How Long Does a New Roof Last?

Did you just get a new roof? Or do you think it's time to replace your current one? 

A roof isn't meant to be replaced often. So, needing to know how long a roof is supposed to last after it's installed is good information to have. 

However, the lifespan varies on the type of roofing material. On top of this, there are many other factors that determine how long your specific roof will last. 

Since 1990,  Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in providing high-quality roof replacements in Nashville, TN, but I take just as much pride in helping all homeowners get the roofing knowledge they need. So, let's break down how long you can expect a roof to last from the day its installed. 

In this article, I'll answer:

• How long a roof lasts on average
• The lifespans of the most common residential roofing materials
• The things that directly affect how long a roof lasts

How long does a new roof last?

The majority of residential roofs will last 20-25 years in the United States. This is mainly based on asphalt shingles, the most commonly used roofing material in the country.

However, there are plenty of roofing materials that come in a wide range of lifespans.

Below is more information about each roofing material in the table above.

3-tab asphalt shingles

3-tab asphalt shingles should last 15 years with a max of 20 years. They are the cheapest option but also the most inferior asphalt shingle and roofing material on the market.

Architectural asphalt shingles

Architectural asphalt shingles should last 20-25 years with proper installation and adequate attic ventilation. This asphalt shingle is the most commonly used roofing material in Nashville and the United States in general because of the affordability.

They’re a great option for homeowners looking for a cost-effective but durable roofing material.

Luxury asphalt shingles

Luxury asphalt shingles will last 30 years but can get up to 40 or 50 years in the right conditions. Their slate-like design gives them very high curb appeal, but they’re also the longest-lasting asphalt shingle.

Metal roofing

A metal roof can last 20 to 30 years, but each metal roof system has a specific lifespan. A steel standing seam metal roof lasts 30 years, but can last up to 50 years.

On the other hand, an exposed fastener metal roof should last at least 20 years and potentially 30 years with proper maintenance. On top of the specific metal roof system, the type of metal, its thickness, and painted finish ultimately determine how long a metal roof lasts.

Synthetic shingles

Synthetic shingles (also called composite) should last 40 to 50 years due to their rubber-like polymer qualities. They closely mimic the look of natural slate and cedar shake, but come at a cheaper price.

Even though they’re cheaper, synthetic shingles are one of the most durable roofing materials available and offer superior protection from storm damage. However, they also haven’t been around as long as other established roofing materials.

Cedar shake

Cedar shake shingles will last 30 years, and can get up to 40 or 50 in the right climate and with proper maintenance. This is one of the best-looking roofing materials available, but they show signs of wear and tear as they age.

While we do have humidity and high temperatures, a cedar shake roof is a great fit for our area of Nashville, TN. However, different climates in other states can lead to the cedar shakes aging faster.

Slate tiles

Slate tiles will last anywhere from 50 to 100+ years, making it the longest-lasting roofing material available to homeowners in the United States. However, they are extremely fragile, expensive, and heavy.

This not only makes the installation tricky, but your home also has to be able to handle the weight before it can begin. If not, you’ll have to retrofit your home with more support before installation starts.

What affects how long a roof lasts?

The roofing material you choose sets the lifespan, but different factors ultimately determine how long a roof actually lasts. Let’s look at the factors that directly impact a roof's lifespan.

Quality of the materials

The quality of your roofing materials and components greatly impacts how long a roof lasts on your home. Finding a low price is tempting, but getting cheap or inferior materials shows up in the finished quality of your roof.

You don’t have to break the bank and find the most expensive roof possible. But going with the cheapest roof means getting the cheapest roofing materials and the cheapest labor to install them.

So, set your budget, choose the roofing material that fits it, and invest in quality to ensure your roof lasts as long as possible.

Installation quality

The biggest factor that impacts how long a roof lasts is the installation quality of the roofing contractor. An improperly installed roof will never reach its full potential and will most likely fail prematurely.

This can be caused by poor workmanship, inadequate attic ventilation, improper nailing, and poor weather conditions during installation. The last thing you need to worry about is leaks, paying for repairs, or experiencing premature failure.

That’s why hiring a reputable roofing contractor is so crucial when getting a new roof.

Adequate attic ventilation

Your attic’s ventilation system allows your home to breathe properly by moving air in and out of your attic. If your attic isn’t ventilated correctly, the damage from trapped hot and cold air will drastically shorten a roof’s lifespan.

Attic ventilation is absolutely crucial, especially when it comes to asphalt shingle roofs. If they’re installed over a poorly ventilated attic, it’s guaranteed to cut the lifespan short and void warranties.

The weather in your area

Every roof goes through wear and tear from the weather throughout its life. However, the amount of direct sunlight, frequent temperature changes, and extreme weather that hits your area determine how much it affects a roof's lifespan.

This is even more important nowadays with the amount of storms with hail and damaging winds that have destroyed roofs over the last 5 years in the United States. Even if you don’t, hail or strong winds that come with a single storm are enough to weaken the integrity of asphalt shingles.

Roof maintenance

Roof maintenance plays a huge role in how long a roof lasts, no matter the roofing material. Whether once or twice a year, roof maintenance ensures a roof reaches its full potential.

It catches any potential problems with your roofing materials and prevents future leaks before they start. Without maintenance, a small problem can snowball and turn into an expensive repair and cause damage to the interior of your home.

Roof maintenance is also the perfect chance to clear your roof and gutters of debris. If wet debris is left sitting on your roof, it will shorten the lifespan of the roofing materials.

How much does a new roof cost?

You just learned how long a new roof lasts on average, based on roofing material, and the things that affect the lifespan. If you're trying to determine it's time for a new roof, check out 6 Signs Your Roof Needs to be Replaced to learn if it's the right time. 

But if you already know you need a replacement, just remember that the lifespan depends on the type of roof you get. However, you can't decide which one is right for you without have the pricing information you need. 

Unfortunately, cost questions are usually avoided by roofers because of the sticker shock. We aren't like other roofing companies though. So, let's break down the cost of a new roof head on. 

Check out How Much Does a New Roof Cost to learn the budget you'll need for the type of roof you want. 

If you're local to Nashville or a surrounding Middle TN area, don’t hesitate to Request a Free Quote today to learn if you need a new roof by scheduling your free roof inspection.