Asking about the lifespan of a roof is a common question that we get at Ranch Roofing. While there are many rules of thumb regarding roof life expectancy, several key factors that determine how long your roof will hold up. A lot of these factors rely on you, the homeowner, and how well you take care of your roof throughout the year. Following a strict schedule of maintenance and seasonal cleanups will help ensure that your roof is staying as healthy as possible over its lifespan by removing debris and growth before they can cause irreversible damage. Primarily speaking, the type of roof that you choose will determine life expectancy. For example, a rubber roof has a longer lifespan than asphalt, while slate roofs can last nearly a lifetime with proper care. The key phrase here is “proper care”. Caring for your roof is something we have written about time and time again due to its importance to ensure you are getting the most out of your roofing investment.
Asphalt Roof Lifespan
Most homes in this country possess the natural aesthetics of an asphalt roof. These roofs are often very durable and relatively inexpensive compared to slate. We have found that with proper care and maintenance, the average life of an asphalt roof falls right around 20 years. Many factors can influence this timeline, with less yearly maintenance often meaning a lesser lifespan. Tree cover can often negatively impact the lives of these roofs, therefore we see long lasting roofs in areas like Somerville and Cambridge, where owners don’t need to worry as much about impact damage from overhanging vegetation.
Average Life of a Rubber Roof
While not as common as asphalt, rubber roofs are becoming more prevalent due to their low upkeep and long-lasting characteristics. These are more prevalent in the commercial roofing space, but residential homeowners have become aware of their benefits. While not as aesthetically pleasing as asphalt, homeowners love rubber roofs because they require much less yearly maintenance. Rubber roofs also last longer than asphalt with a roof life expectancy of 25-30 years.
Slate Roof Lifespan
Slate roofs are the king in terms of the average life of the roof. At the same time, slate roofs are immensely durable as compared to asphalt and rubber. It is not uncommon for slate roofs to survive more than 50 years with some lasting through a century. Much like asphalt, the lifespan of a slate roof is determined by the owner’s maintenance and care. As long as proper steps are taken year-round to ensure the roof stays clean, you will find slate roofs to last a lifetime.
These typical lifespans are all estimates that rely on averages and proper roof maintenance. There are many factors that can impact the lifespan of your roof, which makes it all the more important to take proper care of your roof to ensure a long life. Contact us if you feel your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, or if you have questions regarding the health of your roof.