If you are a homeowner, you have probably wondered at one point or another how long your roof will last and whether it is better to make repairs or replace it. A residential roof will typically last 15 to 30 years, but this is dependent on a myriad of factors.
While regular roof maintenance and severe weather affect the lifespan of a roof, the key to its overall longevity lies in the materials. Let’s take a look at different types of roofs and their life expectancy.
Asphalt Shingles
As the leading roofing material today, asphalt shingles are appreciated for their affordability, availability, and relatively simple installation process. There are two types of asphalt shingles:
- Fiberglass shingles are lightweight and have a higher resistance to fire than organic-based shingles.
- Organic mat-based shingles are heavier and slightly more expensive than fiberglass shingles, but they are more durable.
One drawback of asphalt shingles is that they are susceptible to damage from mold, so homeowners in humid regions may want to consider other options. However, with low prices, available 25-year warranties, and a 15 to 30 year lifespan, it is easy to see why asphalt shingles are currently the most popular roofing material.
Wood Shingles
While wood shingles have an amazing natural aesthetic that is hard to duplicate, they are a bit high-maintenance, but annual upkeep and routine inspections are good practice for any material. They are most commonly made of cedar to ward off rot and various kinds of six-legged critters. Though they have a similar lifespan to asphalt shingles, wood shingles are significantly more expensive.
Clay Tile
Beyond the beautiful color, clay tile roofs provide plenty of perks to keep you covered in the long run. Though they are on the expensive side, their heat-repelling properties help lower energy costs. They are also low maintenance, easy to fix, and boast a life expectancy of a whopping 50 to 100 years, or more!
Concrete Tile
Aesthetic adaptability is a major appeal of concrete tile roofs. They can be customized to look like other types of tile and best match your home’s design. They are also durable and cost-effective with a lifespan similar to clay tile roofs.
Slate Tile
Two categories of slate tile are hard and soft. Hard slate roofs are purported to have a potential lifespan of up to 200 years while soft slate roofs can last up to 125 years. Though slate tile is said to have the greatest life expectancy, its range can depend on several factors:
- Where was the slate quarried?
- Was it installed properly by experts?
- Is the slate well-maintained?
With exceedingly high lifespans — and often lifetime warranties — it is no surprise that slate tile is one of the most expensive roofing options.
Metal
The cost, durability, and longevity of a metal roof varies depending on the thickness of the metal. Thinner metals typically have a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years while thicker, high-end metals can last 50 years or more. Though they are low-maintenance and longer-lasting than asphalt shingles, they are more expensive and can suffer visible denting that may affect the overall appearance of the home.
Weighing Your Options
Finding the right balance of roof material price, longevity, and maintenance can be difficult. It is important to weigh your options and prioritize within a well-defined budget. Let the roofing experts at Gurr Brothers Roofing help you find the best solution. Their knowledgeable team with decades of combined experience will make sure you find the roof that’s right for you!
