How long does a roof last?

The roof of just about any structure, may it be a house, a barn or an office, plays a significant role in not just making the house aesthetically-pleasing but free from damage as well. These threats could range from environmental factors such as the weather, besides various other forms or elements. This is why you should place the same amount of importance when deciding what type of roof to use on your planned structure as in any other part of it. You may be wondering, though, what type of roofing to use and how long does a roof last?

Well, when considering the lifespan of a roof, experts always take into consideration the weather condition of the locale. In Minnesota, for instance, since it's prone to heavy snowing during the winter season, you can expect roofs to have shorter lifespans, regardless of their type. Hail is another weather condition that most Minnesotans should watch out for, as it has been found to significantly damage roofs as well.

This is why your choice of a roof should hinge primarily on such specific situations. Yes, any kind of roof is susceptible to weathering thereby cutting their life by a few years. However, you should also take into consideration the fact that the material that you choose to use on your roof would greatly determine its average lifespan as well. It's for this reason that if you want to know how long most roofs last, you have to take the time to know the different main classifications of roofs.

Types of Roofs and Their Durability

Roofs are primarily grouped according to their material. While some argue that the price of the roof readily determine its durability, it's not always the case, especially if we are to consider the other factors, as said above, that affect it. The amount of maintenance that you are willing to invest on your roof significantly determines how long it's going to last as well.

Wood Shake Roofing

Wood shake roofs are considerably durable (some even reach 30 years before requiring to be placed), but compared to others of its kind, it has a fairly average lifespan. The downside of using wood is that they are susceptible to fire and just about any other weather condition like wind and snow. This requires most users to treat the roof first to make them more resistant. If you're willing to do regular tune-ups to this type of roof, then you can expect it to last for 25-30 years at most.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs have been around for centuries. The amount of improvements that they've had through the years speaks volumes about their overall usability and popularity as well. One of the reasons behind this is because these types of roofs are well-known for their resistance to any form of weathering. And metal roofs have become fairly popular in Minnesota with the passage of time due to this simple reason alone. If snow is your number one priority, then you really shouldn't hesitate to go for metal roofs, as they have been proven to be extremely good weather and element barriers and can shed snow and water better than any other kind of roof. Metal roofs are one of the longest-lasting roofs as well as most can last up to 70 years, depending on the material used.

Fiber Cement Roofing

This type of roof suffers the same downside as wood shake roofs in that it needs frequent maintenance as well in order for it to last as long as its expected lifespan. It has the same average lifespan as wood roofs (30 years) but a lot of homeowners encounter numerous issues such as leaking or severe degradation 5-3 years before reaching the said declared lifespan. Fiber cement roofs may be cheap, but this economical advantage is easily overshadowed by the brittleness of most cement materials and its feeble resistance against various weather conditions.

Slate or Tile Roofing

This is, without a doubt the most coveted roof type as depending on the material that was used, it could last up to a whopping 50 to 150 or more years. This practically makes them one of the most durable (if not the most durable) roofing material at present. However, if you are in a state like Minnesota where very cold climate can be expected, you have to be extra careful when picking the right tile to use. There are, after all, tiles that are simply able to stand such climates better. They may arguably be expensive, but if you're looking for the best roof that won't require constant maintenance once it's been placed, then you should definitely opt for slate and tile roofs.