A: The materials and workmanship, as well as the weather conditions in your area, will determine the lifespan of your roof. When installed by a quality roofing company, many types of roofs last more than 15 years; some can last 50 years or more unless there is a major storm or a large tree falls. Not surprisingly, less expensive types of shingles do not last as long as more expensive ones, and the price range is quite wide.
Less expensive shingles cost $70 per square (in roofing jargon, a “square” is 100 square feet). In the high end segment, a new roof can cost up to $1,500 per square foot; shingles in the upper price range can outlive the house itself. Read on to learn about the lifespan of different types of shingles so you can better understand when a roof needs to be replaced.
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material sold today. They are installed in more than 80 percent of new homes because they are affordable ($70 to $150 per square meter on average) and come with a 25-year warranty.
Asphalt shingles are asphalt based coverings made from an organic material such as fiberglass or cellulose that provide a durable layer of protection from UV rays, wind and rain. The heat from the sun softens the bitumen on the shingles, which over time helps hold the shingles in place and create a watertight seal.
Each type of asphalt shingle (fiberglass or organic) has its own advantages and disadvantages. Asphalt shingles, made from organic materials such as cellulose, are very durable but more expensive than fiberglass shingles. Organic asphalt shingles are also thicker and have more asphalt applied to them. On the other hand, fiberglass shingles are lighter in weight, which is why they are often chosen when laying a layer of shingles over an existing roof. In addition, fiberglass shingles have higher fire resistance than cellulose shingles.
Both fiberglass and organic bituminous shingles come in a variety of designs, with three-ply and architectural shingles being the most common. The most popular is the three-piece shingle, in which the bottom edge of each strip is cut into three pieces, giving the appearance of three separate shingles. In contrast, architectural shingles (see below) use multiple layers of material to create a layered structure that mimics the appearance of a single shingle, making the roof visually more interesting and three-dimensional.
A potential disadvantage of shingles is that they are susceptible to damage by fungus or algae when installed in damp areas. Those who live in particularly humid climates and are considering replacing their asphalt roof may want to invest in specially made algae-resistant shingles.
Although architectural shingles seal in the same way as standard bituminous shingles, they are three times thicker, thus creating a tighter, more resilient roof. Architectural shingle warranties reflect increased durability. While warranties vary by manufacturer, some extend to 30 years or more.
Architectural shingles, priced at $250 to $400 per square, are more expensive than three shingles, but are also considered more attractive. These multiple layers of laminate not only increase their durability, but also allow them to mimic the patterns and textures of more expensive materials such as wood, slate and tiled roofs. Since these luxury designs are less expensive than the materials they imitate, architectural shingles can provide high-quality aesthetics without the exorbitant cost.
Please note that architectural and 3-ply bituminous shingles are not suitable for use on sloped or flat roofs. They can only be used on pitched roofs with a slope of 4:12 or more.
Cedar is the preferred choice for shingles and shingles due to its rot and insect repellant properties. Over time, the shingles will take on a soft silvery gray color that will suit almost any style of home, but is especially good for Tudor-style houses and steep-roofed cottage-style houses.
For a tiled roof, you will pay between $250 and $600 per square meter. To keep it in good condition, tile roofs should be checked annually and any cracks in tile roofs should be replaced immediately. A well maintained tiled roof will last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the quality of the shingles or shingles.
While shingles have a natural beauty and are relatively inexpensive to install, they also have some drawbacks. Because it is a natural product, it is not uncommon for shingles to warp or split during installation, and warp after shingles are installed. These defects can cause leakage or detachment of individual tiles.
Wood shingles and shingles are also prone to discoloration. Their fresh brown color will turn to silver gray after a few months, a color some people prefer. The susceptibility of shingles to fire is of great concern, although shingles and shingles treated with flame retardants are available. In fact, in some cities, regulations prohibit the use of unfinished wood shingles. Be aware that installing shingles can result in higher insurance premiums or homeowner deductibles.
While clay tiles are available in a variety of earth tones, this type of roof is best known for the bold terracotta tones that are so popular in the American Southwest. Installing a clay tile roof can cost anywhere from $600 to $800 per square meter, but you won’t have to replace it anytime soon. Durable, low-maintenance tiles can easily last up to 50 years, and manufacturer warranties range from 30 years to a lifetime.
Clay tile roofs are especially popular in hot, sunny climates, as strong solar heat can soften the underside of asphalt tiles, weakening adhesion and causing the roof to leak. Although they are referred to as “clay” tiles and some are actually made from clay, today’s clay tiles are primarily made from colored concrete that is molded into curved, flat or interlocking shapes.
Installing clay tiles is not a do-it-yourself job. Tiles are heavy and fragile and must be laid according to prescribed patterns that require precise measurements. Also, replacing an old asphalt roof with clay tiles may require reinforcing the home’s roof structure, as clay tiles can weigh up to 950 pounds per square meter.
Metal roofs vary in price and quality, ranging from $115/square for standing seam aluminum or steel panels to $900/sq for stone faced steel shingles and standing seam copper panels.
In the case of metal roofs, the quality also depends on the thickness: the thicker the thickness (lower number), the more durable the roof. In the cheaper segment, you will find thinner metal (caliber 26 to 29) with a service life of 20 to 25 years.
High quality metal roofs (22 to 24 mm thick) are popular in northern regions because of their ability to roll snow off the roof and are strong enough to easily last more than half a century. Manufacturers give a guarantee from 20 years to a lifetime, depending on the quality of the metal. Another benefit is that metal roofs have a lower carbon footprint than asphalt due to the high amount of petroleum products used in the production of shingles.
A potential disadvantage of metal roofs is that they can be dented by falling branches or large hailstones. Dents are almost impossible to remove and are often visible from afar, ruining the look of the roof. For those who live under treetops or in areas with a lot of hail, a metal roof made of steel rather than aluminum or copper is recommended to reduce the risk of dents.
Slate is a natural metamorphic stone with a fine texture that is ideal for making uniform tiles. While a slate roof can be expensive ($600 to $1,500 per square meter), it can withstand just about anything Mother Nature throws at it (other than a powerful tornado) while maintaining its structural integrity and beauty.
Slate tile manufacturers offer a 50-year to lifetime warranty, making it easy to replace if the slate tile cracks. The biggest disadvantage of slate roof tiles (besides cost) is the weight. A standard roof frame is not suitable to support these heavy shingles, so the roof rafters must be reinforced before a slate roof is installed. Another feature of installing a slate tile roof is that it is not suitable for do-it-yourself work. Accuracy is critical when installing slate shingles and an experienced roofing contractor is needed to ensure shingles do not fall out during the process.
Those looking for a fire resistant roof can’t go wrong with slate shingles. Since it is a natural product, it is also environmentally friendly. Slate can be reused even after its roofing life has expired.
Installing solar panels on traditional roofs is commonplace these days, but solar shingles are still in their infancy. On the other hand, they are more attractive than large solar panels, but they are also expensive and cost $22,000 more than regular solar panels. Unfortunately, solar tiles are not as energy efficient as solar panels because they cannot generate as much electricity. Overall, today’s solar tiles produce about 23% less energy than standard solar panels.
On the other hand, solar tiles are covered by a 30-year warranty, and individual damaged tiles are relatively easy to replace (although a professional is required to replace them). The initial installation of solar shingles should also be left to the professionals. The technology is advancing rapidly, and as the production of solar tiles expands, their prices are likely to fall.
Roofs typically have a life span of 20 to 100 years, depending on the materials used, workmanship and climate. Not surprisingly, the most durable materials also cost more. There are many colors and designs to suit any home style, but choosing a new roof is more than just picking a color. It is important to choose a roofing material that suits the climate of your area and the slope of the roof. Note that it’s always a good idea to have a professional roofer install your roof, but for dedicated and experienced home tinkerers, it’s easiest to install an asphalt roof.
Replacing a roof is a costly affair. Before you begin, it’s important to research your roofing material and contractor options. If you’re thinking about replacing your roof, here are some answers to questions you might have.
Short answer: before the existing roof leaks. The service life depends on the type of roof. For example, the service life of three shingles is about 25 years, while the service life of architectural shingles is up to 30 years. A shingled roof can last up to 30 years, but before that time, individual shingles may need to be replaced. The average life of clay tile roofs is 50 years, while the life of metal roofs is 20 to 70 years, depending on the quality. A slate roof can last up to a century, while solar shingles can last about 30 years.
When the life of the roof has expired, it’s time for a new roof, even if it still looks good. Other signs that a roof needs to be replaced include damage from hail or fallen branches, twisted shingles, missing shingles, and roof leaks.
Obvious signs of damage include broken or missing shingles or tiles, interior ceiling leaks, sagging roof, and missing or torn shingles. However, not all signs are visible to the untrained eye, so if you suspect damage, call a roofing professional to inspect your roof.
Asphalt replacement or roof construction can take anywhere from 3 to 5 days, depending on the weather and the size and complexity of the job. Installation of other types of roofs can take from several days to weeks. Rain, snow or severe weather may extend the replacement time.
Post time: Aug-25-2023