How Long Does a Roof Last?

If you’re looking to replace your roof soon, you’ll want to know how long does a roof last? The answer is…it depends. We hope to discuss several popular roofing materials and each of their general life expectancies. Some main things to note, however, is that regional weather can highly dictate the outcome of your material. Furthermore, the quality of the installation can affect product durability (and even warranty coverage).

Asphalt Shingles

This is the most popular roofing material on most residential homes. A basic asphalt shingle can last up to 15 years with the right conditions, whereas, the premium products can last up to 50 years. The challenge specifically with asphalt is your insurance will often only cover the previous material. For many homeowners, getting the premium products will be an extra out-of-pocket expense. However, if having the best roofing product is high on your priority then we highly recommend it.

Average Expectancy: 10-50 years depending on type of asphalt.

Click here to read more about the types of asphalt shingles.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

Wood is a really pretty option for shingle material and marked a bit above typical asphalt material. The average life expectancy of wood shingles ranges from 20-40 years. As with all roofing materials, the installation, steepness, weather, roof coverage, and sun exposure are all affecting variables.

Average Expectancy: 20-40 

Slate Roofing Tiles

Another roofing option is slate roofing tiles. Slate tiles have many upsides including the appearance, durability, and longevity. In fact, a slate tile that is properly installed can last up to 150 years (yes, 150 years). Your roof may outlive you. Here’s the rub. Slate is less commonly used so there are fewer experienced roofers who know how to install it.  Though strong, there are some delicate features about slate that make it susceptible to damage. Additionally, it weighs a lot. You really need a solid house frame to hold the weight up slate tiles up. And lastly, it comes with a hefty price tag that most homeowners aren’t willing to pay.

Average Expectancy: 100+ years

Metal Roofs

We recently did an article covering metal roofs and lightning strikes (as this is the most common concern). Aside from this concern (which really isn’t one), metal roofs are another option for roofing materials. Under the right conditions a metal roof can last anywhere from 40-70 years. They can endure wind and damage much better than other materials and are beautiful to look at. The downside, as you can expect, is in the cost. Metal roofs are more than the typical asphalt roof. The other downside includes the noisiness level, especially with rain and hail storms.

Average Expectancy: 40-70 years

Tesla Solar Panel Roofs

This may be one of the most innovative products to the roofing industry in recent memory. These solar panel tiles came into production earlier this year and have already been installed in homes nationwide. Since this product is so new, it’s hard to determine the exact life expectancy. What we do know is that they warranty their products for the life of your home or infinity- whichever comes first.

Average Expectancy: TBD

To learn more about Tesla’s solar roof tiles as it pertains to Nebraska, Click Here.

Summary

These are just some general life expectancies as we answer the question “How long does a roof last?” As we stated above, there are tons of variables that will ultimately affect the longevity. As roofers, we always determine the material to use based on your preference, neighborhood covenants, and weather considerations. If you have more questions about the life of a roof please email us at contact@mutualroof.com or call us at (402) 889-3381.