The lifespan of a roof can change dramatically depending on the type of roof you have at home.
Taking care of your roof is an essential part of taking care of your home. This is why many agree that you should make time for a roof inspection at least once every year. These inspections are important to note any repairs that need to be done.
While taking care of your roof can extend its lifespan, the truth is that the type of roof you have plays a massive role as well. This is because the various roofing materials come with very different lifespans themselves.
Interested in learning more about roof lifespans? You’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about the lifespan of different kinds of roofs.
Roof Lifespan
As mentioned above, regular roof inspections are a vital part of maintaining your home. However, your roof’s age is an important factor to keep in mind as roofs don’t last forever. Even if you take excellent care of your roof, the average lifespan is around 20 years.
This lifespan is dependent on a number of different factors. These factors include the type of roof that you have, the environment around your home, and how well you have managed to maintain the roof. If you have done upgrades and repairs often, these investments can help extend the lifespan of your roof.
Factors That Influence the Lifespan of a Roof
While the average lifespan of a roof may be around 20 years, this is not the case for every roof. In this way, you may want to take a closer look at the individual factors that influence how long your roof is set to last. Here’s a quick look at these factors.
Environmental Factors
The first thing that you should note is the environment around your home. If you experience high winds and extreme temperatures, you can expect your roof to wear at higher rates. This means that your roof won’t last as long as others in calmer regions.
Workmanship and Quality
Quality is always an important factor to consider. This is because if your roof was not installed perfectly, the smallest of errors can become weak points. In this way, the entire roof can get damaged a lot easier.
Different Types of Roofs
The most accurate measure of how long your roof will last is to look at the type of roof you have and the roofing materials that were used. This is because these factors describe the roof itself. Here’s a quick look at the different types of roofs and the lifespan they come with.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing options and come with a few different lifespans. While 3-tab shingles can last between 15 to 20 years, dimensional shingles can last up to 30 years. However, premium shingles can last up to 40 years.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years. This is mainly due to the durable nature of the roofing material itself, allowing your home to stay protected no matter the weather conditions outside.
Wood Shakes
A wooden shingle or shake tends to last around 30 years on average. This kind of roof is made from wood and requires roof maintenance every year.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are an incredibly popular option for residential homes as they can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. This kind of tile is weather resistant, allowing it to remain intact even in the most extreme weather conditions.
Slate Tile
If you’re looking for a roof that will stand the test of time, slate tile roofs are the way to go. This kind of roof is incredibly durable and can last up to 200 years. Slate roofs come with this impressive lifespan as they can hold up well against extreme weather conditions.
When To Consider a Roof Replacement
While roof repairs are essential to keep your roof looking great, the time will come when you need to replace it. The best sign that its time to replace your roof is when the cost to repair is more than the cost to replace. This is a simple way to make the decision as the roof inspector will let you know that replacing your roof is the better option.
Extending Your Roofs Lifespan
Despite the average ranges stated above, there are a few things that you can do to extend the lifespan of your roof at home. The first thing that you can do is regular maintenance. This is an important step as it allows you to spot and fix issues as soon as they arise.
Another thing that you can do to extend the lifespan of your roof is to weatherize the entire roof. This means doing essential upgrades to the roof before harsh weather gets a chance to do any damage. In this way, your roof can benefit from the upgrades and stand strong despite the weather conditions.
Refreshing Your Roof with Resistance Exteriors
If you’re trying to figure out the lifespan of a roof, the truth is that it’s entirely dependent on the kind of roof you have. In addition to this, taking care of your roof with regular maintenance can go a long way to extend its lifespan. In this way, your roof can last decades or a lifetime with the right attention and care.
When it comes to taking care of your roof, Resistance Exteriors offers a wide range of services. From annual inspections to efficient roof repair, we can do it all. Contact us today for a free estimate.
