The lifespan of your roof depends on the materials that it’s made from and how the climate impacts those materials. Some roofing materials are more resilient than others, but you often have to pay more for that durability. For example, slate typically lasts longer than asphalt shingles, but slate is significantly more expensive.
Knowing the age of your roof is important because it impacts your home insurance premiums. The more life you have left in your roof, the lower your rates usually are.
Why? Because your roof offers key protection for the rest of your home from the elements. A roof that needs to be replaced can easily lead to losses from water intrusion – and more.
However, it’s also important to know that climate can have a major impact on your roof’s durability. High temperatures or extreme fluctuations in temperatures may shorten your roof’s useful life, as can wind, rain, hail, and snow.
Let’s take a look at different roofing materials and how weather affects their durability.
How long does a 3-tab roof last?
Because they’re inexpensive and easy to install, 3-tab shingles are some of the most common roofing materials and are found on all types of roofs. Each 3-tab shingle is made of asphalt that forms a watertight seal over the house and has mineral granules laid on top for color and durability.
You may find warranties of up to 25 years for a 3-tab roof. However, the life of the average 3-tab roof can be reduced based on several weather factors. In severe weather areas such as California and Florida, that can drop by several years due to harsh wind and weather.
How long does an architectural shingle roof last?
Architectural shingles have a similar composition to 3-tabs, but they’re heavier, which is why they’re more durable. They also aren’t flat so they can mimic more expensive roofing materials. Ultimately, they’re considered a more high-end roofing material. You can usually get a 30-year warranty on architectural shingles, but again, severe weather conditions may reduce those figures.
How long does a metal roof last?
Metal roofs are usually made from aluminum or steel and are particularly popular in hurricane-prone areas. They can have a longer life span than many other roof materials under good conditions, but durability does vary based on the specific grade of metal. Lesser quality metal roofs made from thinner metals usually have a shorter life span.
Proper installation is important here, as it is with any roofing material. A poorly installed metal roof can cause water to accumulate and create serious problems.
How long does a clay tile roof last?
Clay roof tiles, most commonly seen as terracotta tiles popular on Southwest homes, do well in hot, sunny conditions, resist rot, and can last a long time in ideal conditions. Most come with a warranty of at least 30 years; however, clay tile roofs in Florida can start showing their age much sooner
Once installed, there is little maintenance required on a clay tile roof. Please note, however, that clay tiles are heavy, so they aren’t the right choice for every home.
How long does a wood roof last?
Wood roofs come in two types: rustic shakes and machine-cut shingles. Neither are as practical as more modern materials like asphalt﹘particularly in hot, humid climates﹘ but many people find them aesthetically pleasing. In fact, other materials are often made to look like wood.
Both shakes and shingles fare well against hurricane winds, but you need to be realistic about the amount of maintenance they require. You need to inspect a wood roof annually for rot and warped or split shingles that could affect water resistance. Damaged shingles need to be replaced immediately to maintain the integrity of the roof. Failing to keep up with this and other maintenance tasks reduces a wood roof’s durability.
How long does a slate roof last?
A slate roof is about the highest-end roof you can get with the longest life span. A properly installed slate roof can last up to 40 years and can usually withstand most weather conditions including sun, heat, and wind.
But remember, durability isn’t forever. Wear and tear continually weakens your roof, so you may have to replace your slate roof in just 25 years – or sooner. That’s even more true for soft slate tiles. Plus, slate tiles are heavy, so your material costs could be expensive if you have to reinforce your home’s framework to support the weight.
How long does built-up roofing last?
Built-up roofing is most often used on low-pitch and flat roofs. They consist of a series of asphalt and ply sheet layers on top of a cover board and insulation and a final reflective cap sheet made of minerals or a covering of asphalt and gravel. Not only does this make for excellent waterproofing, but flat roofs usually stand up to hurricane winds.
Warranties vary widely for built-up roofs. We’ve seen warranties anywhere between 5 and 15 years, which suggests the life span of built-up roofing is a little shorter than some other types of roofing material. On the other hand, built-up roofing is often one of the only options for flat roofs. Luckily, built-ups are easy to maintain and inexpensive.
How long do roofs last in Florida and Louisiana?
How long your roof lasts in the hurricane-prone states of Florida and Louisiana depends on the type of roof that you have. Roofs take a heavier beating and don’t last as long in these states. For example, a 3-tab roof’s lifespan might drop to around seven to 10 years while architectural shingles may only last 20 years or less.
No matter what type of roofing material you have, you need to look into wind mitigation. Taking a few simple steps to hurricane-proof your home goes a long way to keeping you and your family safe.
