How Long Does a Roof Last? A Guide for Homeowners

On average, a roof replacement will cost anywhere from $5,500 to $11,250 for your standard-sized home. That’s a large part of a homeowner’s discretionary spending.

Most Americans spend about $9,000 a year on home repairs so that you can max out that budget quickly with a new roof. 

How long does a roof last?  That depends on several factors that include the type of roof, your local weather, and the installation’s quality.

The best way to afford a new roof is to plan well in advance. Sometimes, however, you don’t choose a need to call a roofer for a quick replacement or patch. This is especially true in areas that are subject to major storms more than once a year.

In the following article, we’ll discuss roofing options and how to gauge a roof lifespan.

Asphalt Shingles

From Falcon Roofing in South Dakota to Cassas Brothers Roofing in New York, asphalt shingles are a staple for contractors in temperate areas of the country that don’t see big, hurricane-force storms.

Three-tab asphalt shingles tend to last 15 to 20 years. A step up from these are architectural shingles. These shingles are thicker and have a 20- to 30-year lifespan.

Better yet are premium shingles that end up on more expensive homes. These can last upwards of 40 years.

These shingles are best for climates that only occasionally see gusts of wind approaching 100 mph. 

You should be concerned with how much life your shingles have if you start to see major cracks, rippling, or lots of sand granules in your gutters. 

Metal Roofing

There are many types of metal roofs on the market, from stand seam varieties to stone-coated steel tiles. A cheaper ribbed metal roof is also an option.

Metal roofs can last from 25 to 50 years, and for places like Florida that see a lot of heavy storms, the stone-coated steel tiles can handle winds up to 155 mph. 

Clay Tiles

A great roof choice for warmer climates is clay tile. These roofs are impervious to weather, fire, and rot. Expect clay tiles to last anywhere from 50 to 100 years if properly maintained.

However, these roofs don’t like cold climates, and freezing and refreezing can cause the tiles to crack. Also, you should clean clay tile roofs regularly to free them of moss. The roots of the moss can also crack the tiles. 

Slate Roofs

The granddaddy of all roofing material is slate tile. Manufacturers of this material offer warranties for the lifetime of the roof! That’s because it is not uncommon for slate to last 200 years! 

Slate holds up to extreme weather and sheds water. You’ll have practically no upkeep to do on a slate rood. 

The downside, however, is that these roofs are extremely expensive and are usually only found on the most lavish of homes. 

How Long Does a Roof Last? It Depends on You

The most important factor for answering the question, “How long does a roof last?” is how much are you willing to spend now and in the future.

As this article has informed you, a roof should suit the needs of your location and your pocketbook. Try to weigh your financial situation 5 or 10 years out. If you can do that, then you can make a better determination about which roof to choose.

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