When it comes to the life expectancy of your roof, the material used is the most important factor. Asphalt shingles, for example, are not as durable as something like slate in a storm with strong winds and falling debris. Homeowners must consider the life expectancy of their roof when deciding which roofing materials to use when building or re-roofing a home. The main component of asphalt tiles is oil, but they are hardened with cement fibers and durable mineral fibers, contributing to the life cycle of the roof.
However, there are several influences that can affect the life cycle of the roof, such as major weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, or other storms. These can shorten the lifespan of any type of roof, so it's important to check for minor problems that could become a major issue in the future. The average lifespan of a roof depends on several things, including the type of roofing materials used and the environment. Slate roofs have one of the longest life expectancies of all roofing materials, ranging from 75 to 200 years.
Cedar roofs also have a long lifespan, but this depends on how the product is manufactured and how it is installed. Asphalt shingles have an average life expectancy of 20-40 years. When choosing a contractor to replace your roof or install one in a new home, understand that choosing several types of shingles, metal, or any other roofing material is just one aspect of manufacturing a roof with a long lifespan. You'll also want to understand the average lifespan of the type of roof you're buying or installing in your specific geographic area and your unique weather patterns.
Additionally, proper ventilation is as important as a quality subfloor when it comes to the durability and overall lifespan of your roof. Since the average cost of a roof is thousands of dollars, you need to make sure it's done correctly. However, as the life expectancy of a roofing material increases, so does the price usually, which must be taken into account.