Roofing systems are designed to be long-lasting, most systems have a life span of 20 to 30 years. There will be times that a roof will need to replaced earlier due to weathering and damage. Some forms of damage are negligible, this will still affect the life expectancy of your roof in the long run. So what is the average lifespan of every available roofing material in the market?
Average Lifespan For Each Roofing Material
Most roofing materials have an average lifespan of around 15 – 20 years if looking at how often an average roof has to be replaced. This is in part due to the fact that most residential homes in the country use asphalt shingles as a roofing material. Asphalt shingles have an average life expectancy of around 15 – 20 years.
There are a variety of different roofing materials that you can choose from. There are a variety of materials that are manufactured from different raw materials such as metal, wood, asphalt, and naturally-cut stone. These materials have different characteristics from each other. These roofing materials have varying levels of lifespan, but they will also react differently in different weather conditions.
Asphalt Shingles
These types of shingles are one of the most abundant and most common in the market. Normally, these types of shingles will have a life expectancy of 15 – 20 years. Aside from giving a moderate amount of protection to your roof from heavy rain and wind, asphalt shingles are best used for homes situated in milder weather conditions.
Architectural Shingles
This type of shingle was the answer to the limited lifespan of asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles were known for being vulnerable to certain weather conditions. Architectural shingles have an improved coating in the top layer which makes it more durable and will give it a longer-lasting lifespan. Usually, architectural shingles will last 20 – 30 years depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the shingles.
Metal Roofing
Aside from asphalt shingles, metal roofing is slowly phasing out the cheapest and most common roofing materials in the market. Metal roofing is ideal for homes that are situated in the path of hailstorms and tornadoes. These systems can hold down roofs against winds of up to 130 miles per hour and are also impact resistant. Additionally, metal systems do not tend to leak as much as other systems. The average life expectancy of metal roofing is 30 – 50 years depending on the weather conditions in the area and the quality of the roof itself.
Slate and Clay/Concrete Tiles
Slate and clay tile roofing are the kings in the roofing industry when it comes to the lifespan of roofing materials. With a mind-boggling life expectancy of 100 years, these types of roofing systems are highly sought-out for their lifespan and durability. This type of roofing will also be able to hold down your roof from some of the strongest winds in the country since it can weigh over a ton. However, you’ll need to have a good amount of supporting beams that can handle the weight of your roof.
External Factors
Other than the lifespan of the roofing materials, weather and the environment can also affect the lifespan of a roof. Certain roofing materials, such as metal roofing are designed to withstand extreme temperatures in various weather conditions. However, there are also some roofing materials that work better in specific environments. For instance, clay and concrete tile roofing are resistant to high winds and soaking from seawater which makes it ideal for homes on the coast.
It’s important to be aware of the foliage close to the roof. Dead leaves and debris can fall on the roof and clog up the gutters and drainage systems. The overflow of water could easily lead to leaks forming and water getting to places where it shouldn’t be.
Likewise, regular repair and maintenance on a roof can help lengthen the lifespan of that roofing system. For people not wanting to deal with maintenance then a metal roofing system may be the right call. Metal roofing systems require little to no maintenance.
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Matt Kowalis
Marketing Manager for Central Roofing LLC
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About Central Roofing
Central Roofing is a top quality roofing company in Sullivan, IL that likewise operates in Mattoon and Champaign, and the rest of Illinois. We offer a wide array of roofing services to property owners like you. We have been the leading go-to roofing company of homeowners, business owners, and property managers for almost a decade now here in Illinois.
