How Long Should My Roof Last?

One of the most important aspects of the exterior of your home is your roof! Your roof keeps your home dry and insulated against the harshest elements, protecting you and your family all year round. An excellent roof warranty adds so much value to your home and ensures you’ll never have to experience the costly effects of a damaged roof.

Of course, no roof lasts forever, and it’s important to know your roof expectancy to be prepared for roof replacement when the time comes.

What Affects How Long My Roof Lasts?

A roof’s lifespan varies greatly depending on many factors, though the most significant is the weather conditions where you live. Heavy rain or snowfall can wear on your roof, but so can extreme heat and humidity. Homes located in areas in which hail is common tend to need more frequent shingle replacements. In severe cases, entire roofing systems may need to be reinstalled depending on the extent of the hailstorm damage.

In addition to weather, the type of shingles your roof is made of may affect its longevity. Some shingles last longer than others, and the longest-lasting shingles material for a roof in a hot, sunny climate may not be the same as the longest-lasting shingles material in more extreme conditions.

How Long Does a Roof Typically Last?

Most homes have a roof expectancy of between 15 and 50 years, depending on the materials used, the workmanship, your climate and more. This varies depending on whether your roof has asphalt or metal shingles, but both options have other benefits beyond roof expectancy.

Asphalt Shingles Roof Expectancy

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, preferred for their affordability matched with good durability. Most asphalt roofs come with warranties for up to 25 years, which pairs well with their 15-30 year lifespan! These fiberglass and asphalt sealant composite shingles can withstand a variety of harsh weather conditions including snow, wind, rain, and sun exposure.

Climate can significantly influence the lifespan of asphalt shingles, as they may crack or curl in conditions that are too extreme. Asphalt shingles are a great option for homes in Missouri and Kansas because temperatures don’t reach the same intense extremes experienced in other parts of the country.

There are three main types of asphalt shingle roofing, and each has a slightly different roof expectancy and price point:

3-tab shingles are the cheapest option and last 15-20 years.
Architectural shingles are somewhat more expensive and last 20-30 years.
Premium shingles are the most expensive asphalt shingle option and last 25-40 years.

At Rolox Home Service, we offer asphalt shingles that are warp-resistant and flexible to ensure your roof will last its entire expected lifespan.

Metal Shingles Roof Expectancy

Metal shingles may come at a much higher price tag than asphalt, but that’s because they last up to five times longer and have fantastic curb appeal! Most metal roofs last 40 to 70 years and can even have lifetime warranties depending on the type of metal and the roof style. Some of the premium metals can last for more than 100 years!

Five metal roofing materials are available, though tin has not been commonly used in recent decades. Here are the four more popular options:

- Copper is a premium metal that can last over 100 years, but its roof expectancy can be cut short by frequent hailstorms due to its softer nature.

Aluminum roofing lasts closer to 50 years and is known for its excellent energy efficiency and resistance to saltwater corrosion (perfect for homes on the coast!).

Zinc roofing lasts even longer than copper, commonly lasting for well over 100 years. It is also resistant to corrosion and has the lowest melting point of all metal roofing.

Steel has three variations on the market: galvanized, galvalume, and weathering. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, but steel is much more affordable overall than other metal roofing and can even mimic the look of copper or zinc for longer warranties. Most steel roofs will last between 40 and 70 years.

Our stone-coated steel roofing at Rolox Home Service has a lightweight design with very high energy efficiency. This DECRA® roofing system will give you state-of-the-art protection as it withstands the harshest of elements, making it a much better option than traditional roofing solutions!

How Do I Know if My Roof Needs to Be Replaced?

Just because your home has reached the roof expectancy window doesn’t necessarily mean it urgently needs replacement. A professional can help you determine whether your roof has reached a level of wear and tear to require replacing, as not all signs of damage are visible to the untrained eye. But if you can easily identify roof damage yourself, it’s likely time for a new roof.

Here is what you should look for when deciding whether it’s time to replace your roof: