Roof lifespans vary widely depending on the type of roofing material. So, it’s hard to tell you how long your roof will last without knowing which roofing material you have. Learn about the average lifespan of a roof.
However, I can at least give you an idea of the average lifespan of the roofs most homeowners have.
For over 13 years, the team at Wyndhill Roofing has educated homeowners about all the important aspects of roofing, including a roof’s lifespan. Now we’re going to do the same for you.
To start this article, we’ll get right into the average lifespan of a roof. After that, we’ll get a little more specific by diving into the lifespans of the 5 most popular residential roofing materials.
What’s the average lifespan of a roof?
The most common type of roofing material in the country is asphalt shingles. So if you have a middle-class or even an upper-middle-class home, there’s a good chance it has asphalt shingles.
With that in mind, you can expect the average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof to be around 22-25 years. While it’s great to put a number on how long your roof will last, multiple factors ultimately determine its lifespan.
This means your roof could not last as long, live longer, or fall within the range above. But as long as you hire a great roofing contractor and invest in quality materials, you should get as close as possible to your roof’s maximum lifespan.
How long do the different types of roofing materials last?
Now you know the average lifespan of the most popular type of roofing material. But what if you have or want a different type of roofing material on your home?
Let’s look at the lifespans of the top types of residential roofing materials. Be aware that all lifespans below depend on proper roof installation and adequate attic ventilation.
How long does an asphalt roof last?
You already learned the average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof. But there are 3 types (3-tab, architectural, and luxury), each with its own manufacturer-specified lifespan.
(Left to right: 3-tab, architectural, and luxury)
3-tab shingles have a manufacturer-specified lifespan of 25 years and live the shortest of the three types. On the other hand, architectural and luxury shingles both have a lifespan of 30 years, but luxury shingles have the possibility to last over 30 years.
Realistically, you should get around 80-85% of the lifespan out of an asphalt shingle roof. This means you can expect to get about 20 years from your 3-tab shingle roof and about 25 years from your architectural shingles.
Because luxury shingles are thicker, you should get up to 30 years. In perfect conditions, you can stretch that number even further.
How long does a standing seam metal roof last?
A standing seam metal roof system is a series of metal panels locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. This allows the panels to expand and contract freely as the metal undergoes thermal expansion.
Because of its expansion capabilities, a standing seam metal roof is the preferred residential metal roof over a screw-down metal roof. When installed properly, you can expect to get around 30 years from a standing seam metal roof.
What makes this type of metal roof so durable is the Kynar 500 finish (a painted finish that protects the metal from the elements) on your metal panels. The painted finish comes with a 30-year warranty that doesn’t expire after 30 years.
Because of this, you can even get up to 50 years from a standing seam metal roof under the right conditions.
How long does a composite (synthetic) roof last?
Composite (also known as synthetic) shingles are made of recycled materials and designed to look exactly like a slate or cedar shake roof. You can expect a composite shingle roof to last around 40-50 years.
What makes composite shingles durable and long-lasting is their impact rating. For example, GAF Armor Shield (the leading composite shingle brand) shingles have a Class 4 impact rating, the highest possible.
This high-impact rating means they stand up well to anything that hits the shingles, including hail. You can also walk on a composite roof without worrying about breaking it, unlike with natural slate tiles or cedar shakes.
Even though it’s a newer roofing material, composite shingles are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability.
How long does a cedar shake roof last?
Unlike man-made roofing materials such as asphalt, metal, and composite, a cedar shake roof is primarily made of natural wood.
As long as it’s properly installed and with proper maintenance, you can expect to get 30 years of life out of your cedar shake roof. If you invest in quality materials and live in an area with the right climate, you could possibly stretch it to around 50 years.
Be aware that cedar shake shingles crack, curl, and fade as they age. This won’t happen right away, but it’s just something to keep in mind if you’re interested in a cedar shake roof.
How long does a slate roof last?
Like a cedar-shake roof, a slate roof is made primarily of natural slate tiles and other slate materials.
While it’s hard to put an exact number on a slate roof’s lifespan, there’s no reason it shouldn’t last around 75 years or even close to 100. As long as it’s properly installed and flashed properly, it’ll be the last roof you ever put on your home.
We even like to say your grandkids won’t have to worry about it. If you’re looking for a forever material that won’t need to be replaced in your lifetime, a slate roof is a great option.
Just know a slate roof won’t be an option for most homeowners because it’s the most expensive roofing material. But if you have the budget, it’s well worth it for the lifespan and the curb appeal it adds to your home.
What’s the average cost to replace a roof?
Now you know how long each roofing material lasts. Whether you want to know how long your current roof will last or you’re looking for the right material to invest in, understanding a roof’s lifespan is important.
While a roof’s lifespan is important, there’s still something homeowners like you consider more important. This, of course, is how much a new roof costs.
Unfortunately, it can be hard to find anything on costs in the roofing industry. Contact Windhill Roofing to get a quote.
Average lifespan of a roof
Since 2011, the team at Wyndhill Roofing has provided high-quality roof replacements to homeowners in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas of Colorado. No matter which material you choose, you can count on your roof reaching its maximum lifespan after our job is done.
