The lifespan and health of a roof are among the most essential aspects of a house because they have a huge impact on the value of the property as well as its construction integrity.
If you’re planning to upgrade your roof, you probably heard about warranties that can reach up to 30 years on roofs. But how long does a 30 year roof really last?
As a rule of thumb, you should expect a roof to last up to 80% or 90% of its life expectancy if it’s properly installed and well taken care of. This means that a 30 year roof is expected to last up to anywhere between 24 to 27 years, depending on a variety of factors.
However, there are different roof types out there, meaning that such a rule may differ according to multiple variables. In today’s article, we’ll provide you with a brief overview of roofs’ types and their expected lifespan.
What Exactly is a 30 Year Roof
A 30 year roof is a roof that is branded and marketed to last up to 30 years if installed correctly, regularly maintained, and kept in ideal weather conditions. In other words, a 30 year roof isn’t the same as a roof that is covered with a 30 year warranty.
You should also know that a 30 year roof isn’t a type of roof, so it’s not exclusive to a specific type or building materials.
Factors That Impact the Lifespan of a Roof
As previously mentioned, there’s a set of aspects that affect the longevity of a roof and how long you should expect a roof to last. Let’s have a brief look at each one of these aspects:
Type and Material of Roofing
There are plenty of materials that you can make roofing out of. This includes asphalt, wood, metal, clay tiles, and slate.
Each one of these materials has its own level of durability and integrity, so they have different lifespans. But more about this in the following section.
The Craftsmanship of the Roofing Contractor
Some people might think that all roofing contractors are the same, so they straight up look for the cheapest one they can find.
However, the level of craftsmanship is easily one of the most crucial factors if you want the roof to last as long as it promises.
A good roofing contractor will build the roof with a solid base that will help it withstand the elements and prevent them from actively shortening the lifespan of the roof. This, of course, extends to repairs and regular maintenance as well.
Attic Ventilation
Another criminally underrated aspect that greatly impacts the integrity of a roof is the level of ventilation down in the attic.
Especially if you have an asphalt roof, you need to make sure that the attic cycles the air efficiently because trapped air, whether it’s too cold or hot will build up cracks at the core of the roof, which ends up ruining the roof way ahead of its expected lifespan.
Weather Conditions
The quick change in weather conditions can have a detrimental effect on any structure, let alone a house roofing that’s meant to be on the front line against them.
For instance, continuous rain will cause granular loss and pitting in various types of roofing, which takes away from the core’s durability. Additionally, extreme wind and sudden changes in weather can create tiny cracks that may develop into serious problems with time.
However, weather resistance will vary greatly from one type of roofing material to the other. Also, the type of sealing and the contractor’s proficiency will significantly impact how much a roof can take for its material.
Sunlight Exposure
The integrity of the roof will vary according to its placement due to exposure to the sun. East and west-facing tiles get an equal dose of exposure from sunrise and sunset.
On the other hand, north and south-facing tiles don’t get an equal amount of light throughout the day, so you may notice signs of wear due to exposure to sunlight on one side more than the other.
How Long Does Each Type of Roof is Expected to Last
Here’s a quick look at the different types of roof tiles and how long you should expect them to last with proper installation and continuous maintenance.
1. Asphalt Roofing
The most common and affordable one nowadays. It’s made of asphalt sealants and fiberglass blends.
They crack under sunlight and extreme changes in weather, so they typically last anywhere between 15 to 25 years.
2. Wood Roofing
Wood is one of the oldest roofing materials, so its natural limits are fairly understood. They offer a decent balance between durability and aesthetics but they require tons of maintenance, including staining and repainting every 3 to 5 years.
The quality may vary depending on the grain type and wood material. However, even durable woods like cedarwood are prone to mold, rot, and water damage.
Yet, they’re excellent against wind and insulation against heat (they stretch with changes in weather).
3. Metal Roofing
One of the most recent types of roofing and is known for its resilience. They come in different types that last anywhere from 25 years and up to 100 years with proper maintenance.
4. Clay Tile Roofing
Clay tiles have excellent resistance to weather and moisture, making it a long-lasting option but it needs regular cleaning and maintenance because it can still grow mold and moss between the tiles.
Most clay tile roofing comes with warranties up to 30 years, but a well-built one can easily surpass that with proper maintenance and good care.
5. Slate Roofing
In ideal conditions, slate is the most durable type of roofing out there because it resists heat and moisture better than most alternatives.
They typically come with lifetime warranties, as they can last between 100 to 200 years depending on the craftsmanship of the roofing contractor and the weather conditions in the region.
Conclusion
With that said, you now have a full answer to the question “how long does a 30 year roof really last?”.
As you can see, the answer varies significantly depending on the type of roofing you have as well as the amount of care you put into keeping this roof intact, so make sure that you regularly check your roof for any maintenance requirements if you want it to last as long as possible.
