How Long Does a Roof Last on Average?

You may have heard conflicting information about a roof’s lifespan. Some roofs may last 15 years; others can last 30 years or longer.

So, how long does a roof last?

The answer depends on the materials. If you have asphalt shingles, your roof could last 15 to 20 years. However, there are high-end varieties that can last 50 years or longer.

This article will explore roof lifespans in greater detail. Let’s explore.

How Long Do Metal Roofs Last?

Depending on the thickness, a metal roof lifetime is between 40 to 70 years. For cheaper materials, you could still have a decent lifespan of 20 to 25 years. Overall, metal roofs are extremely durable and can fare well against winds up to 140 MPH.

They’re also energy efficient because they reflect solar heat. As a result, you can reduce your cooling bills by 10 to 25%. However, metal roofs can cause excessive noise when rain or hail occurs.

How Long Does a Shingle Roof Last If It’s Asphalt?

Under extreme temperatures, asphalt shingles can still last between 15 to 20 years on average. If maintained properly, they could last 30 years or longer.

Roofers can install them easily. They’re also durable and can withstand harsh temperatures. They also provide stellar waterproofing in the process.

With that, asphalt shingles have different lifespans.

One type is three-tab asphalt, which is the most basic type of asphalt shingle. It’s also the most affordable choice.

The three-tab option comes with a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. Further, three-tabs thrive the most in moderate temperatures.

This type of shingle can withstand max winds of 60 to 70 MPH. Nebraska sees extreme temperature swings, sometimes in the span of hours. High winds and thunderstorms are common, so three-tab shingles may not be the best bet for midwestern homeowners.

For tougher shingles, choose architectural shingles. Otherwise known as dimensional shingles, architectural shingles have several shingle layers, giving the shingles a multi-dimensional look. Homeowners often choose dimensional asphalt because they resemble natural slate roofs.

Also, the multiple layering makes the shingle stronger, and they’re more pleasing to the eye from afar. Architectural shingles have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, longevity depends on several factors, such as maintenance and climate.

Consider the other benefits of dimensional asphalt shingles:

• They add less stress on your roof compared to conventional asphalt
• They save you on labor costs, as the installation process is easy
• They reflect more light than standard asphalt, allowing to reduce your energy bills

If you have a larger budget, consider premium shingles, which are thicker than dimensional shingles. With that, installers usually apply this type of shingle on high-end homes. These shingles can last between 20 to 30 years and up to 50 years in many cases.

Interested in reading more? Find out how a shingle roof compares to a metal roof.

How Long Does a Slate Roof Last on a House?

On average, slate roofs stretch between 75 and 125 years. The lifespan depends on what type of slate you choose:

• Hard Slate: Hard slate usually lasts between 75 to 200 years. Hard slates come in different colors.
• Soft Slate: Soft slate has an expiration date between 50 to 125 years. The softer forms mostly come in black.

Hard and soft slates also have different repair requirements. In most cases, installers can restore hard slate instead of replacing it. Restoration can give hard slate another 100 years.

On the other hand, normal repair measures may be necessary for the softer version.

Regardless of the hardness level, a slate roof needs a full replacement if it’s dilapidated. Plus, slate roofs are still prone to leaks and damage. As such, routine maintenance measures are vital in extending the lifespan.

How Long Do Clay Roofs Last?

Though not as durable as slate roofs, clay roofs can last 100 years. Clay also has long-lasting durability, able to withstand rot and insect infiltration. They can also resist heavy rains and intense winds. They’re also a great choice in extreme climates, which is why you mainly see them in warmer states.

If you’re worried about maintenance, clay roofs rarely leak and come with minimal upkeep. With that, clay roofs cannot support all roof types.

For instance, clay and slate are too heavy for some houses. Additionally, clay tiles are generally incompatible in colder climates, but you need a certain grade that fares well against frost:

• Grade 1: This is the best choice for the coldest weather
• Grade 2: This alternative is suitable for moderate temperatures
• Grade 3: This grade fails to provide frost protection and would not be viable in Nebraska

Talk to a roofer to see if clay tiles are the right option for your home.

How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Roof

Regardless of the roof type, the key to maximizing your roof’s lifespan is maintenance. You can maintain your roof in the following ways:

1. Hire a professional roofer for annual inspections. A professional can spot red flags early, giving you the chance to avoid expensive repairs in the future.
2. Schedule an immediate inspection after extreme weather occurs, such as hail or high winds. An intense storm can cause underlying damage that can go unnoticed for years.

Look for any signs of roof wear, such as missing or cracked shingles. Moreover, maintain a lookout for roof leaks, including rot along your roof. Additionally, be aware of collected moisture, as a leak could be nearby. Stains also indicate leaks and moisture breaches.

High energy bills are also signs of roof damage. Roof breaches allow heating and cooling to escape, increasing your energy bills.

How Long Does a Roof Last on Average?

If you’re wondering, “How long does a roof last for common shingles?”, the answer is anywhere from 15 to 20 years. The most common shingle type you’ll find is asphalt.

If you choose cheaper asphalt materials, your roof could last only 10 years. Conversely, slate and clay tiles can last 100 years or longer.

If you’re looking for the longest lifespan possible, consider hard slate if your house can support it. High-end roofs require special installation procedures, which is why you should hire a reputable roofer with experience.

At McCoy Roofing, we pride ourselves on providing the best solution for your specific roofing needs. We will always be honest and upfront about our processes, materials, and costs as they relate to your project.

Give us a call at 402-616-7304 for a free estimate. We’d love to help you out.