If you’ve got a roof you think might need either repaired or replaced – you might be wondering how long do roofs last. Even if you don’t have any problems with your own roof, it can still be a good idea to know how long different types of roofs last. Especially if you’re looking to have a specific roof installed sometime soon.

That’s the thing with the lifespan of roofs – there’s no one specific figure for all roofs. A lot of it will depend on the type of roof construction and a number of other factors.

Things like local weather and how you care for your roof can all play an important role. So in this article, we’re going to look at a few different roof types as well as some other factors that might affect how long your roof lasts.

How long do roofs last – Different types of roofs

The biggest factor in determining how long your roof is going to last is what it was made from. Let’s have a look at a few of the most popular roofing materials and the average lifespans of all of them.

Asphalt

There isn’t one answer for this either – as there are lots of different asphalt roofing solutions. The cheapest and one of the most common asphalt options is 3 tab shingle – and these roofs have a lifespan of about 10 to 20 years.

That means they might be cheap, but you might have to replace them more often than you think. These roofs aren’t good in extreme weather, either – especially storms. They can also develop cracks when it’s really hot, so aren’t recommended for some states.

There’s another type of asphalt roof called dimensional shingle. These are thicker and longer lasting than the more common alternative we just looked at.

These roofs can last a bit longer, upwards of about 15 years, but still not many more than around 20.

The upper end of the asphalt market uses and even thicker shingle and these are the sorts of roofs many luxury homes have. The lifespan of these increases a bit and these could last between 20 and 30 years. Again, depending on the environment and a number of external factors (which will have a closer look at later).

Metal

Metal roofs have long been a mainstay in the commercial industry, but more and more architects are including them in residential designs. The most popular residential metal roofing material is standing seam.

One of the reasons this type of roof is becoming more and more popular is because it has a much longer lifespan than asphalt roofing. A correctly installed standing seam metal roof can last at least 30 and up to 50 years. This makes it a great choice for homeowners.

There are other high-end metal roof solutions like zinc and copper, and while these might be more expensive – they last even longer. Some of these roofs can last well over 100 years.

These roofs are slightly better in extreme weather conditions, too – some able to withstand winds up to 150 miles per hour (although this can vary a lot).

A slightly more affordable metal roof is one made from ribbed metal panels. These don’t last quite as long, but you might expect a lifespan of more than 25 years, and sometimes up to 50 years depending on the construction.

Wood

Wood roofs might not be that popular in roofing anymore – but they can still last up to 50 years.

Clay tiles

Clay roofing has been popular for a long time and this popularity remains because of how durable they are. A good clay tile can be guaranteed to last at least 30 years, and often up to around 60. Severe weather over prolonged periods can shorten this a bit.

Natural slate

Natural slate used to be one of the more popular roofing solutions, but this popularity has decreased somewhat because of how expensive they are. They’re also really heavy – but extremely long lasting. A good slate roof could last up to 100 years, but it will cost a lot to replace.

While slate roofs are good in heavy weather conditions, loose slates in very strong winds can be dangerous, so this might be something to consider inf you live in certain areas.

PVC and TPO membranes

These roofing finishes are becoming more and more popular, and they can be quite durable, along with having good energy-efficient qualities. However, they don’t last the longest – and might have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. That being said, they’re easy to resurface.

Tips On How to make your roof last longer

Regardless of the sort of roof yours is made from, there are a few useful tips to help make yours last a bit longer. Keep a lookout for any damage and get it fixed immediately.

Inspect your roof once or twice a year to make sure any issues get fixed as soon as possible. Any cracks could become more problematic if they aren’t fixed immediately.

A good pressure clean every so often is also a good idea. You don’t want any mould to develop as this could lead to further problems.

What can reduce the expected life span of a roof?

It might surprise you to know that the color of a roof can actually affect how long it lasts – that’s because a darker roof absorbs more heat, which could reduce the lifespan of some roofs. The direction your roof is facing could also make a difference.

Higher pitched roofs also tend to last longer than lower sloped ones. If you or someone else walks a lot on your roof, this could cause damage and reduce the lifespan. A roof that’s poorly installed by a shoddy contractor might also not last as long. Extreme weather can also play a big role. A poorly ventilated loft or roof area can also have an impact.

Hopefully, you’ve now got a slightly better idea how long your roof might last. This can help you maintain roof and also give you the right information if you need to choose a new roofing solution for your home.