How Long does a Roof Last?
Warped, damaged, and leaky roofing is every property owner's worst nightmare. Whether you have just purchased a new home or are planning maintenance needs for an older property, it's important to know how long the average roof will last. In addition, understanding how regular maintenance and occasional repairs can prolong the life of your roof is a key factor in lowering your overall maintenance costs low and increasing your property's value. With proper care, your roof can withstand multiple decades. Other factors impacting the lifespan of your roof include the material you choose for your property, the weather in your region, and any accidental roofing damage.
How Long a Roof Lasts By Material Type
Today’s market offers a huge range of roofing materials for commercial and residential properties. Each solution delivers different aesthetic, financial, and practical advantages. If you’re unsure about the best roofing material for your property our team can provide a detailed overview of your options and how they might impact your budget.
Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingles are a popular solution for both commercial and residential buildings. They are affordable, available in a wide range of colors and designs, and easy to source. Most shingles have a warranty of 10 or more years with regular maintenance.
Ceramic Tile: Ceramic tile roofs are a popular option in warmer climates. Although the upfront costs of installing a ceramic tile roof can be more expensive than other solutions, they do have a long lifespan of 30-50 or more years.
Composition Roofing: Composition roofing is an affordable and versatile roofing material for commercial and residential buildings. Composition roofing shingles are a product constructed out of laminate, asphalt, slate, fiberglass, and other recycled materials. Depending on the material you choose, a composite roof can last for 20-50 years with appropriate maintenance.
Torch down: Torch down roofing is often used for commercial properties and has a great tolerance for both cold and hot conditions. There are multiple different types of torch down roofing systems available in today’s market, but most of them include multiple different layers of insulation and condensation protection. If maintained correctly, a torch down roof can last for 15-20 years.
Cold Process: Cold process roofing is a “build-up” roofing system (BUR) that uses a water or solvent based adhesive to build up multiple layers of roofing material. The end product is similar to torch down roofing, but the lifespan is slightly shorter at ~10 years.
Single Ply: Single ply membranes are sheets made of rubber or other synthetics that can be adhered to roofs using mechanical fasteners or adhesives. There are two main forms: Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM). A single play roof can last for 25-40 years.
EPDM: In an Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) roof, synthetic rubber sheeting is mechanically fastened to the roof. EPDM roofing is a popular option for commercial buildings because it is durable and easy to repair. EPDM roofs can last for 25-40 years depending on the structure and type of materials used.
TPO: Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a similar process and product to EPDM but has extra light reflecting capabilities. TPO can also be more durable, but does require extra time to install. A well-maintained TPO roof can last for 25 to 30 or more years.
Slate Tile: Similar to ceramic tile, slate tile is a very popular option for residential roofs. Slate is a high quality, attractive material. This durable, long-lasting material is fireproof and can last for 60-100 years if maintained correctly. This also makes it an environmentally-friendly solution.
Factors that Impact the Lifespan of Your Roof
Once your roof is installed there are several factors that will impact how frequently it will need repairs and maintenance. First, the type of material and installation style will dictate the appropriate care needs. In addition, outside factors such as weather, climate, rodents, insects, and condensation can all impact the lifespan of your roof.
Weather & Climate: Long, hot, and dry summers can compromise the integrity of some roofing materials. Warping, drying, and cracking can lead to leaks and other structural issues that reduce the lifespan of your roof. Similarly, intense storms and wind damage can impact the longevity of your roof structure. Other issues like lightening or fallen trees can also create the need for more frequent repairs or replacement.
Insect or Rodent Damage: Mice, rats, squirrels, termites, and other creatures can take up residence in your roof and cause structural instability over time. In many cases, the damage is not visible without a detailed roof inspection. Annual checks to your roof can capture early impacts and increase the lifespan of your property.
Regular Maintenance Can Increase How Long Your Roof Lasts
Christian Roofing recommends semi-annual roof inspections for both commercial and residential properties. By catching small cracks, leaks, and material issues early, we can extend the lifespan of your roof (often by years or decades). During our inspections we will document the structural integrity of the roof, check for leaks and signs of water damage, and look for signs of mold, fungus, rodents or insect damage. We will also check the gutters, chimney, vents, and skylights for any potential problems.
When to Repair or Replace Your Roof?
Making the decision to replace your roof can be overwhelming. At Christian Roofing we focus on finding the best options for your property and budget. We are committed to transparency and will often times present a range of solutions in addition to their pro’s and con’s. In the case that a full roof replacement is structurally necessary, our team will present a variety of roofing materials and installation solutions to meet your budget.
With more than two decades of experience in commercial and residential roofing, we can provide a trustworthy assessment on whether it is truly time to replace your roof, or if the right repairs will provide a sustainable solution. The first step is booking a complimentary estimate with our team. During our inspection we will screen for signs of damage, structural integrity, rodent or insect damage, holes, leaks, cracks, and other potential issues. From there, we offer a detailed estimate so you can make an informed decision that works for your timeline and budget.
Call Us For a Consultation
We offer full roofing consultation and estimate services. Call us today to request a free consultation. While we love roofing, we believe true excellence and service starts with a thorough consultation and inspection. For our customers to truly be happy, we need to understand their goals, budget, insurance, and the status of their existing roof.
We have all heard the saying fail to plan, plan to fail, and we believe this to be especially true in our line of work. Rest assured, our contractors will be with you from start to finish, ensuring you are completely satisfied.
While we live in the sunshine state, we recommend that you don't wait until it's too late — don't let the next rainy day leak be the catalyst for your call!
Contact us for a free estimate and we’ll schedule a roof replacement or repair!
