A new roof is a big investment, and naturally, people want reassurance that it will last, as well as some reference point to predict future expenses of the next replacement.
At All Elements, we’re often asked how long a new roof will last. We’ve got a few answers to that question, depending on:
- The slope of the roof
- The material used
- Weather events
- How the roof was installed
We’ll dive into all these factors below so you can get a better idea of your roof’s lifespan.
Your roof is a big investment. We can help protect it as long as possible with inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Give us a call today to learn how we can help extend the life of your roof.
How Long Does a Flat Roof Last?
All Elements does both commercial and residential roofing. Typically, commercial projects have flat roofs and residential projects have pitched shingled roofs.
The National Commercial Roofers Association has cited research indicating a low-slope or flat roof lasts 17 years on average, but remember that is a national average. They don’t specify whether storm loss is included in that figure.
In our northern climate, we find that flat roofs last from 15 to 40 years.
What makes the difference? There are a lot of factors, some of which you have control over and some of which you don’t. These issues may have a bigger impact on flat roofs, but they still affect sloped roofs as well.
- Ice dams and snow load: Flat roofs are more susceptible to damage from heavy snow because there’s nowhere for it to go unless it’s cleared off.
- Salt and other pollutants: Although salt can work great for removing ice and snow, it can corrode metal components.
- Birds and rodents: Wildlife can cause a lot of damage to flat roofs. Not only are animal droppings corrosive, but nesting materials can also cause drainage issues and block ventilation systems.
- Debris and vegetation: Weeds can grow anywhere, especially if dirt and debris accumulate on a flat roof. This can damage the roof structure and block drainage, shortening the roof’s lifespan.
- Foot traffic & machinery: Using heavy equipment on a flat roof or even walking on it in the wrong places can cause mechanical stress and damage.
How Long Does a Shingle Roof Last?
If installed properly, and barring any acts of God (such as hail and wind), a shingled roof typically lasts 20-25 years here in Minnesota.
While using high-quality shingles will make a huge difference, it’s not the only thing that matters. Below are some key factors that will prolong the life expectancy of a roofing system.
Substrate: The surface below the shingles needs to be properly installed so that the shingle fasteners can properly secure the shingles. Gaps between the deck boards (typically found on older homes) over ¼” will cause the shingles to buckle, which weakens the seal over time. The fasteners must also penetrate through the roof decking; otherwise, the nails will lift over time, creating holes.
Ventilation: Shingles need ventilation to perform properly. Soffit ventilation (intake) and ridge vent (exhaust) are typically the best way to properly ventilate an attic. Improper ventilation can cause the shingles to blister or crack, which will shorten their lifespan.
Pitch: The steeper the slope of your roof, the longer it will usually last. Snow doesn’t accumulate easily on a steep roof, and rain dries more quickly without pooling. Likewise, debris is less likely to collect on a steeper roof.
Installation: Unfortunately, homeowners looking to DIY their roof often lose money in the long run if things aren’t installed correctly. If shingles aren’t used per the manufacturer's specifications, they will fail prematurely. Improper installation methods will also void the warranty of your shingles.
Using a professional roofing company like All Elements, Inc. is the best way to ensure your roof is installed correctly and lasts as long as possible. Get in touch with us today to discuss your shingle roofing project!
How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?
One of the best things about metal roofing is that it has a much longer lifespan than asphalt shingles. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), metal shingles will last 40-80 years, with copper shingles lasting 70 or more years.
Metal roofs are still susceptible to weather damage, such as hail and falling limbs. Aside from denting the material, storm damage can also cause scratches in the surface. The exposed metal will likely develop rust or other damage if the protective coating is scratched.
Like any other roofing material, proper installation is key for metal roofs. While the material is durable, failed flashings, seams, or fasteners can dramatically reduce the lifespan of your metal roof. Trust the team at All Elements to install a metal roof that will stand the test of time. Contact us today for a quote!
How Long Does a Tile Roof Last?
Like metal, roofs made from slate, clay, or concrete tiles tend to have a much longer lifespan than traditional shingle roofs. According to InterNACHI, slate tiles last 60-150 years, while clay and concrete tiles last more than 100 years.
Wind, hail, and falling limbs can damage tile like any other roofing material. And while tile is long-lasting, it can break more easily than other materials. Walking on a tile roof can cause cracks, but tiles can also break when doing other home repairs, like replacing gutters.
Fortunately, single tiles can often be replaced as damage occurs, which adds to the longevity of roof tiles. If you’re considering a tile roof, keeping some spare tiles on hand is generally a good idea so you don’t need to worry about matching materials when replacing a shingle.
How Long Does an F-Wave Roof Last?
F-Wave shingles are made from synthetic materials and are designed as a long-lasting alternative to asphalt. Because of its composition, F-Wave roofing can last as long as 50 years, withstanding weather damage as well as fading. These shingles have a Class 4 impact rating, which is the highest possible rating for hail resistance, as well as a Class A fire rating.
Because they don’t have granules like asphalt, F-wave shingles aren’t susceptible to cracking or curling like some other roofing materials. This means minimal maintenance is required, and they should last for many years as long as they’re installed by a professional.
How Long Does a Thatched Roof Last?
Made from natural materials using traditional techniques, thatched roofs are as functional as they are aesthetic. You might think a roof made from reeds or straw couldn’t last as long as a shingled roof, but the lifespan is similar.
Like other roofs, the materials and craftsmanship will play a big role in how long the thatching lasts. Longstraw roofs have a shorter lifespan, lasting up to 25 years. Water reed thatching, on the other hand, can last 40 or more years. Regardless of the material used for the main part of the roof, you will usually need to replace the center ridge every 10-15 years to boost the life of your thatching.
Maintenance Pays Off
Our number-one tip for getting the longest leak-free life out of your roof? Maintenance.
Someone should check your roof twice yearly, removing debris and evaluating whether repairs are needed. Want to save money? Fix the minor things before they become major things.
If you don’t have the time, give us a call at All Elements. We’re on your side: we’d love to help that roof of yours last as long as it possibly can. A small investment in maintenance and repairs now could put off that big expense of replacement a few more years.
We offer roof inspections and repairs to keep your roof in top shape as long as possible. Call us today at 763-314-0234 to see how we can extend the life of your roof!