When it comes to roofing, the life expectancy of your shingles depends on the type and quality of material you choose. Dimensional shingles come with a 30-year manufacturer's warranty, and if properly ventilated and installed, they should last between 80 and 85% of the life of an asphalt roof. This means you can expect to get 20 to 22 years with 3-tab shingles and 25 to 28 years with dimensional shingles. On average, roofs last between 25 and 50 years.
In the US, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. They are expected to last between 15 and 25 years, but there are different types of asphalt shingles that can affect this number. Solar panels installed on traditional roofs are becoming more popular, but solar shingles are still in their infancy. Clay tile roofs have an average lifespan of 50 years, while metal roofs last 20 to 70 years depending on the quality.
To ensure that your clay tile roof lasts as long as possible, it's important to clean it properly. Wooden shingle roofs should be inspected annually and any broken shingles should be replaced immediately. To get the most out of your roof, it's important to do basic maintenance at least three times a year. This can help extend the life of your roof and save you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements.
If you're considering replacing asphalt roofs, investing in algae resistant shingles manufactured for this purpose is a good idea if you live in a particularly humid climate. When it comes time to consider buying a new roof, contact local roofing contractors for several quotes on the cost of a replacement. Follow these steps to find out what factors affect the life of your roof and determine when you should investigate replacement options.
