Life Expectancy of Roofing Materials and Roof Systems
| Roofing Material or System | Typical Useful Service Life | Longest Length of Manufacturer’s Warrant ... |
| Asphalt Shingles: 3-Tab | 12 – 25 Years | 10 Years |
| Asphalt Shingles: 3-Tab, Premium | 20 – 35 Years | 20 Years |
| Asphalt Shingles: Architectural (Laminat ... | 25 – 40 Years | 25 Years |
| Asphalt Shingles: Architectural (Laminat ... | 35 – 50 Years | 50 Years |
How is the remaining useful life of a roof determined?
This very detailed article is about how roof systems work and how to determine the remaining lifespan of a roof system. The type of roof is the main factor in determining the useful life of any roofing system and the different types vary in durability, sustainability and cost.
What is the average lifespan of a commercial roof?
There are common commercial roofing systems that have lifespans anywhere from 10 to 40 years and they include the following: These types of roofs have been known to last at least 10 to 20 years, though they can sustain themselves anywhere between 20 and 30 years.
How long does a roof last on average?
Well, the average lifespan of a roof is about 20 years. This number can vary depending on your geographical location as well as climate conditions like rain, snowfall, wind, and extreme temperatures. The materials used in the roof’s construction also play a role in how long it will last.
What is the average life expectancy of a SPF roof?
This indicates that the life expectancy of a SPF roof system depends primarily on the original application and long-term maintenance. In the first study, Dupuis reported the average service life of the SPF roofing systems before re-coat was 11 years. In the subsequent study in 2003, the average re-coat cycle had increased to 15 years.
How often should a roof be replace?
In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used: Composition Shingles: 12-20 years. Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years. Wood Shingles: 20-25 years.
What is the average life expectancy of a shingle roof?
High-quality architectural shingles have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. Conversely, 3-tab shingles are expected to last 10 to 12 years. Tile roofs in Florida last from 25 years to 50 years. When maintained properly, they could last even longer.
How do you know when roof needs replacing?
You Need a New Roof If You Notice Curling, Missing, or Mossy ShinglesCracked shingles.Damaged or curled shingles.Loose or missing shingles.Damage or discoloration around vents.Missing granules.Moss or algae growth.Damage around chimneys or skylights.
Can a roof last over 30 years?
A wood shingle roof can last up to 30 years, but individual shingles may need replacing before that. A clay tile roof will last an average of 50 years, while metal roofs last from 20 to 70 years, depending on quality. Slate roofs can last up to a century, and solar tile shingles are expected to last about 30 years.
How much does it cost to replace a roof?
between $5,100 and $10,000The average cost to replace a roof can vary quite a bit. According to HomeAdvisor, the typical range for roof replacement costs is between $5,100 and $10,000, but roof replacement can be as low as $1,200 or as high as $30,000. Many roofing companies will charge between $3.50 and $5.00 per square foot.
Can you put a new roof over an old roof?
Roofing over an existing roof is also called reroofing or an overlay. It is the process where roofers install a new roof over your existing one, i.e. add a new layer of shingles, which means that the old roof will not be removed/teared off.
How do I know if my roof is bad?
5 Undeniable Signs You Have a Bad RoofSunken Roof. If your roof begins to sink and buckle in, you should contact a roofer immediately, as this is a sure sign of rotting. ... Water Spots. ... Moss & Algae Growth. ... Missing & Cracked Shingles. ... Defective Construction Materials.
Should I replace my roof if it's not leaking?
So obviously you want to replace your roof before it starts leaking or fails completely. A reputable roofing contractor will recommend that you replace your roof somewhere around 80-85% of the manufacturer's life of the roof.
Should you replace gutters when replacing roof?
Do your gutters need to be removed during a roof replacement? Most customers usually replace their gutters when they replace their roof. However, if your gutters are fairly new or the material's integrity is holding strong, you probably aren't replacing them during your roof replacement.
How much does it cost to shingle a roof?
On average, most homeowners pay between $8,000 and $9,000 to install new shingles, with low costs in the $5,000s and high costs pushing into the $12,000s and higher. These costs are for asphalt shingles, the most economical shingle you can buy.
How long does it take to tear off and replace a roof?
In general, the roof of an average residence (3,000 square feet or less) can be replaced in a day. In extreme cases, it could take three to five days. Depending on the weather, complexity, and accessibility of your home it could even take up to three weeks.
How long do 30 year shingles actually last?
The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it's not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years. That's one of the big misconceptions in the roofing marketplace.
How long do 30 year architectural shingles really last?
The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it's not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years. That's one of the big misconceptions in the roofing marketplace.
How much does it cost to shingle a roof?
On average, most homeowners pay between $8,000 and $9,000 to install new shingles, with low costs in the $5,000s and high costs pushing into the $12,000s and higher. These costs are for asphalt shingles, the most economical shingle you can buy.
Does roof pitch affect shingle life?
It may seem counterintuitive to some, but the higher your roof pitch, the longer your shingle roof will tend to last. This is due in part to the fact that a steeper roof means that gravity pulls moisture off your roof faster, giving water less chance to infiltrate and do more damage.
Do fiberglass shingles last longer?
While fiberglass shingles may cost more per square foot than your average asphalt shingles, their quality and longevity can add significant value to your home and save you money on costly roof repairs. With proper maintenance, you can expect fiberglass shingles to last for 30-50 years.
How long does asphalt shingle roof last?
Right Off the Bat: A typical asphalt shingle roof will normally last anywhere from 15 to 25 years (and up to 30+ years in some rare cases) before requiring a replacement.
How long does a standing seam roof last?
When installed correctly, a typical standing seam metal roof will last anywhere from 30 to 50 years.
What is the wind uplift rating for a standing seam roof?
Standing seam metal roofs, depending on the profile and metal thickness, can have a wind uplift rating ranging from 90 MPH to 150 MPH. 110-120 MPH is a common wind uplift rating for most standing seam roofs.
What is ribbed metal roofing?
Ribbed Metal Panels are a more affordable metal roofing option for homes. When looking for a value-priced metal roof, it’s always a good idea to make sure you are getting a system comprised of Kynar 500 factory paint finished metal panels, not acrylic, unless you want to deal with peeling paint and discoloration issues.
How long do 50 year shingles last?
Expected lifespan of a premium shingle roof is anywhere from 20 to 35 years with proper maintenance, depending on the environment.
How long does a 3 tab roof last?
A typical 3-tab asphalt roof will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the environment and slope of the roof. Cracks or thermal splitting in asphalt shingles.
What is the maximum wind uplift for a shingle?
Maximum wind uplift for most architectural shingle products is 110 MPH. With an enhanced 6-nail installation method and roof-frame bracing, the wind uplift rating can be increased to 130 MPH. The one exception is the GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingle that comes with the standard 130 MPH warranty, even when installed using the standard nailing method.
How long do metal roofs last?
Metal roofs have warranties that last from 20 years to a lifetime. Roofs made from premium metals such as zinc and copper may last up to 100 years, depending on maintenance.
How long do architectural shingles last?
They have a longer lifespan and are more expensive than 3-tab shingles. The lifespan of architectural shingles roof is 20-30 years.
What is the most common roofing material?
In the US, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. That’s because they are durable and affordable, and their warranties run up to 25 years, depending on the manufacturer. They are made of asphalt sealant and fiberglass.
How long does slate tile last?
Their lifespan ranges between 75-200 years, depending on maintenance. Most slate tile manufacturers offer warranties that run between 50 years to a lifetime.
What is the best roofing material for coastal areas?
Cedar is a popular roofing material for people living in coastal areas because it can withstand strong wind speeds of 245 miles per hour. If you notice that your wooden shingles are splitting, rotting, have molds, have pest damage, or have algae growth, it may be time for a replacement.
How long do wood shingles last?
Wooden shingles often last for 30 years with warranties that run up to the same time frame. However, you will need to perform regular maintenance for your roof to last longer. Maintenance includes annual cleaning, periodic staining, and repainting.
How heavy is slate tile?
Before installing a slate tile roof, remember that it is quite heavy. One hundred square feet of slate tiles weigh over 1,000 pounds.
What factors affect the lifespan of a roof?
Top factors that affect your roof’s lifespan. From modified bitumen and concrete tiles to metal and asphalt shingles – assuming the manufacturer of the material is offering a quality product, they all have different lifespans.
Why do pitched roofs last longer?
While a higher pitched roof is more difficult to work with for installers, these tend to last longer because moisture is more likely to quickly run off the surface.
How does hail affect shingles?
The lifespan of your roof following a heavy windstorm and/or hail depends on the severity of the damage. When hail hits your shingles, it leaves a divot, which allows moisture to pool. Hail and wind can also knock off the protective granules, drastically reducing the lifespan of the roof. Always contact your roofing contractor following a storm and schedule an inspection .
How long do asphalt shingles last?
While a roof covered in asphalt shingles can last 18 years or longer, the protective granules begin to come loose and fall off in inclement weather and while aging, which is why after a couple of years, the “new roof” designation is dropped.
Why does an attic roof need to be ventilated?
An unventilated or poorly ventilated attic reduces roof lifespan due to the fact that moisture is not properly vented.
What happens when hail hits shingles?
When hail hits your shingles, it leaves a divot, which allows moisture to pool. Hail and wind can also knock off the protective granules, drastically reducing the lifespan of the roof. Always contact your roofing contractor following a storm and schedule an inspection .
How long do cedar shake roofs last?
The Bureau also says that thick-cut shakes will last longer than thin cedar shingles. If installed properly, maintained, treated and don’t encounter successive, massive windstorms and hail, cedar shake can last 30 to 40 years.
How long do roofs last?
A: Materials and workmanship—as well as the weather elements in your location—determine the lifespan of a roof. While many types of roofs last longer than 15 years, some can hold up well for 50 years or longer, barring a serious storm or a large fallen tree. Not surprisingly, cheaper roofing materials won’t last as long as more expensive types, ...
How long do architectural shingles last?
Architectural shingles are a premium type of asphalt shingles that last 25 to 30 years. While architectural shingles seal in the same manner as standard asphalt shingles, they’re up to three times thicker to form a denser, more resilient roof.
How much does metal roofing cost?
Metal roofing runs the gamut of price and quality, starting around $115 per square for standing-seam panels in aluminum or steel and up to $900 dollars per square for stone-coated steel tiles and standing-seam copper panels. When it comes to metal roofing, quality also relates to thickness; the thicker the gauge (lower in number), the more durable the roof will be. At the cheaper end, you’ll find thinner metals (26 to 29 gauge) with a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. High-end metal roofing (22 to 24 gauge) is popular in northern regions due to its ability to send snow sliding from the roof, and it’s durable enough that it can easily last more than half a century. Manufacturers offer warranties ranging from 20 years to a lifetime, depending on the quality of the metal.
What is the most common roofing material?
Asphalt shingles, the most common type of roofing material sold today, are installed on more than 80 of new homes because they’re affordable (averaging $70 to $150 per square) and include warranties of up to 25 years. Comprised of a variety of ingredients, including organic materials and cement fibers, they provide a durable layer of protection from UV rays, wind, and rain. The shingles’ underside features a layer of black asphalt that becomes sticky in the hot sun and seals the roofing in place to form a watertight seal.
How much does it cost to install a clay roof?
You’ll pay $600 to $800 per square to have a clay tile roof installed, but you won’t be replacing the roof any time soon. The durable, low-maintenance tiles can easily last 50 years, and manufacturers offer warranties anywhere from 30 years to a lifetime.
How much does it cost to replace a split shingle roof?
A wood shingle roof should be inspected annually, and any split shingles should be promptly replaced. You’ll pay $250 to $600 per square for a wood shingle roof and warranties run up to 30 years.
What is the best wood for shingles?
Cedar is the preferred choice for wood shingles (also called “shakes”) because it’s rot- and insect-resistant. Wood shingles look great on just about any house, weathering over time to a soft silvery gray, but they’re especially well-suited to Tudor and cottage-style homes. Because wood is a natural product, it’s not uncommon to occasionally find a few warped or split shingles. A wood shingle roof should be inspected annually, and any split shingles should be promptly replaced. You’ll pay $250 to $600 per square for a wood shingle roof and warranties run up to 30 years.
Life Expectancy of a Roof
How long does a roof last? This is an important question that many people ask, and it can be difficult to answer but in general, a roof will last anywhere from 20 to 60 years.
Types of Roofs and Their Lifespans
What kind of roof do you have? It is important to do your research and find out what the average lifespan of your particular roof is.
Roof Styles Lifespan – Conclusion
The average lifespan of a roof is around 20 years, but it can vary depending on a few things. Roofing styles, roof shapes, the roofing contractor you choose, the type of roofing material you have installed all play a part in the life expectancy of your roof.
What are the factors that affect the longevity of a roof?
Here’s a list of conditions that affect roof longevity: Angle of roof slope – Higher pitch roofs tend to last longer. Orientation of roof surface – A roof slope facing south will get more sunlight, and have a shorter life. Multiple-layer roof – A roof installed over an existing roof will have a shorter life.
How does longevity affect shingle roofs?
More importantly, the lifespan of a shingle roof is greatly affected by the overall materials used .
How long do asphalt shingles last?
The average lifespan for shingles, which is normally around 20 years, is determined to be about 14 years for the warmer environments, such as the Southwest; whereas, in the North and Northeastern regions of the United States, asphalt shingles last anywhere from 19 to more than 20 years.
What is organic shingles?
Organic Shingles. The materials that comprise shingles consist of asphalt compositions, which are either glass fiber (fiberglass) or organic. Organic shingles are made of felt-like material, which is drenched or saturated with asphalt to make the shingles water-resistant. They are then coated with adhesive asphalt and ceramic or stone-like granules ...
What is a glass shingle?
Fiberglass or glass fiber shingles contain a reinforced glass fiber mat that is made in the shape of the roof shingle. The mat is coated with mineral filler asphalt, which adheres to the glass in the mat and helps to make it waterproof. A final adhesive coating is utilized to cover the entire mat with the addition of ceramic granules that are embedded in the mat. The granules are there to protect the shingles from the sun’s UV rays, which can damage and prematurely age shingles.
Why are glass fiber shingles so popular?
Fiberglass or glass fiber shingles are the more popular of the two as they are far less expensive, easier to produce, and more cost-effective. They are also easier to work with, which is the likely reason why homeowners and roofing contractors choose them over organic shingles.
What affects the life of shingles?
Temperature Extremes. Extremes in temperature are what affect the life of shingles and roofing materials. Obviously, warmer environments are going to limit shingle life.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Metal Roof?
Metal roofs can last fifty years or more! That means that for many homeowners a metal roof will be the last roof they purchase.
How long does asphalt last?
The Metal Roofing Alliance puts the lifespan of asphalt shingles at 10-20 years while State Farm places it at 12-20 years before a homeowner would need to replace a traditional asphalt roof. Additionally, asphalt roofing needs frequent repairs and shingle replacement as well as re-caulking and sealing as the roof ages.
Why are asphalt shingles used?
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials because traditionally they were the option that was most economical. Unfortunately, lower upfront costs are often outweighed by a shorter lifespan and frequently required maintenance.
Is it important to replace a roof?
Replacing a roof can be one of the most significant expenses a homeowner has to deal with , which is why prioritizing a long-lasting roof is so important. As homeowners seek to maximize the lifespan of their roofs, it is unsurprising that residential metal roofing has been gaining steadily in popularity. Metal roofing is one way for homeowners ...
How long does a concrete roof last?
Concrete tile, such as those manufactured by Eagle Roofing Products, and natural clay tile will need to be reroofed 1 time during this period, meaning they last 75 years or more. The long lifespan and durability of these roofs go hand in hand.
What is tile roof made of?
Tile roofs have been a primary roofing option for hundreds of years and are made of local, natural and recyclable materials such as terracotta (also known as clay), slate and concrete.
Can a tile roof withstand hail?
As it turns out, tile roofs don’t just sound tough and long-lasting; they actually are!
Roof Life Expectancy
- The life expectancy of a roof varies based on many factors, most notably the type of materials used. Asphalt or composition shingle roofs can last between 15 and 40+ years depending on their quality, design, and the quality of installation. Other materials, such as tile roofs have expected life spans of 50+ years while cedar roofs can range from 30...
The Elements
- Your roof is exposed to a wide range of weather conditions each day. UV exposure, rain, hail, high winds and snow all take their toll on shingles, gutters and sheeting. While no one can control the weather, there are things you can do to minimize the elements’ impact on your roof’s lifespan. Be sure to inspect your roof after heavy storms. Repair and replace any shingles damaged by hail, a…
Dirt and Debris
- Foreign objects and material have the potential to reduce the life span of your roof. Branches, moss, leaves and even Frisbees can cause damage to shingles. Even a small tear in a single shingle can allow water to penetrate below the surface of your roof, leading to rot and costly replacement expenses. Remove any branches, leaves or foreign objects that make their way ont…
Quality of Installation
- A roof that is installed properly by skilled professionals using quality materials will likely last for years to come. Whenever considering a roof repair or replacement, be sure to consult a professionaland research the products you intend to use. Spending a bit more up front will likely pay off in the long run. A poorly and incorrectly installed roof can not only cause premature failur…
A Clean Roof Is A Lasting Roof
- A proactive approach to maintenance and cleaning will help to extend the life of your roof. The cleaner your roof is, the more likely it will be to function as designed, and the less likely damage and weaknesses become. We offer a wide range of servicesdesigned to help you extend the life of your roof and avoid the hefty cost of a full replacement. Our services run the gamut from hand b…