Average Roof Lifespan Based On Materials Used

Your roof is going to be one of the most significant investments you’ll make on your home. As it’s one of the most expensive improvements you’ll make, you’ll want to make sure that you’re picking a roofing material that will last a long time. There are so many different materials to choose from, so here are some of the most popular options out there and how long they will last on your home.

Asphalt Shingles

Average roof lifespan: 15 – 25 years

Asphalt shingles are usually the most commonly used roofing materials on a home. This is because they’re highly affordable while still being good at repelling water. They’re also very easy to install and repair, which helps keep costs down when you’re having your roof replaced.

With those lower costs comes a lower life expectancy, though. Those shingles have the shortest life expectancy on this list, lasting up to 25 years, dependent on the shingles you use and how you take care of them. They also won’t offer the most protection, as compared to other materials.

However, if you’re on a budget and need to replace your roof, then asphalt shingles are still a good choice for you.

Metal Roofing

Average roof lifespan: Between 30 and 70 years

Metal roofing has become very popular in recent years, as it offers so many benefits. They’re able to withstand extreme weather, and they’re easily installed as they often come in larger sheets that are screwed down onto the roof. Because they’re installed in larger sheets, there are fewer seams that could potentially let water in. They also have the highest fire resistance rating, making them significantly safer.

Another benefit of metal roofs is that they can be made to mimic the style of many other materials. For example, they can be made to look like clay tiles, slate, or stone.

The only downside here is cost, as metal can be the most expensive material on this list. As they can last for up to 70 years, though, many feel as though the cost is worth it.

Concrete Roofing

Average roof lifespan: 50 to 100 years

As you can see, concrete roofing can potentially have the longest lifespan out of all the materials on this list. That’s good news for those that want a particularly long lasting roofing material. They have a lot of other benefits too that you can take advantage of. For example, they’re very easy to maintain, as the tiles are very strong. They’re also resistant to fire, as well as being more environmentally sound than other materials.

However, you want to be aware that the tiles do weigh a lot, and so they’re going to be heavy on your roof. They’re also going to be harder to install, thanks to their weight.

Clay Roofing

Average roof lifespan: 40 – 75 years

Clay is a similar roofing material to concrete, and many prefer it as it does offer some benefits over concrete roofing. For example, you can buy all kinds of styles and colors of clay roof tiles, so you can get just the look that you’re going for. It also helps you blend the roof in with your home’s current architectural style.

It is worth being aware that clay roof tiles will cost you more than other materials out there. If you’re choosing clay over concrete, also you need to be aware that they have a shorter lifespan. However, they can still last for up to 75 years, so they’re still a long lasting roofing type.

Slate Roofing

Average roof lifespan: 40 years

Many like to go with a slate roof, as there’s no denying that slate is aesthetically pleasing. As it’s a natural stone product, it’s always going to be unique and allow your home to stand out. Like metal roofs, it’s also highly fire proof, perfect for those who value safety in their home improvements.

The exact lifespan you get from a slate roof will depend on the quality of slate you buy. For example, many quality slate roofs come from the UK, and that’s reflected in the price and the longevity of the product. You’ll pay more for a good quality slate roof, but it’s well worth the money.

Rubber Roofing

Average roof lifespan: 40 years

If you’re looking for a roofing material that’s highly resistant to water, then rubber roofing will be the best choice for you. They’re most often installed on low sloping roofs, as these are susceptible to ‘ponding’ and water damage. There aren’t many seams, so it’s very difficult for water to permeate this roofing type.

A rubber roof will also be cheaper to install, as it’s much easier to do so. It doesn’t require the use of any special tools, so it’s very simple. It’s also a good choice for those trying to be environmentally friendly, as a rubber roof is typically made from recycled materials.

The only downside is that a rubber roof may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other roofing types. However, there are lots of new types that are made to emulate other roofing materials too, and you’ll still get all the benefits.

Wood Shake Roofing

Average roof lifespan: 30 years

Wood shake roofs are popular as they are good looking on most homes. They have a unique look, something that you can’t get with most other roofing types. They’re also more resistant to the weather than you’d think, as they’re very much capable of standing up to high winds. You can even get shakes that have been treated to be moss, algae, and insect resistant too.

There are a couple of downsides to be aware of, too. For example, as you’d expect, wood shakes aren’t going to be very fire resistant. Also, they aren’t going to last as long as other roof types, as they are susceptible to absorbing water.

There are so many different options out there for your roof, and the life span of a particular material is just one thing you should consider. Now you have the basics, so you can decide which roofing material will be right for you.