WHAT'S THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A ROOF?

The life expectancy of a roof varies between different roof materials. Here’s the averages:

Asphalt Shingles, 3-tab - 15 to 18 years

Asphalt Shingles, Architectural - 24 to 30 years

Galvalume (metal) - 30 to 45 years

Concrete Tile - 35 to 50 years

Built-Up or Modified Bitumen - 10 to 16 years

EPDM (rubber) - 10 to 16 years

But average lifespan estimates are based on “average” conditions. Many factors contribute to a longer or shorter life of the roof; so a particular roof’s life can vary—sometimes significantly—from the average. Here’s a list of conditions that affect roof longevity:

• Color of roof - A dark roof absorbs more heat, which shortens the lifespan.

•Angle of roof slope - Higher pitch roofs tend to last longer.

•Orientation of roof surface - A roof slope facing south will get more sunlight, and have a shorter life.

•Trees near roof - Tree branches rubbing on a roof or the acidity from the accumulation of leaf debris on a roof shortens its life.

•Harsh climate - Severe weather, both harsh winters and hot summers, along with big temperature swings within a 24-hour period, also shorten lifespan because of the expansion and contraction of roof materials.