How Long Does A Roof Last?

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In past centuries, roofs were covered in copper sheeting. It develops a distinctive greenish cast as it weathers. Another popular choice was slate or clay shingles.

Pioneers often used sod for their roofs. Seeing grass growing wild on top of someone’s home was typical back then. Yet, there was a danger of grass fires. The new modern version of the old sod covering is green roofs. They put grass or ground cover on roofs today. Wood shakes were popular back then as well.

Cedar shingles became popular in the 19th century. Early 20th century roofs were coated with rolls of asphalt, later asphalt shingles. With so many materials available, how do you choose which one to put on your home? Which one will last the longest? Which one will look the best?

Options Available Today

Wood

• • Wood Shingles

  • Cedar Shingles

Rock, Slate

• • Slate Shingles

  • Built-up Material

Molded Earthen Tiles

• • Ceramic Tiles

  • Clay Tiles

  • Concrete Tiles

Metal

• • Metal Panels

  • Metal Shingles

  • Stone-coated Steel

Asphalt

• • Asphalt Shingles

  • Rolled Material

Others

• • Rubber Slate Tiles

  • Green Roofs

  • Membrane Material

  • Solar Tiles

Wood Shakes versus Cedar Shingles

Often made from cedar or redwood, there is a difference. Shingles are thinner and wedge-shaped. Shakes are thick wedges with a rough texture. They look beautiful but are used less in areas of high fire risk or constant rain. How long they last depend on where your home is located. In damp climates, they could last 20 years. Longer if you live in dryer climates.

Rock and Slate Roofs

Slate, used for centuries, is one of the most beautiful roofs. Thin stone shingles need the skill to install but your roof life will last from 75 years up to 200 years.

Gravel is used in Built-up Roofs. Layers of bitumen (asphalt, tar, or adhesive) are alternated with membrane materials. The layer of gravel is on top. These are used in low-sloping roofs. They last about 15 to 30 years, depending on the area you live in.

Molded Earthen Tiles - Ceramic, Clay, or Concrete

Ceramic tiles are fireproof and weather resistant. They withstand extremes in heat and cold. Debris from storms and hail can damage these tiles. Fading is possible with extreme sun exposure. Although expensive to install, maintenance is easy, with a roof life of 50 to 75 years.

Tiles made of clays molded into rolled or shapes are fired to make them hard. These red-orange color tiles are good material for hot regions and areas with salty air. They handle strong winds with grace and are energy-saving as well as fire-resistant. Clay lasts more than 100 years if taken care of.

Less expensive than clay, concrete tiles are made from sand and cement. These tiles can be colored in various hues. They can be made to look like almost any other roofing material. They withstand high winds very well and will last over 50 years.

Metal Panels, Shingles, or Stone-Coated Steel

Sheets of steel or aluminum panels come together in raised seams. They interlock to keep moisture out. They are useful in areas of deep snow falls where snow slides off. They are popular in areas with possible wildfires since they are fireproof. These panels come in a variety of colors and last between 30 to 50 years or more.

Shingles or shakes made of aluminum or steel are available. A few are made from zinc or copper. They are fabricated to look like other materials. Because of their looks, they are a popular choice and last 30 to 50 years.

Stone-coated metal shingles have a baked-on coating or mineral granules. Imitating the looks of clay or slate, they are very stylish and weigh a lot less. Even withstanding earthquakes and severe weather, they are rain, cold and wind-resistant. They can grace your roof between 30 and 50 years.

Asphalt Shingles or Rolled

Asphalt shingles are made using a base of fiberglass. The base is then topped with asphalt and granules. These water-resistant shingles survive many climate conditions and flex with the house. 3-tab shingles' roof life is 20 years.

Dimensional asphalt shingles are more durable than 3-tab shingles. Dimensional shingles can last up to 30 years because they are arranged in layers of 2 or 3.

Luxury asphalt shingles are a step above other asphalt shingles. They Look like slate or cedar shanks. They last about 25 years.

Used on low-sloping roofs, rolled material comes in long rolls. The material is impregnated with asphalt and mineral granules. They only last between 5 to 8 years.

Other Roofing Options - Rubber, Green, Membrane, and Solar

Rubber slate tiles, also called synthetic slates, are durable. Made from recycled plastic and rubber and combined with polymers. These fire-resistant, lightweight tiles are much easier to install than regular slate tiles. Lasting up to 50 years makes them a popular choice.

Green roofs require a layer of membrane that is waterproof and provides drainage. They keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. They help the ecosystem by absorbing rainwater and releasing it slowly. Green roofs can last from 30 to 50 years as long as they are correctly installed and maintained.

Membrane materials are made of various materials and are incredibly durable. They are lightweight and energy-efficient. Thermal resistant, they can last between 20 to 35 years with proper maintenance.

New on the roofing scene are solar tiles or solar-powered shingles. They are expensive to install and rely on sunlight. Cost savings depend on the amount of sun your roof receives and the slope or angle to the sun. Solar tiles are rated against wind, hail, and fire. Solar tiles are expected to last 25 to 30 years.

The roof you purchase for your home depends on several factors. They include where your home is located, how much money you have to spend, and how long you expect to own your home. Every homeowner's choice is personal.