How Often Should You Replace Your Roof?

February 21, 2019

Roofs aren’t supposed to be changed frequently. Provided you choose a reliable roofing contractor, you may never need to replace your roof until it nears the end of its lifecycle.

As long as your roof was erected correctly, your attic is well aired, and maintained, your roof may last as long as intended. This implies you won’t need to replace your roof for at least 20 years, and maybe up to 50 years (or more), depending on the type of roofing material.

You will want to replace your roof in special circumstances, such as storm damage or early roof failure. However, most homeowners believe a roof should last the entirety of its lifespan.

How Long Different Materials Last

Most roofs are meant to last between 15 to 20 years, although the most durable types will last up to 100 years when properly maintained. So, knowing the materials used on your roof can help you evaluate its longevity more accurately. Let’s dive into the different roofing materials and how long they’ll last over your head.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are classified into three types: 3-tab, architectural, and luxury. The producer of the asphalt shingles specifies a different lifetime for each of the three.

3-tab shingles have the lowest lifespan of the three varieties, lasting 25 years. Architectural and luxury shingles both have a 30-year lifetime, but luxury shingles have the potential to last longer.

Asphalt shingles should last between 80 and 85% of their expected life. This implies that your 3-tab shingle roof will last about 20 years, and your architectural shingles will last about 25 years. Luxury shingles are thicker and should last for roughly 30 years. In ideal circumstances, you can extend that number even more.

Standing Seam Metal Roof

This type of roof comprises panels that are joined together at the seams or mechanically seamed. This enables panels to expand and contract during hot or cold weather easily. As a result, a standing seam metal roof is the preferred metal roof for residential applications.

A standing seam metal roof may last roughly 30 years and perhaps up to 50 years in the right conditions. The painted finish on the metal panels is responsible for its longevity.

Screw Down Panel Metal Roof

Screw-down metal panels have the shortest lifespan compared to all other metal roofs. They typically last between 20 to 30 years, depending on the type of metal and paint used on the panels. Their short lifespan is owed largely to the fact that they aren’t coated with a rust-resistant finish.

Composite Roof

Composite (sometimes referred to as synthetic) shingles are constructed from recyclable materials and are meant to resemble a slate or cedar shake roof. A composite roof should endure between 40 and 50 years. The impact rating of composite shingles accounts for their durability and extended lifespan.

All roofing materials are subjected to extensive testing by independent, highly acclaimed laboratories to ensure that product performance fulfills standards. Roof coverings are usually rated from Class 1 through 4, with Class 4 being the most resilient.

Cedar Shake Roof

A cedar shake roof is constructed primarily of natural wood components. You may expect your cedar shake roof to last 30 years if it is placed correctly and maintained properly. If you invest in excellent materials and reside in a place with a favorite environment, you might potentially increase that number to about 50 years.

Since cedar shake shingles are produced from natural materials, there is no manufacturer warranty if they break early. This leaves you at the mercy of your roofing contractor’s expertise to safeguard your investment.

Slate Roof

A slate roof is mostly comprised of natural materials. If your slate roof is correctly placed and flashed, you may never need to install another roof. It’s difficult to put a precise number on the longevity of a slate roof, but there’s no reason why it shouldn’t survive at least 75 years, if not 100.

A slate roof is an excellent choice if you want a material that will not need to be changed throughout your lifetime. However, manufacturers generally don’t provide any warranty for slate roofs if they become damaged prematurely.

Clay and Cement Roofing

These types of roofing exude a non-fading natural tone and have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years. They can also withstand adverse environmental conditions such as fire, strong winds, water leaks, and insect infestations.

Lastly

We can safely assume that a roof should last the entirety of its lifespan when properly installed and maintained. Different materials have different lifespans, so how long your roof lasts boils down to your decisions. Rather than bearing all that pressure alone, talk to us, and we’ll help you make an informed decision.

We, as CC Construction & Roofing, are experts in residential roof repair and installation. In addition to handling all your building and roofing needs, we offer skilled interior and exterior painting and pressure washing. We are also confident in our ability to take on any remodeling project and guarantee 100% customer satisfaction.