Roof Life Expectancy

Home ownership comes with questions like, “what is average roof life?” and “How long will my roof last?”. Owning a home is likely the largest investment the average American makes and roof life expectancy is a big deal. Your roof prevents water from ruining your home and it’s contents. In this roof life expectancy report, we explore the most popular types of roofing and average life expectancy based on materials. While the materials are a major factor in durability so are the quality of installation and maintenance.

You can generally determine what the life span of a roof is going to be based on the type of material that was used in covering it. Learn more about the roof life expectancy of different types of roofing systems below. With the right information, you’ll know when you might need services such as tile roof repair, shingle roof repair, foam roof repair and others in the Phoenix Valley.

Shingles Roof Life Expectancy

There are two different options available for roof shingles, they are asphalt compositions, these are cover in either crushed stone or fiberglass. Fortunately, asphalt shingles are going to be less expensive, with a low-maintenance, and they are relatively easy to install. However, the material of asphalt shingles does not hold up to winds or heavy rains like other materials can. Asphalt shingles average lifespan is approximately 20 to 40 years, this depends on the manufacturer, yet, most of the warranties are only 15 to 25 years. Fiberglass shingles will cost a little more, however, these can last as long as 50 years and sometimes more.

Shake Roof Life Expectancy

Wood shingles and shakes are going to be made of pressure treated wood or else cedar, and they are going to be more expensive than asphalt shingles. The wood shingles and shakes will require regular maintenance, and they are available in a pre-stained or the aged finishes, these give a roof the weathered appearance. Wood shingles will typically resist insects and rot. These have an average lifespan of approximately 30 years. Copper is another choice. It will give the appearance of the old world, and as it is getting older it will turn to a pale green patina. Lasting up to 100 years or more.

Metal Roof Life Expectancy

There is also metal roofing. This type of roofing is made from galvanized or a stainless steel sheeting, however, the copper sheets & tiles are yet, another option. How much the steel roofing is going to cost will depend on your roof’s sheet profile, which finish is to be applied, and your roof’s shape and size, of course, it offers durability, having a lifespan of up to 50 years and more. Copper also gives the roof that Old World appearance, and also turns a pale green patina with age, having a lifespan of up to 100 years or more.

Tiles Roof Life Expectancy

Stone tiles will generally be made from clay, slate, terracotta, and concrete. This roofing will resist fading that can occur from the sunlight, it is able to withstand strong winds, and take the heavy rainfalls, however, these will require professional installation and are extremely heavy. Due to the overall durability and strength, a stone tile roof is long-lasting. Clay tile has a lifespan of about 40-60 years, while concrete and slate tiles provide a 50 to 100-year lifespan.

Flat Roof Life Expectancy

A flat roof’s lifespan will depend on the materials used to cover it. The asphalt coverings have two layers of felt in a combination with molten asphalt, then it is topped using a coating of gravel. Which is a less expensive option on flat roofs, and only lasts around 10 years. Another option would be the rubber roofing. Rubber roofing could be EPDM or it may be elastomeric membrane, which is synthetic and does not get covered in gravel. This type of roofing will be more expensive than the asphalt roofing, however, it has excellent resistance to UV and it very durable. It has a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years, though many manufacturer warranties will guarantee only a 10 to 15 year lifespan. There is also the flat roof option of thermoplastic olefin membrane, it is made of ethylene propylene rubber mixed with filler materials. This type has a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years, and it resists punctures, UV rays, and tears.

Learn More About Roof Installation & Life Expectancy

Learn more about roof installation in Arizona and ask our experts questions about life expectancy/benefits of different types of roofing systems. We offer tile roof repair, foam roof repair, shingle roof repair and more in the Phoenix Valley!