How Long Is a Roof’s Life Expectancy?

Age is a significant element in determining if you need a new roof. While we are all aware that roofs do not endure indefinitely. Homeowners may be wondering how long a roof’s life expectancy is.

In general, you may anticipate your roof lasting around 30 years. However, the actual longevity of your roof is dependent on a variety of factors. These include the kind of roofing materials utilized and the surrounding climate. Read more here. 

What variables affect your roof’s life expectancy?

Workmanship quality of the installation – A substandard installation can reduce the life of your roof.

Environmental factors – High winds, harsh temperatures, and falling debris may all shorten the life of your roof.

The quality of the materials used – Although less costly initially, less expensive materials will need replacement more often than more expensive roofing materials.

The kind of roofing material used – Different roofing materials have varying degrees of durability. This means they will last longer or shorter under certain situations.

While there are various elements that affect how long your roof will survive, the most significant aspect is the materials utilized. Using a professional roofing company like the one found at https://kanga-roof.com/service-areas/macomb/ will allow you to have your roof repaired or replaced correctly.

Let’s take a deeper look at the different roof kinds and the expected lifespan of each. 

Brand new roof an example of a roof's life expectancy being long term.

Wood shingles

Cedar is the chosen material for wood shingles and shakes due to its resistance to decay and insects. Wood shingles weather to a mellow silvery gray over time and complement practically any kind of home. But they’re particularly well-suited to Tudor and cottage-style buildings with steep-pitched roofs.

While wood shingles provide a natural look and are very inexpensive to install, they do have certain disadvantages. Due to the natural nature of the product, it is not unusual to experience a few warped or split shingles during installation, or to suffer disfigurement after the shingles are installed. These flaws may lead to leakage or result in the appearance of individual shingles.

wooden shingles

Clay tile

Clay tiles come in a variety of earthy hues, this roofing material is best recognized for its vibrant terra-cotta tones. These are especially popular in the southern United States. You’ll cost between $600 and $800 per square foot to build a clay tile roof. And you won’t have to repair it for years. The low-maintenance, resilient tiles may easily last 50 years, and manufacturers give guarantees ranging from 30 years to a lifetime.

Clay tile roof

Metal roofs

Metal roofing is available at a range of pricing points and quality levels. Beginning at roughly $115 per square foot for aluminum or steel standing-seam panels and up to $900 per square foot for stone-coated steel tiles and standing-seam copper panels.

When it comes to metal roofing, thickness also matters; the thicker the gauge (the smaller the number), the more durable the roof. At the budget end, thinner metals (26 to 29 gauge) with a lifetime of 20 to 25 years are available.

High-end metal roofing (22 to 24 gauge) is popular in northern locations because it effectively removes snow from the roof. And is sturdy enough to endure well over half a century. Manufacturers provide guarantees ranging from twenty years to life, depending on the metal’s quality. Additionally, metal roofing has a lower carbon footprint than asphalt roofing, owing to the high proportion of petroleum materials used in the making of asphalt shingles. 

Metal roof

Your Roof’s Life Expectancy

Having a roof inspection performed as part of the regular due diligence process before purchasing a house is pretty routine. Don’t be afraid to negotiate if the roof is not up to code or has issues. Especially if it might prove expensive in the future.

If you’ve ever bought or constructed a house, you’re undoubtedly aware that the roof is one of the most involved and possibly costly components of the purchase.

You’ll want to know the age and condition of the roof that will protect you, your family, and your workers, as well as any issues or particular needs for the kind of material and style of roof on the property.

Additionally, you’ll want to learn the roof’s life expectancy of the type you’re considering purchasing or installing in your particular geographic location, as well as its distinctive weather patterns.

Perhaps most significantly, you’ll want to get your roof examined before purchasing a new house. And on a frequent basis afterward to determine the present status of your roof.

For example, asphalt shingle roofs typically last between 20 and 25 years, while other types of roofing, such as metal standing seam roofing, can last 50 years or even longer up to 70 years, depending on your climate, the type of property, and a variety of other environmental factors such as overhanging trees and the humidity percentage, the amount of rainfall, and whether you are prone to roof hail damage.

Asphalt shingles

Final Thoughts on Your Roof’s Life Expectancy

Thus, increase your roof lifespan with regular roof maintenance. The secret to a durable roof is to schedule regular roof maintenance and inspections conducted by roofing experts. By spotting problems early and repairing them, you can prolong the life of your roof with these minor home upgrades.

If you’re considering a new roof, call several area roofing companies to get different estimates on the cost of a replacement. With the assistance of a reputable roofer, you can be certain of a long-lasting roof that will protect you for years to come.

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