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How Long Does a Roof Last? Factors That Affect Its Lifespan

  • tiorentcompboonsbl
  • Aug 21, 2023
  • 7 min read


A higher-pitched roof with proper drainage capabilities will last longer than a flat or low-slope roof with poor drainage. Poor drainage can result in leaks, water accumulation, mold, and rot. Whatever type of roof you have, be sure to perform yearly inspections and cleanings to keep your roof clean, dry, and free of fungus.




How Long Does a Roof Last



Asphalt shingles last 20 to 30 years and typically come with a 25-year warranty. They are by far the most common type of roofing material and are found on over 80% of American homes, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.


They are made up of steel (galvanized, galvalume, or weathering), tin, aluminum, copper, or zinc. Metal roofs are extremely durable and can withstand wind gusts up to 140 mph. They are, however, more expensive than asphalt shingles. Plus, the type of metal roof you have will influence how long your roof will last. These include:


A wood shingle or shake roof typically lasts about 25 to 30 years, with warranties of 20 to 30 years. Shingles and shakes are primarily made from cedar that is pressure-treated with preservatives to help extend its lifespan. A heavy cedar shake roof that has been treated can last up to 50 years.


Slate tile roofs take the crown when it comes to lifespan, a whopping 75 to 150 years. Slate tile roof manufacturers typically offer warranties of 50 years to a lifetime. The type of slate tile can also affect how long it lasts, with Pennsylvania slate lasting about 60 years, New York and Vermont slate lasting more than 125 years, and Virginia Buckingham slate lasting more than 150 years. There are even some slate roofs that date back hundreds of years.


Installation requires warm, dry weather. Another rubber roofing material is EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer). More commonly used for commercial applications, you can expect it to last 25 to 30 years.


The most important thing to know when talking about how long a roof will last is the material of the roof. Here in North Carolina, especially in the Raleigh area, asphalt shingle roofs are the most popular option for new construction homes, and homes getting a roof replacement. There are three main types of asphalt shingles to be aware of, each with its own look, price point, and durability. Those being 3-Tab, Architectural, and Luxury.


In the last few decades, architectural shingles have become by far the most common roofing material in the United States. Though they used to be significantly more expensive than 3-tabs, in recent years the gap in price has shrunk, so more and more often people are turning to architectural shingles. They have a two-ply design, and as a result are much thicker and sturdier than 3-tab shingles, increasing their lifespan to around 30 years.


Severe weather like hail, tornadoes, or hurricanes will have a higher chance of causing damage, but if the roofing system is properly installed, you should only need a simple repair to get things back into top condition.


If you ever find yourself wondering how long a roofer expects a roof to last, take a look at the roofing warranty. The roofing warranty offers a set amount of time within which the roofer will repair the roof free of charge.


Colorado weather poses a challenge for roofs. As one forecaster noted, within a single day, areas of Colorado can see rain, snow, high winds, hail, downpours, and beating sun. So, how long does a roof last in Colorado?


Clay or concrete tile roofing is very durable and resilient. However, because they are so heavy, they must be installed on very sturdy roof structures. Clay or concrete roofs will last fifty to a hundred years.


Since 1945, NEWPRO has been providing long-lasting and affordable home renovation solutions from Master Elite Certified craftsmen while achieving the highest degree of customer satisfaction. Through the years, we have earned a number of awards for the excellence of our work and the level of our customer care, and we want to demonstrate those qualities to you.


However, even though the roofing tiles last a long time. The underlayment does not. The underlayment is what keeps your roof dry. The tile acts as a channel to shed water off the roof and protect the underlayment from UV rays. How long does underlayment last in California? Here is a general chart:


The most important thing to take away from this post is that maintenance is key to a long-lasting roof in California. A broken tile with exposed tile underlayment or a few wind-damaged shingles will greatly reduce the lifetime of a roof. Your residential roof should be maintained every 5-years.


Quality materials can make all the difference in how long a roof lasts. Choosing high-quality materials installed by a factory-certified roofing contractor can extend the life of your roof by several years. Trust roofers certified by industry leaders like GAF and Owens Corning to install your new roof up to specifications.


Some major roofing manufacturers like GAF will warranty a roof installed by one of their factory-certified contractors for up to 50 years. There are also lifetime warranties good for as long as your own your home. In some instances, they are even transferable to the next owner!


Ideally, you want to clean your gutters of any debris and leaf litter in the spring and fall. It is vital to have clean gutters going into winter to avoid water backups that may turn into destructive ice dams that can drastically reduce how long your roof lasts.


Towering, mature trees shade many New Jersey roofs. Moss often grows in shady spots that remain moist too much of the time. Sometimes, moss mats may grow until they are several inches thick. This moss growth can significantly limit how long your roof lasts. The underlying shingles may rot when they remain wet for long periods, so removing and eliminating any moss buildup on your roof is essential.


Hail storms and strong winds is another climatic factor that can affect the longevity of a roof in Frisco. Hail storms can weaken the integrity and seals of your roof, which could result in poor ventilation, leaks, and eventually further damage. On the other hand, strong winds can weaken the seal resulting in loose, broken, and missing shingles.


Generally, you can expect your roof to last about 20 years. But, the actual lifespan of your roof depends on a number of things, including the type of roofing materials that were used as well as the environment.


While there are several factors that impact how long your roof lasts, your roof's lifespan most heavily depends on the materials used. Let's take a closer look at the various roof types and how long each of them lasts.


A metal roof can last anywhere between 40 and 70 years with warranties from 20 years to a lifetime, depending on the type of metal and the design of the roof. Metal roofs made of premium metals like copper and zinc can sometimes last for over 100 years!


Usually, a wooden shingle roof lasts for about 30 years with warranties that run up to 40 years. However, in order for wood shingles and shake roofs to last, you need to perform regular maintenance. Wooden roof upkeep includes yearly cleanings, as well as repainting or staining every 5 years.


The type of wood that you use will also determine how long the roof will last. Cedar shakes, for example, last longer than other types of wooden shingles because cedar is rot and insect-resistant. Cedar shakes are also able to withstand winds up to 245 miles per hour, which makes them a popular type of roofing material for coastal homes.


Clay tile roofs are extremely durable and can last anywhere between 50 to 100 years, and manufacturers offer warranties anywhere from 30 years to a lifetime! The life expectancy of clay tile roofs is so long because tiles are weather, rot, and fire-resistant.


The three most common shingle roof types are three-tab, dimensional, and premium shingles. In general, three-tab shingle roofs can last between 10 and 20 years, dimensional roofs have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, and premium roofs can last for 20 to 30 years.


Tile roofs typically have a longer lifespan than asphalt ones. The average lifespan of a Florida tile roof is between 25 and 30 years. However, routine maintenance is necessary to preserve these roofs and ensure that they last as long as possible and can withstand the harsh Florida weather conditions.


While tile roofs tend to last for a few decades, once they begin to deteriorate, they can endure further damage more quickly and easily. You should keep an eye out for these signs that may indicate you are in need of a roof replacement:


Even though cement tiles have an impressive lifespan, they do not last forever. Eventually, cement tiles deteriorate and stop providing adequate protection for your home. Here are a few signs that could indicate a need to replace your cement tile roof:


While concrete roofs can last for 50 to 100 years, the felt underlayment beneath these roofing materials typically only lasts for around 20 years. This means that you will need to replace the underlayment from time to time to give your cement roof the best possible lifespan.


Most barrel tiles utilize a sturdy clay build that can last between 50 and 100 years on a home. However, properly maintaining your clay roof tiles is essential to preserving their integrity and ensuring that they will withstand the rainy, windy weather Florida often experiences.


While metal roofs can last 35-50 years, most Ontarians will install fibreglass asphalt shingles that last anywhere from 15-30 years. This type of shingle is the most cost-effective shingle that is best suited to the Canadian climate experienced in Ontario. So, how long do roof shingles last in Ontario?


Apart from the obvious answer regarding the different roofing materials, there are a number of factors that can affect how long your roof lasts. How long do roof shingles last in Ontario? Considering most homeowners in Ontario have asphalt shingles, here are a number of reasons that create variable answers. 2ff7e9595c


 
 
 

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