The roof over your head is a big investment, and it makes sense that most homeowners are concerned about preserving theirs for as long as possible. Whether you are preparing to get a roof replacement and looking to choose a material that will make your residential roof last or your current roof is in good condition and you are curious how long it will be before replacement is necessary, Benchmark Roofers is here to help. How long does a residential roof last?
How Long Does a Residential Roof Last?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question when it comes to a residential roof. Instead, many different factors influence the longevity of your roof, including the materials that were used to create it, the installation process, preventative maintenance and any severe weather incidents that took place. The answer to the question “how long does a residential roof last?” is 30 years for most homeowners. Below, we’ll take you through the many factors that can increase or decrease that number.
What Factors Determine How Long a Roof Lasts?
- Workmanship During the Installation: A poor installation or one that is done on a roof that was not properly prepared for the installation can shorten the lifespan of your roof. It will also increase the chances that your roof will need major repairs before it is eventually replaced.
- Environmental Conditions: A roof that is exposed to extreme temperatures, falling debris, high winds, storms like hurricanes and other harsh environmental conditions will not last as long. These factors can be out of your control, but if you live in a state or area where the conditions above are more common, you should anticipate replacing your roof more frequently than you would otherwise.
- Type of Material: Every type of roofing material has a different level of durability, which means that some are more likely to last a long time than others. As a caveat, it’s also important to note that every type of material has different maintenance requirements, so if you want to invest in a roofing material that will last longer, it might also mean that you need to invest more in maintenance.
- Quality of Material: If you take shortcuts upfront by using low-quality materials or inexpensive materials, there is a good chance that your residential roof will not last as long as it would otherwise. The quality and type of material are the two biggest factors when considering roof longevity.
What Are the Different Types of Roofing Materials? How Long Will My Residential Roof Last?
- Asphalt Shingles: These are the most common roofing material for a reason—they are known for being durable, affordable and often come with warranties up to 25 years. Asphalt shingles are great at protecting a home from weather and ultraviolet rays. In general, an asphalt roof will last between 15-30 years, and one of the factors that shortens their lifespan the most is extreme temperature changes. If you choose high-end asphalt shingles, you can ensure a longer life. Architectural asphalt shingles last between 20-30 years, and premium-grade asphalt shingles can last 25-40 years. The signs that you should replace asphalt roofing include curling, mineral granules coming off and accumulating in your gutters and cracked shingles.
- Metal Roofing: Metal roofing is great for longevity, as it can easily last 40-70 years without replacement. If you invest in a premium metal like zinc or copper, the roof might not need to be replaced for a century! Stand seam metal roofing is the most common, and it can last for five decades and hold up to winds over 100 mph. Ribbed metal panels are less of an investment than stand seam roofing, but they have an expected lifespan of only 25-50 years in comparison. If you have metal roofing and notice the roof leaking, rust, discoloration, water staining or mold, it might be time for replacement.
- Wood Shingles: Another common type of shingle is a wood shingle, and these can last for about 30 years with proper maintenance. Because wood is more sensitive than asphalt, you will need to invest in annual cleanings and staining or repainting the roof every 5 years or so. Cedar is the best choice for wood shakes, as they are naturally rot and insect-resistant and can hold up in winds up to 245 mph. The signs that your wood roof needs replacement include shingles that are splitting or rotting, pest damage and algae growth.
- Clay Tile: Like metal roofing, clay tile roofing is also very durable and can last between 50-100 years with proper maintenance. Clay tiles naturally resist weather, fire and rot, but they need to be cleaned regularly to prevent moss or mold from building up. They are best for warm climates, as the freeze-thaw cycle can damage the tiles and lead to cracking. The signs that your clay tile roof needs replacement include finding pieces of tile in your gutters, cracked tiles, chipped tiles or water staining in your attic.
- Slate Tile: When it comes to making your residential roof last, slate tile is at the head of the pack with an expected lifespan of 75-200 years. Slate is wonderful in harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, and it will not retain moisture or require much maintenance. It is heavy and may require your roof to be reinforced, but the investment that you make will go a long way.
Make Your Residential Roof Last with Benchmark Roofers
Benchmark Roofers is proud to serve homeowners throughout the state of Maryland in need of high-quality roofing and repairs. Our team of professionals specializes in installing new roofs and roof replacements that offer decades of durability and keep your family safe and dry. We can custom design your roof replacement to perfectly match the old roof or update your home to something new.
Beyond our roof replacement and repair offerings, we can help you cross home improvement projects off your to-do list, including door replacement, gutter replacement, siding replacement, window replacement and roof repair. For a free roof inspection to determine if you need a roof replacement or a consultation to show you the benefits of a new roof, call us today at 443-454-1293 or submit the brief contact form below.
