Are you trying to choose the right roofing material? Do you consider getting one with a long lifespan important?
Other than an increase in home value, lifespan is a roof replacement’s ROI. So, it’s common for homeowners to strongly consider roofing materials that’ll last as long as possible.
But how long do different roofing materials last? And what are the best ones with a long lifespan?
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in helping homeowners find the perfect roofing material for their roof replacement. So, let’s break down the longest lasting roofing materials to consider when lifespan is a big factor in your decision-making.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the answers to the following questions:
- What are the lifespans of the most common roofing materials?
- What are the top 5 roofing materials with the longest lifespan?
What are the lifespans of the most common roofing materials?
You should get around 20 years out of a properly installed roof in general. However, the lifespans of roofing materials greatly vary.
Below is a table showing the lifespans of the most commonly used residential roofing materials.
With this table, you can determine which roofing material has the ROI you’re looking for when making a decision. Just keep in mind that multiple factors ultimately determine the lifespan of your roof.
The factors that impact the lifespan of a roof are:
- Installation and material quality
- Adequate attic ventilation (especially asphalt-based materials)
- The climate and weather in your area
- The direction your roof faces
- Maintenance after installation
At the end of the day, each material should reach the lifespans above with proper installation, using quality materials, and maintaining the roof. However, premature failure is always possible, especially if you hire a bad roofing contractor or look for the cheapest price.
The top 5 roofing materials with the longest lifespan
With the table above, you know the longest lasting roofing materials. However, you can’t decide which one is right for you based on the lifespan alone.
So, let’s dig deeper into the materials with the longest lifespan. Below, you’ll learn the basic info, cost, lifespan (again), warranties, plus the pros and cons of the top 5 longest lasting roofing materials.
1. Luxury asphalt shingles
Luxury (also called designer or premium) shingles are designed to look like a natural slate tile roof. They are larger, more durable, offer the highest curb appeal, and are the most expensive of three types of asphalt shingles.
Lifespan: ≈30 years or longer in perfect conditions
Material warranty: 30-year warranty (prorated after 10 years) from the manufacturer. Upgrade to a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty with a full roof system.
Cost: ≈$8.00 per square foot
Luxury asphalt shingle pros:
- Durability
- Longevity
- High curb appeal
- Stands up well to storm damage
Luxury asphalt shingle cons:
- Expensive
- Longer installation compared to the other asphalt shingles
- Needs yearly maintenance
2. Standing seam metal roofing
A standing seam metal roof system is a series of panels locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. Under each rib (seam) is a clip that fastens the panels together and allows them to glide back and forth when the metal goes through thermal expansion.
Because of its expansion and contraction capabilities, a standing seam metal roof is the recommended type of metal roof for residential purposes.
Lifespan: 30 years (up to 50 in the right conditions)
Material warranty: 30-year paint warranty on the Kynar 500 painted finish
Cost: ≈$12.00-$15.00 per square foot
Standing seam metal roofing pros:
- High curb appeal
- Versatility (used to accent asphalt shingle roofs)
- Color options
- Long-lasting
- Durable
- Virtually maintenance free
Standing seam metal roofing cons:
- Expensive
- Potential for oil canning
- Makes noise when it rains
- Hard to repair
3. Cedar shake shingles
A cedar shake roof is a premium roof system made of natural wood (cedar) materials. The shingles come from large cedar trees in the Northwest United States or Southwest Canada.
They are split into 3 grades (types) of cedar shake shingles: common (most inferior), selects (80/20 split), and 100% straight grain (highest quality).
Lifespan: ≈30 years (up to 50, depending on your area’s climate)
Material warranty: None (made from natural materials)
Cost: ≈$25.00-$30.00 per square foot
Cedar shake roofing pros:
- Very high curb appeal
- Durable
Cedar shake roofing cons:
- Expensive
- Needs yearly maintenance
- Loses the “fresh” color over time
- Cedar shakes rot, crack, and curl as they age
- No material warranty
- Materials may not be readily available
4. Synthetic shingles
Synthetic (also called composite) shingles are made of a synthetic polymer or recycled materials and designed to look exactly like a slate or cedar shake roof. This roofing material is a newcomer to the roofing industry, but it’s becoming increasingly popular among homeowners.
Lifespan: ≈40-50 years
Material warranty: Depends on the manufacturer
Cost: ≈$14.00-$20.00 per square foot
Synthetic shingle roofing pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Very high curb appeal
- Class 4 impact rating
- No cracking or breaking like natural material counterparts
- Cheaper than the materials it mimics
Synthetic shingle roofing cons:
- Newer to the roofing industry
- Expensive
5. Slate tiles
A slate roof is a premium roof system made primarily out of natural slate tiles and other slate roofing materials. The slate is mined (mostly in Italy) and cut into square tiles.
Unlike other roofing materials that come in 3-foot wide strips or metal panels, slate tiles are installed one at a time. Slate roofs are also incredibly heavy, so your home has to be built or retro-framed to carry the weight of a slate roof.
Lifespan: 75 to 100 years
Material warranty: None (made from natural materials)
Cost: ≈$15.00-$30.00
Slate roofing pros:
- Longest lasting roofing material available
- Very high curb appeal
- Durable
Slate roofing cons:
- Expensive
- The weight factor
- Slate tiles are fragile
- Slow and skillful installation
- Harder to repair
- No material warranty
What else do you need to consider before replacing your roof?
After reading this article, you know the lifespans of common roofing materials and everything you need to know about the top 5 longest lasting ones. Remember, these aren’t all the options available.
However, they have the longest lifespan of the most common residential roofing materials. Just make sure to consider the other information provided for each one when making your decision.
After all, choosing a roofing material is one of the biggest and most important decisions you'll make when replacing your roof. But it’s not the only thing you need to consider for your roof replacement.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the main things to think about when it’s time for a new roof.
Check out The 5 Things to Consider When Replacing Your Roof to ensure you go into the roof replacement process fully prepared and with the right mindset.
