Roofs protect your home against the elements. One of the very first things a person looks at when buying a home is the condition of the roof. Why? Roof repair and replacements are costly, and you always want to choose a roof that will last as long as possible. What is the average lifespan of a roof? This depends on the type of material used on the roof and other factors, such as: climate, geographical location (do you live near salt water?) and various other factors. It’s important to note that these factors will lessen the lifespan of your roof greatly. Let’s take a look at the average lifespan according to roof type.
Common Lifespan of Roofs
There are several types of roof materials that need to be considered.
- 3-tab Asphalt Shingles: 15 – 18 years
- Architectural Asphalt Shingles: 24 – 30 years
- Metal or Galvalume: 30 – 45 years
- Concrete Tile: 30 – 50 years
- Modified Bitumen: 10 – 16 years
While metal lasts a long time, it is often not seen on homes due to aesthetics. Concrete tile is the longest-lasting option, but again is used less often than asphalt shingles due to cost.
Roof Longevity Factors
We briefly touched on some of the factors that will cause a roof to last for a shorter duration. However, the actual roof slope, orientation and color are also factors that need to be considered.
- Color: Darker colors absorb more heat. In this case, a person in a warm climate with an abundance of sun will need to replace their roof more often if it is a dark, heat-absorbing color.
- Slope: The angle of the roof also plays a part in the roof’s lifespan. A roof with a high pitch will often last longer. This is due to snow and rain not being able to settle on the roof itself.
- Orientation: Slopes that face south will have more sun beating down on the roof, causing the average lifespan of the roof to lessen.
There are also other factors that affect a roof’s lifespan. Trees in the area can rub or fall on a roof, causing a problem. Leaves that are left on the roof can also cause acidity build-up, which will begin to deteriorate the roof and cause issues. The best roof for your home will depend on a variety of factors – mostly your budget. In the higher price range, your roofer will be able to use stronger, more durable roofing materials that will last for 30+ years.
