Undergoing a complete roof replacement is a major project for your home. It is an investment into your property that you want to make sure is getting a great return. When you trust an experienced roofing company like Rutter Roofing & Exteriors, you can be confident the installation will be done correctly regardless of the type of materials used. As a CertainTeed 5-Star installer, Rutter Roofing & Exteriors only uses the highest quality products. These products are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and designed to best protect your home for years to come. However, like everything else, your roof does have an average lifespan. It is crucial to understand when to replace your roof based on the materials used. There are many different types of roofs and each has varying lifespans based on a variety of factors. Before you decide to replace your roof, there are a few things to consider such as look and style, upfront cost, durability, and longevity. Here is a helpful breakdown of the average lifespan of different types of roofs to help you make an informed decision.
Asphalt Shingles: 10 to 50 Years
The most common and popular type of roofing is asphalt shingles. They are affordable, easy to install, low maintenance, and look beautiful. These shingles are the go-to choice for most homeowners and will quickly increase your home’s curb appeal. The one downside is they do not last as long as other materials. The wide lifespan range can depend on the quality of installation and maintenance, as well as the overall wear and tear from weather, animals, and other external factors. Most asphalt shingles come with a 25+ year warranty to protect them from basic wear and tear.
Built-Up Roofing: 15 – 30+ Years
Built-up roofing is used for flat or low-slope roofs and is a great option for commercial properties. Most commonly found in cities, built-up roofs are made of alternating layers of waterproofing fabric, materials, asphalt, and finished with stone or gravel. The waterproofing ability makes these most common on flat roofs. The average lifespan is typically similar to asphalt shingles, however, they can sometimes last 40 years or more with excellent upkeep and maintenance.
Wood Shingles: 20-30 Years
Wood shingles have the benefit of coming in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, textures, colors, and types of wood, making them extremely versatile. Wood shingles typically require more maintenance than other materials and often need to be re-stained or painted. However, they are typically durable and cost-effective.
Green Roofing: 40 Years
Green roofs are not very common for homes in the U.S. They are more beneficial for commercial buildings in urban areas due to their long lifespan and extremely high energy-efficient capabilities.
Concrete Tiles: 50+ Years
Concrete tiles are extremely durable, as they are fireproof, waterproof, insect-proof, and can handle winds up to 125 miles per hour. They are relatively low maintenance, although wetter climates can experience issues with moss or mildew growing in the cracks of tiles.
Clay Tile Roofing: 50 to 100 Years
While clay tiles are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials, they are not ideal for every climate. Clay roofing is most common in the Southwest, in states like Arizona and Nevada. This material holds up well to heat and dry conditions. Clay tiles are durable and low-maintenance, and while very expensive to install, the longevity means you’ll never have to worry about replacing your roof.
Metal Roofing: 70 Years
Metal roofing is one of the more durable and long-lasting materials but can vary dramatically in quality, look, and cost. A metal roof is very low maintenance and the higher installation costs are typically worth it for longevity.
Slate Roofing: 100+ Years
Often called the “forever roof”, slate roofing is the most durable roofing material, lasting over a hundred years. This natural rock can withstand nearly every weather condition and natural occurrence. The downside to slate is that the immense weight makes installation more difficult and expensive. With slate roofs, you balance the most expensive roofing materials with the greatest longevity, which still gives you the best return on investment.
Replace Your Roof with Rutter Roofing & Exteriors
If you have lived in your home for a while and are wondering when to replace your roof, the material your roof is made from will determine that. Each material has its durability that will result in a different answer for how long does a roof last. When it is time to replace your roof, call Rutter Roofing & Exteriors for trustworthy and reliable roofing services, no matter which material you choose is best for you.
