Whether it’s on your home or business, a new roof is a substantial investment.
You want that investment to stand the test of time, but how long do roofs last? And what are the factors that can affect your roof’s longevity?
In this article, we take a close-up look at the average lifespan of various types of roofs — from asphalt to metal to slate — so you can decide which roofing material best meets your needs and will provide you with the long-term results you’re after.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Average Lifespan of a Roof
- Typical Roof Lifespans by Material
- 5 Other Factors That Can Affect How Long a Roof Lasts
- Is Your Roof at the End of Its Lifespan? Contact Oscar Roofing for Replacement in Indianapolis and Bloomington
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Roof?
On average, a roof can be expected to last anywhere from between 25–50 years.
The actual lifespan of a roof depends on several factors having to do with the roofing materials, including their:
- Quality
- Durability; and
- Type
As with most things, when it comes to roofing materials you get what you pay for and as a general rule the cheapest options will require earlier replacement
Typical Roof Lifespans by Material
How long do roofs last? It all depends on the materials, the skill level of the company installing your roof, and the conditions the roof must endure. We’ll break everything down for you here.
How Long Do Asphalt Roofs Last?
Asphalt roofs last an average of 15 to 30 years.
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing shingles used today. They are installed on around 70% of new homes. The shingles are composed of fiberglass or an organic material, such as cellulose, that is then coated with an asphalt covering.
This combination creates a strong and protective shield from wind, rain, and UV rays. Over time, the sun softens the asphalt and allows the shingles to bond in place and create a watertight seal.
Longevity varies between the different types of asphalt shingles.
Shingles made from organic materials such as cellulose are more durable than fiberglass since they are coated with more asphalt, which makes them thicker.
On the other hand, fiberglass shingles are lighter, often making them the go-to choice for those installing shingles over an existing roof. They also have a higher fire rating than shingles made from cellulose.
How Long Do Architectural Roof Shingles Last?
Architectural roof shingles can last up to 25 to 30 years.
Also known as dimensional or laminated shingles, architectural shingles are formed from multiple layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass. These layers are then laminated together to give them their dimensional appearance.
While they have the same sealing process as asphalt shingles, architectural shingles are up to three times thicker. These multiple layers result in a higher density, more resilient roof.
How Long Do Wood Shingle Roofs Last?
Wood shingle roofs can last from 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality of wood used. They do, however, require annual upkeep.
Due to its resistance to rot and insects, cedar is the most popular choice for wood shingles.
To keep a wood shingle roof in top condition, it needs to undergo an annual inspection and any damaged shingles should be promptly replaced.
Wood shingle roofs do come with some drawbacks. Since wood is a natural product, it is not uncommon to encounter split shingles during installation or for warping to occur after the shingles are in place. These types of defects in the wood can result in leaking or may cause individual shingles to pop out of place.
Once subjected to the effects of sun and weather, the initial bright, brown appearance of wood shingle roofs fades over the first few months to a shade of soft, silvery gray. This discoloration is natural and is not considered a defect in the wood.
How Long Do Clay Tile Roofs Last?
Clay tile roofs can last up to 50 years or longer.
Composed of terracotta clay or tinted concrete, clay tiles are molded into flat, curved, or interlocking shapes. This type of roofing material is known for its durability and low maintenance.
Clay tile roofs are particularly in demand in hot regions, where the intense heat from the sun can easily soften the layers of asphalt shingles. This softening can weaken other types of shingles and cause the roof to leak.
How Long Do Metal Roofs Last?
Metal roofs can last up to 70 years.
Metal roofing is available in a variety of thicknesses and may be made from steel, aluminum, or copper. The thicker the gauge, the more durable the roof will be and the longer it will last.
If you have a metal roof and live in an area with many trees or that gets a considerable amount of hail, your roof may be at risk of denting. These dents can be nearly impossible to remove and are often visible from a distance. If the risk of dents is an issue in your location, consider installing a metal roof made from steel instead of copper or aluminum.
How Long Do Slate Roofs Last?
A slate roof can last 50 to 100 years or longer.
Slate roofing tiles are cut from natural slate. They are known for their beauty, structural integrity, and durability. If a slate tile should ever chip or break, it can easily be replaced.
If you’re a homeowner and don’t want to have to worry about re-roofing your home in your lifetime, slate is the perfect option for you.
5 Other Factors That Can Affect How Long a Roof Lasts
We’ve covered how the various types of roofing materials affect how long roofs last, now let’s take a look at five other elements that can determine the longevity of your roof.
#1: Color
The color of your home’s roof can have an impact on its life expectancy.
Dark-colored roofs absorb a considerable amount of heat from the sun. For this reason, light-colored roofs are recommended for homes located in bright, sunny climates.
Dark, overheated shingles are also more likely to succumb to wear and tear, and they make it more difficult to ventilate your roof.
#2: Climate
Your local climate and roof’s sun exposure may significantly affect its lifespan.
The less durable options for roofing materials, like shake or asphalt shingles, will typically deteriorate more quickly in parts of the country that experience heavy rainfall, high winds, and/or fluctuating temperatures.
Things like hail, wind, and tornadoes may remove portions of the protective coatings from shingles, leave pits in the roof, and cause a buildup of moisture that can compromise the roofing materials and lead to mildew and leaks.
If you have trees around the perimeter of your home, check to ensure that branches aren’t near enough to rub against the shingles during storms or high winds.
#3: Workmanship
Another factor that can affect how long your roof lasts is the quality of installation. Roofing isn’t a place to skimp on materials or to simply hire the least expensive company in town.
Here are a few things you should expect from a roofing company that provides quality workmanship:
- Proper nailing techniques
- No damaged or missing shingles
- Matching shingles
- Underlayment throughout the entire roof
- All new materials
- Straight rooflines
- No water leaks
Underlayment is a critical component of a quality roofing job. This waterproof layer helps protect the interior of your roof should the exterior become damaged. Underlayment keeps moisture from building up and allowing mold issues to take hold.
Oscar Roofing has been serving clients in Indianapolis, IN, for 20 years. As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, we can confidently call ourselves experts when it comes to roofing repairs and installation.
Contact the professionals at Oscar Roofing today for your free estimate.
#4: Slope
Another key to the longevity of a roof is its angle or slope. The slope influences how well your roof drains, and a roof that has poor drainage may require more frequent repairs or replacement.
If the slope of your roof is flat or has only a low slant, you’ll want to be more consistent about checking for water accumulation. Standing water on a roof may lead to:
- Mold
- Fungus; or
- Leaks
#5: Ventilation
The final aspect you’ll want to consider in regard to the longevity of your roof is proper ventilation. It is imperative that the roof remains well-ventilated to maintain a steady temperature and to keep your roofing materials from cracking.
Proper ventilation also lowers your roof’s risk of freezing or overheating and allows your home’s heating, air conditioning, and other major systems to run at peak efficiency. Check regularly for these signs of poor roof ventilation and, if necessary, take steps to correct any issues:
- Temperatures extremes inside your home
- Moisture in your attic
- Ice dams in winter
- Obvious moisture damage on your home’s interior, including peeling paint or sagging ceilings
- Obvious moisture damage on your home’s exterior, including decomposing wood on shingles, decking, fascia, or soffits
Is Your Roof at the End of Its Lifespan? Contact Oscar Roofing for Replacement in Indianapolis and Bloomington
Family-owned Oscar Roofing has served thousands of customers in Bloomington, Indianapolis, and the surrounding areas since 2003.
We specialize in roofing services for residential and commercial buildings, including:
- Inspections
- Repairs
- Replacements; and
- Installations
And we do it all while providing the #1 customer experience. We stand behind every service we finish with the utmost, total confidence, and provide the manufacturer’s and labor warranties.
Contact us today for your free estimate!
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