The lifespan of roofing materials varies greatly and there’s a direct correlation between quality and expense. Quality translates to longevity and what you can expect from your new roof. You should never choose your roofing material solely based on the price of the roofing material. Factor in your plans – are you planning to stay in your home for a long time or possibly looking to sell shortly? Perhaps you’re looking to buy a new home. All these scenarios may determine the type of roofing material that will work best for you.
We Review the Lifespan of Roofing Material Options
COMPOSITE ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFS
Found in more than 80% of all homes, composite shingle roofing is the most popular of all roofing materials. All asphalt shingles are indeed made from similar materials, but they’re not all equal. Different brands offer different qualities.
Composite shingles use either an organic or fiberglass base with the bottom side coated with asphalt, and the exposed surface infused with small chips of slate, schist, quartz, or ceramic granules.
Life Expectancy: The vast popularity of shingles owes to the relatively low cost, easy installation, and decent life expectancy, lasting anywhere from 15 to 25 years. Again, the life expectancy of composite shingle roofs greatly depends on the quality of materials chosen. Manufacturers such as GAF or CertainTeed come with high-end warranties pushing a half-century. Since a typical homeowner rarely lives in a home for more than 30 or 40 years, during which they may only reroof once, asphalt shingles are a fairly affordable roofing material option.
Maximize the lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs by avoiding cheap shingles and avoiding walking on them. Keep them free of mildew, and never power wash an asphalt shingle roof.
METAL ROOFS
Typically steel or aluminum, although copper and zinc are also used, metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular. They’re virtually maintenance-free, very durable, and often found in tropical areas like South Florida.
Life Expectancy: On average, a metal roof will last anywhere from 30 to 50 years, and in some cases 75 years. A metal roof may be the way to go if you’re looking to stay in your current home for many years. In some ways, a metal roof may be more cost-effective than asphalt shingles since you’ll get many more years out of the roof.
Maximize the lifespan of metal roofs by regularly checking for distressed, bent, or slipped panels. If applicable, make sure fasteners and sealants are still doing their job as well.
CLAY OR CEMENT TILE ROOFS
Clay tile roofs are very popular in the Southwest and tropical regions but are also found anywhere in the U.S. because homeowners appreciate their incredible strength and durability. Traditional tiles are made from terracotta clay, but there are also ceramic tiles roofs (made of fired clay), as well as concrete tile roofs, and all consist of roughly the same degree of strength and durability. They require a sturdy roofing framing sufficient to hold the weight and must be installed by skilled professionals.
Life Expectancy:
When properly taken care of, tile roofs routinely last 25-35 years, and some an impressive 50 years or more! If you are shopping for a new home with that South Florida look, a tile roof may be the way to go.
Maximize the lifespan of clay or cement roofs by avoiding walking on your tile roof as much as possible and replacing cracked and broken tiles as soon as you spot them.
If you’re searching for a reliable roofer in South FL, we invite you to explore our website further and contact us at 954-236-9986 to set up your free estimate. We’d be happy to review all the roofing options available to you that best meet your family’s needs.
