How Long Does a Roof Last? This Is What You Need to Know

Did you know that the national average to install a roof costs $2,500? If you recently spent a ton of money putting in a new roof and are wondering how long your money will stretch and how long does a roof last, you are in the right place. We are going to go over what you can expect when it comes to the roof above your head in the article below.

How Long Does a Roof Last?

The answer is that it depends on the type of roof you have, installation quality, the weather in your area, and if the region you live in experiences natural disasters. Below we are going to cover the most common types of roof materials and what their life expectancy is.

Asphalt Shingles 

If your roof is asphalt shingles, which is the most common roofing material used you can expect it to last between 15 to 30 years. Asphalt is made from different ingredients such as cement fibers and organic materials. These ingredients provide protection against rain, wind, and UV rays.

The underside features have a layer of black asphalt that gets sticky with the sun and it helps seal the roofing in place to help form a watertight seal.

Architectural Shingles

These shingles seal the same way as standard asphalt shingles but they are up to three times thicker, therefore they can last between 25 to 30 years, depending on the weather in your area and the company that installed it. These shingles cost a little more than traditional asphalt shingles but they are popular because there are different styles to choose from.

You can even choose styles that mimic more expensive roofs such as tile, slate, and wood. If you are looking for a nicer look then you want to make sure you follow these tips when looking for a reputable roofing company https://prr247.com/15-tips-for-choosing-the-best-roofing-company/.

Clay Tile Roofs

Clay tile roofs can last 50 years or more. Another name for this material is terracotta and it is very popular in the southwest area of the United States. This tile material will need a special frame to hold the weight of the tiles before installation.

You can expect to pay more per square of clay tile roof but you won’t have to worry about replacing the roof in the near future because it will last you for a few decades. This option is also popular because it has very low-maintenance and the warranties can vary between 30 years to an entire lifetime.

Wood Shingle Roofs

Wood shingle roofs can last you up to 30 years when it is well taken care of. The most popular choice for wood shingles is cedar because they are insect and rot-resistant. Because wood is a natural product you will want to make sure it is inspected every year to make sure that there are no warped or split shingles.

If there are ever any split shingles they have to be replaced as soon as you notice before they get worst or let water inside your home. The warranty on a wood shingle roof can be as long as 30 years.

Slate Tile Roofs

One of the longest-lasting roofs is a slate tile roof. It can last you a century or even longer. This is a natural metamorphic stone that is perfect to cut into even roofing tiles.

While this is the most expensive roofing option you can choose, you won’t have to worry about the roof over your head for as long as you live unless there is ever a tornado that goes through your home. Other than mother nature this is a very reliable roof that will be able to handle pretty much anything.

The manufacturers of slate tiles offer warranties that range between 50 years to a lifetime. The great thing is that if one of your slate tiles ever breaks, you can easily have it replaced or replace it yourself if you have experience.

When it comes to cons the biggest downside is the weight. Most roof framing is not made to support tiles that are this heavy. This means that if you opt for a slate roof if your frame won’t hold the weight the rafter will have to be changed before install.

Metal Roofs

A metal roof is the way to go if you do not want to worry about your roof for 70+ years. This material will cost you more upfront but you won’t have to worry about it for a long time. The thicker the gauge that you choose the more you can expect to pay and the more durable your roof will be.

The thinner metals that are between 26 to 29 gauge will have a shorter lifespan of 20 to 25 years. 22 to 24 gauge is popular in northern regions because the roof allows the snow to slide off the roof instead of accumulating on it.

Most manufacturers will offer warranties between 20 years to a lifetime depending on the metal quality that you opt for.

Which Roof Will You Choose?

Now that we answered the question “how long does a roof last?” you can decide whether it is time to replace your roof or not. You do not want to be like most property owners that do not realize that their roof needs a repair until it’s too late and it ends up costing a lot more money.

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