Every kind of roofing material has an expected life expectancy. And yet, just like anything else you own, it is possible to meet and exceed this amount of time. With annual inspections and by staying on top of routine maintenance, you can dramatically improve the length of time your house has the same roof, which in turn can save you money along the way. If you are considering a new roof or are curious about how long your current roof will last, every material will last a different length of time. You should consider the length of time and the aesthetic of the roofing material whenever you decide to install a new roof. Sometimes paying extra for certain materials is well worth the investment. Other times it’s more about how the material looks and less about how long the roof will last. So, when it comes to how long a roof lasts, here are some of the more common build materials and what to expect.
Asphalt Roofs
No matter the size of the house or even the age of a neighborhood, when you hop in your car and drive around town, you’ll find most roofs are made using asphalt shingles. This material is the easiest to install, not to mention it is an affordable roofing option as well.
The biggest issue with asphalt is it will not last as long as most other roofing materials. Thankfully, if you do have your asphalt roof inspected annually, and if you have needed repairs performed whenever you notice the problem, you can maximize the life of your roof, which can be anywhere from 15 to 30 years.
Metal Roofs
While an asphalt roof is the most common, metal roofs are growing in popularity thanks to the affordable nature of the material, the ability to care for the metal, and the expected life of the roofing material.
Some metal roofs look like traditional shingles, while others are obviously metal roofs. What you’re interested in depends on the design. Because metal can be installed in large pieces, the installation will go faster. It is recommended to have trees and other large objects trimmed away and moved from the metal roof to avoid anything heavy falling on the roof. Greensborough Roofing Specialists can inspect your property and recommend any kind of tree trimming.
The life of a metal roof will depend on the gauge of the roof (although there are a few other factors). A gauge that is around 22 to 24 uses a higher-quality metal and will last 50 years or more. Other roofs with a 25 to 29 gauge will see a lifespan of around 25 years or so.
Clay Roofs
You’re not going to find many clay roofs around town. Clay is heavy, which is not good in locations where it might snow, freezing rain is common, or heavy winds and strong storms might hit. This is why it is so common out West in the desert. Clay is fantastic for blocking out the heat. It is fire-proof and easy to maintain. In those kinds of environments, a clay roof can last 50 years, if not more. Although in this environment, with the constantly changing temperatures and threats of storms, the expected life will be far less.
Slate Shingles
Not many houses are built using slate shingles any longer. Slate is a durable, natural material usually composite of clay, volcanic ash, or other materials. Slate can give a roof an incredible look, and it instantly stands out. However, because of the weight of the slate and the need for very specific roofing specialists, it isn’t a common material to use. If your house has a slate, though and you properly maintain and care for the slate, it can last a lifetime. Literally, slate can last over 100 years when cared for.
So, while you’ll pay a considerable amount for the installation of a slate roof, chances are you’ll never have to pay for a new roof ever again (although you’ll still need to have routine inspections).
Wood Roof
There’s no denying the beauty of a wood roof. It has a rustic, traditional visual appeal that no other build material can replicate. If you love wood roofs, there’s just not replacing them with any other material. Of all the other roofing materials, you absolutely need to stay on top of the general maintenance. It is also usually going to take longer to install as it may require the roof to be installed single shingle by single shingle (whereas at least asphalt can be installed in larger sections). Failure to do so and the wood will eventually start to split, crack, dry out, and develop all kinds of problems. However, as long as you’re on top of roof care and have it inspected annually, you should be able to see 30 years or so of life from your wood roof.
All Your Roofing Needs, Handled in One Location
Whether you need your annual roof inspection or you’re considering a new roof and want to have an estimate on various build materials, you’ve come to the right place. The team at Greensborough Roofing Specialists focuses on one thing and one thing only: roofs. So while other contractors spread their time over various projects, the professionals here spend all of their time on roofs, which means you not only have access to experienced contractors who know the ins and outs of roofs but the project may also be done quicker. If you’re interested in learning more about what the team can do for you or ready to request a quote for a new roof, now is the perfect time to give our staff a call or send us here at Greensborough Roofing Specialists an email.