If you're building a new home, it's crucial to know how long a typical roof lasts. Your roof's lifespan is the return you get for your investment in a residential roofing system. A new roof in Phoenix will likely give you an ROI of 60-68%, depending on the quality of roofing materials and workmanship. Let's take a closer look at how long residential roofs last and the lifespan of common materials.
Lifespan of a residential roof
As a property owner, you typically get what you pay for to have a new residential roof. A residential roof typically lasts around 25 years with good care. How long your roof lasts can vary depending on the roof type and the materials your roofing contractor uses.
The greater your investment in a new roof installation, the longer it will serve you and protect your home. You have a myriad of options, so consider a roofing material that fits your budget and needs.If you’re in the market for a new residential roof or feel it's time to do roofing replacement, call us for a free estimate.
What factors impact your roof's lifespan lasts?
As a roofing company that’s been in the residential roofing business for years, we know various factors can impact your roof’s longevity.
Key among them:
Quality of roof installation
Poor roof installation and workmanship can weaken your roofing system and cut short its service life.
Weather conditions
Adverse weather, specifically, swinging temperatures, high winds, hailstorm, and falling debris can damage your roof and reduce its lifespan.
Type of roofing material
Different roofing materials have different lifespans. Your choice of roofing material can last longer or shorter depending on prevailing conditions.
Roof pitch
Compared to gable roofs, low slants and flat roofs are prone to water ponding that can cause mold/fungus growth and ultimately annoying leaks.
Ventilation
Good ventilation is the key to maintaining consistent temperatures. Your roof won’t crack due to freezing conditions or overheat in summer, but it will run efficiently.
Damage to the roof
Any form of damage to your roofing materials can negatively impact the lifespan of your roofing system. Talk to your local roofing company at the first sign of roof damage.
Material quality
Cheaper roofing materials can save you money, but they won’t likely outlast premium roofing products. As a result, you may have to repair your roof often.
Which roofing material is best for my house?
The choice of roofing material depends on your roof’s design, budget and your roofing needs. If your budget is tight or you are looking for lightweight materials, asphalt shingle can be a good choice for your house. Durability is top of your mind? Consider clay, slate or concrete roofing tiles. Different types of roof come with specific lifespans, depending on the materials used and expertise of the residential roofing contractor. You can expect your roofing materials to get as close to their expected lifespan provided installation is done right and the attic has proper ventilation.
Let's now take a closer look at various residential roofing materials and how long each typically lasts.
Asphalt shingle roof
Luxury, architectural, and 3-tab asphalt shingles have varying lifespan depending on their manufacturers. Architectural and luxury shingles can protect your home for 30 years or thereabouts but have the potential to go beyond that with a bit of care. 3-tab shingles typically last for 25 years.
Asphalt shingles are affordable and simple to install compared to other roofing options. A typical system consists of two base materials - fiberglass and organic. Such a design enables asphalt roofs to deflect heat and sun from your home, reducing cooling costs in summer.
That's not all. Asphalt is wind resistant and can hold up well against hail, providing your home with additional waterproofing support. With care and maintenance, you can expect to get 80-85% of the lifespan out of your asphalt shingles roof.
Metal roofs
Sturdier than most roofing materials, metal shingles have a lot of positives. They’re superlight, economical, require less maintenance, and are impervious to some of the roofing issues that affect other roofing systems. Seam roofs typically consist of a series of panels that are locked together. Standing metal panel clips interact with corresponding panels, allowing for greater thermal movement independent of the substrate.
You can get around 30 years of service from a new seam metal roof. Under the right conditions, you can stretch the lifespan of your roof to 50 years. While metal roofing systems outlive other types of roofs, installation can be tricky. Always work with an experienced metal roofing contractor for your home roofing project to ensure flawless installations and lasting results.
Composite (synthetic) roof
Composite roofs are made from recycled materials that resemble cedar shake or slate shingles. As of one of the durable roofing materials in the market, composite roofs can last for up to 50 years. The reason composite lasts long is because of their high impact ratings.
This material can withstand hail damage and extreme weather that would ruin other roofing materials. What’s more is you can walk on a composite roofing system without worrying about damaging or breaking your new roof.
Wood shake roof
Made from split logs, cedar shakes are available in various sizes and add a distinct, natural look to any home. You can expect your new shake roof to last for 30 years, provided it’s properly installed and well-maintained.
The lifespan can extend to 50 years with the right climate and superior materials. The good thing about wood shakes is that they can hold up well in harsh weather, blocking out harmful UV rays while keeping air conditioning costs low in summer weather.
Shakes are eco-friendly material and provide outstanding insulation that can help bring down energy costs in your home. Typical of natural roof materials, manufacturer’s don’t provide warranties against premature roof failure. Your only protection is a labor warranty from your local roofing company.
Slate roof
Few roofing materials can match up the service life of slate roofs. When properly installed and flashed, a slate roof in your home can give you around 70 years of uninterrupted service. Your slate can cross the 100-year mark with proper maintenance and car. Slate roofs don’t usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re in the market for a roofing material that can stand the test of time and may never need replacement in your lifetime, slate can be an excellent choice for your home.
Tile roof
One of the durable roofing materials, clay tiles typically last for 50 years with proper installation and care. However, rainstorms and neglect can knock off a couple of years from clay tile roofs. By the time your roofing is clocking 30years, you can expect the clay roof to have lost its original shine. The underlayment may also need replacement.
When Do I Replace My Roof in Phoenix?
It’s one thing to know how long a roof lasts and another to know the best time to have a roof replacement. Monitor your roof’s health and arrange routine inspections so you can stay on top of issues that can lead to premature roof failure.
If you notice any of the following signs, time’s up to get a new residential roof:
- Ceiling discoloration
- Visible damage to the roof material
- Multiple leaks and water damage
- Pests infestation in your home
- Exterior roof damage
How much does a roof cost?
The roofing industry generally likes to avoid questions relating to cost. However, The Phoenix Roof Company is happy to discuss your home roofing needs and give you a cost breakdown before our roofing technicians tackle your project.
Roofing costs may vary depending on the type of roofing materials, complexity of the job and roof size. We bring precision and exceptional workmanship to every roofing job. You can rest easy knowing our professionals will perform a flawless roof installation within your budget and timelines.
Want to increase your roof's lifespan? Contact The Phoenix Roofing Company
Taking a long-term view of your roofing project and hiring professional roofing services for any roof work can ensure you get the maximum value over the roof's lifetime. Identifying roofing issues early on and performing timely repairs can extend your roof's lifespan and prevent premature roof failure that can lead to costly roof repairs and roof replacements down the road.
If you're planning to install a new roof over your home or replace an old roof, contact The Phoenix Roofing Company, trusted roofing contractors in Phoenix, AZ. We will work with you to understand your specific roofing needs, walk you through roofing options that fit your home then recommend a roofing system that matches your vision. We can also help you maintain a healthy and long-lasting roof that will shelter you and your loved ones for many years. Call (602) 800-ROOF for a free estimate.