regular maintenance can help to counteract weather damage. It is recommended that you hire roofing services to carry out an annual inspection of your roof. This allows repairs to be made early to prevent damage from spreading. Cleaning your roof periodically is also recommended to get rid of moss and fungus that can damage your roof.
• Poor installation: It is important to always hire a reputable roofing company when getting a new roof installed. A poorly installed roof is likely to experience major problems earlier and may need to be replaced sooner. This may not be an issue if your roof is covered by a warranty.

Is it time to replace your roof?

By considering these factors, you may be able to predict when your roof is due to be replaced. You can usually tell if a roof is nearing the end of its life, because it will look severely worn and you will start experiencing frequent problems. It may become too expensive and inconvenient to keep fixing your roof – a roofing company is likely to suggest a replacement if there is a lot of damage or you have already made many repairs. Make sure to choose the right roofing company when replacing your roof and think carefully about which material is suited to your property and your budget. 

This is a contributed post.

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