The most common type of roofing, asphalt shingles, can last as long as 25 years. Roofs come in all types though and have different life spans based on the materials used and the installation quality. Weather conditions and other factors also play a role in how long a roof will last.
How Long Should a New Roof Last?
The roof is one of the most critical components of your home. It protects your house and its structure from moisture. Without the protection of an intact roof, your house would be permanently damaged.
Find out what kind of roof you have to figure out the average lifespan. How long your roof lasts will depend on the type of roofing materials used.
If there are asphalt shingles on your roof, you may expect it to last up to about 25 years after installation. Many asphalt shingles come with a 25-year warranty, but there are many cases in which an asphalt roof only lasts between 12 and 20 years.
Climate and weather events may impact the longevity of your roof. If there is a lot of extreme weather, heavy wind, or threats of any severe events, such as a hurricane, this may lead to significant damage.
Let’s find out how long each kind of roofing lasts. We will talk about the several different kinds of roofs and the materials used on them.
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Asphalt Shingle Roofs
With the most common type of roof, an asphalt shingle roof, you may expect it to last about 25 years. Many asphalt shingles come with warranties that last as long as 25 years. Quality installation is vital in making your roof last as long as possible. Always have an expert check things over and make sure everything is done correctly.
Climate and weather conditions may affect how long your asphalt shingle roof lasts. For example, if you live in a hot climate, you should expect your asphalt shingles to have a much shorter lifespan.
Tile Roofs
Tile roofs can be broken down into 3 different types:
- Clay tile
- Slate tile
- Concrete tile
A clay tile roof may last for over 100 years, as long as they are correctly installed. If you plan on living in your house for decades, a clay tile roof may be worth the investment. If you have a clay tile roof, you should find that it helps with temperature regulation. This may help with your energy bills. This type of material is also known for its durability.
A slate tile roof may last as long as a century. Sometimes this kind of roof can last even longer than that. In general, slate roofs last between 60 and 150 years. If you have a simulated slate roof, it should last between 10 and 35 years.
A concrete tile roof may last for up to 50 years and the tiles may come with that warranty. Of all the types of tiles, slate tiles are among the most durable. They last a long time, having a lifespan of more than 150 years in the right conditions.
Metal Roofs
A metal roof may last between 40 and 70 years. The length of time it lasts varies with the specific material. If you want a metal roof, make sure you get an appropriate material and professional installation.
If an installer incorrectly puts on a metal roof, you can end up with water damage. Also, if you have a lower grade metal on your roof, it may be too thin.
Wood Shingle Roofs
You’ll need to do annual maintenance on a wood shingle roof. If you take care of your roof, a wood shingle roof should last between 30 and 40 years. Your wood shingle roof probably won’t last that long if you use a lower quality or grade wood shingle. Improper installation will also lead to problems and less longevity for your roof.
Cedar Shake or Shingle Roofs
How long your cedar shake or shingle roof will last depends on several factors including:
- The grade or quality of your cedar shake shingles
- The kind of climate and weather you have in your region
- The installation
- The contractor you choose
Make sure to get your cedar shake shingle roof appropriately installed. If you get the correct installation and correctly maintain your cedar shake shingle roof, it may last up to about 30 years. Find a contractor that offers the best possible warranty. You can find contractors that provide lifetime warranties on cedar shake roofs.
Fiber Cement Roofs
A fiber cement roof may last approximately 25 years. Fiber cement consists of cellulose fibers, sand, and cement. A fiber cement roofing manufacturer will generally mix fiber into cement.
One drawback of this kind of roof is that cement is vulnerable to certain conditions (such as specific weather conditions). Ask your contractor about what type of warranty they can provide on a fiber cement roof in your area.
Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Different asphalt shingle varieties have different lifespans. Let’s take a look at them below.
Premium Shingle Lifespan
Premium shingles typically go on the roofs of higher-range homes. This kind of shingle is generally thicker and has a longer lifespan than other kinds of asphalt shingles. A premium shingle roof may last between 20 and 35 years, as long as it’s correctly maintained. The weather and environment will also play a role.
Composite Shingle Lifespan
Composite shingles may look like tile or slate roof tiles. If you have a roof made of composite shingles, you may expect the roof to last about 25 years (depending on conditions and maintenance). This will also depend on your contractor and installation quality.
Three Tab Shingle Lifespan
A three-tab shingle may last up to about 20 years. If a three-tab shingle roof has to deal with challenging or extreme weather, it probably won’t last longer than between 7 and 10 years. If you live in a mild climate, your roof may have a 12 to 15-year lifespan.
Architectural or Dimensional Shingle Lifespan
An architectural shingle is another type of asphalt shingle. This type of asphalt shingle may last 30 years. Architectural shingles are premium shingles. They usually last longer than 3-tab shingles.
They deal better with weather challenges, such as strong winds, rain, heat, ice, and snow. When in optimal conditions, architectural shingles may have a 30-year lifespan.
Stone Coated Roofing Tiles
If you get stone-coated steel tiles, you will find they are pretty long-lasting. These tiles generally last between 30 and 50 years. The stone in these tiles makes them better able to deal with extreme conditions such as earthquakes and hurricanes.
How Long Does a 20 or 30 Year Roof Really Last?
Maybe you’ve heard of 30-year shingles and wondered whether they really last 30 years. Unfortunately, the answer is that they don’t. This also applies to shingles labeled as 20-year, 40-year, and 50-year. 30-year shingles are usually architectural, dimensional, or laminated shingles.
Roof Maintenance to Prolong the Life of Your Roof
Proper maintenance alongside the type of roofing material used will determine the roof’s lifespan. Roof replacement is inevitable, though regular maintenance, proper installation, and quality materials will ensure you get the most out of your roof.
Roof repairs are useful in extending the roof’s life expectancy as well as allowing more time between roof replacement. Hiring qualified professionals, such as Primal Roofing, to do such repairs and maintenance is the key to achieving the longest life for your roof.
Contact us today to schedule roof repair, installation, maintenance, or for more information on how we can help you.
