One big question you can ask yourself when you’re shopping for a new roof is, “how long does a roof last?”
One feature that can be a decisive factor for most people is the longevity of the roof itself. We’re going to take you around the various styles of roofs to help you narrow down your options.
How Long Does a Roof Last?
There is no clear answer to the question. Some roofs last just 15 years, while others will last more than a century!
Normally, this variety stems from the roofing materials that you want to use to build the roof. However, there are a few things you’re going to want to worry about that have nothing to do with the content while you’re discussing how long the roof can last.
If you live anywhere that always has harsh weather conditions, then your roof won’t last as long. Areas with heavy rain will affect the durability of the roof or the maintenance further down the line.
Your care of the roof would also relate to the length of your roof. If you never clean your gutters, you’ll end up with a back-up drainage system that can ruin your roof.
This is going to make you need to repair and replace your roof more often. For more maintenance tips, make sure to check out the Hulsey Roofing blog.
You’ll want a professional company with quality workers to out your roof in the best way possible. Bad roof work will cost you in the long run, so choose a good company to work with.
Asphalt Shingles Roofs
One form of roof that can be built is the asphalt shingles roof. This is one of the cheaper choices to get when you’re repairing the roof, plus it’s a lot easier to mount, making it much cheaper.
Asphalt shingle roofs can be troublesome for areas with bad weather conditions, particularly wind and heavy rain. However, if you live anywhere with mild weather, asphalt shingles can be a great cheap quick-fix alternative. But make sure you’re willing to change them regularly.
These roofs only last 15 to 30 years, making them the shortest-lasting roof option on this list. Despite this, they’re still the most common roof option in the United States, and you’ll more than likely immediately think of this kind of roofing when you think about a roof.
Architectural Shingles Roofs
Architectural shingles, or dimensional shingles, are a form of shingle that is a little better than asphalt. You’ll find that they can differ a lot in price. There are a variety of various styles of architectural roof shingles, and they may have different names.
You might learn about laminated shingles or fiberglass shingles; they are both styles of architectural shingles, and they can last much longer than the average shingles of asphalt. These roofs can last between 25 to 30 years, and there’s a chance for them to last longer if they’re taken care of correctly.
These higher-quality shingle roofs will last better in harsher environments, but you still don’t want to have them in areas that are extremely harsh, such as snowy areas or in Tornado Valley. However, you don’t have to worry about areas that occasionally have bad storms, such as North Carolina.
For more help with shingle roofs, check out how we can help with both residential and commercial shingle roofing.
Wood Shingles Roofs
If you’re looking for a small improvement, you should try out the wooden shingles. They’re not just regular wooden boards on your roof; they’re handled to make them rot-resistant.
Clay Tile Roofs
Clay tile roofs are extremely durable options that are both beautiful and pretty easy to manage. Not only that, but they’re actually one of the oldest roofing options that’s still an option today!
Stuff like fungus, mold, and algae can grow quickly on them, and moss can be incredibly dangerous when it cracks through clay tiles and creates leaks.
In most cases, a clay tile roof that starts leaking warrants a repair, so make sure you’re always up for good washing.
These roofs can last for more than 50 years, making them one of the longest-lasting roof options there is.
Metal Roofs
Rising in popularity, metal roofs have become one of the most fashionable roofs of this decade. These roofs started out as primarily commercial roofing, but the attraction has grown in recent years for these durable roofs.
Most metal roofs last up to 70 years, which is much longer than the average roof lasts. However, the ribbed metal roofs don’t typically last quite as long, but they can still work great for about 40 years.
Slate Tile Roofs
Slate tile roofs are timeless roofs, both in appearance and in their lifetime. It’s still one of the most robust roofing options—you don’t even have to think about bad weather damaging your slate roof.
The only downside to the slate tile roofs is that they are incredibly high. Not every house can handle the weight that the slate carries, and you’re going to need to have your building tested to make sure that the roofing structure can support the weight well enough. In fact, most older houses are better at carrying this weight than newer homes.
Slate tile roofs can last 100 years or longer, making them a very worthy investment if your building and your wallet can handle it!
Need a New Roof?
Hopefully, now you’ve got a general answer to the opening question of “how long does a roof last?” We know that your search for a new roof doesn’t just end there, and we’d be glad to answer any questions you have or even help you with picking the perfect roof for your building.
If you’re ready to take the next step and get a new roof, then feel free to contact us! We’d love to help you out, and our professional services will have your home or commercial building looking beautiful and brand new with a great new roof.
