Last Updated on January, 2025
Are you a homeowner looking to install a new roof or planning to renovate the existing roof? If YES, the longevity of a roof is a crucial factor you must consider.
Have you ever wondered which types of roofing materials can stand the test of time? Keep reading to find out!
After reading this article, you’ll be able to learn the,
- Lifespan and the installation cost of the most common roofing materials.
- Factors affecting the longevity of roofing materials.
- Tips to choose the right roofing for your house.
Read till the end.
Quick Summary
- The longevity of roofing materials is an important factor that homeowners should consider when choosing a roof for their house.
- Different types of roofing materials have varying lifespans, with slate and clay tile roofs lasting the longest at over 100 years.
- Factors to consider when choosing the right roofing material for your home, including lifespan, cost, aesthetics, weight, ease of installation and maintenance, repair costs, and climate.
Which Roofing Materials Last the Longest?
Let’s discuss the longevity, cost, aesthetics, and other special features of the most popular roofing materials currently on the market.
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials. They are made of fibreglass, tar, and asphalt granules, embedded in a fibreglass mat.
Asphalt shingle roofs are easy to install and maintain. You have to clean an asphalt shingle roof occasionally and provide enough attic ventilation to keep it in shape.
These roofs are strong and durable. The estimated lifespan of asphalt shingles is around 10-20 years. The installation cost is about £4 per square foot. Even though the initial cost is less than some other roof types on the market, the shorter lifespan may cost you more in the long run.
Did you know? Some new asphalt roofs on the market are claimed to last for up to 50 years. However, this still has to be tested.
| Pros | Cons |
| Relatively low cost. | Comparatively lower life span. |
| Easy to install. | |
| Durable. | |
| Low maintenance. |
2. Wood Shingles
Wood roofs have been famous from ancient times due to their classic appearance. Wood shingles are wood slices from cedar, redwood, or pine. With proper maintenance, these roofs can last up to 30 years.
Maintaining wood roofing requires effort. You have to inspect the roof regularly, repair any cracks on the wood shingles instantly, clean debris and moss from the roof, and apply necessary treatments to keep the wood shingle roof free of decay and rot.
Wood shingle roofs have affordable pricing rates, and the installation process is easy. Wood shingles are the ideal choice if you’re looking for an aesthetic, classy look. Installing wood shingles costs between £3.86-£6.17 per square foot.
Note: Wood roofing is not the right option if you live in an area with frequent wildfires.
| Pros | Cons |
| Long-lasting. | Very high maintenance. |
| Classy appearance. | Prone to rotting and decaying. |
| Affordable cost. |
3. Standing Seam Metal Roofs
A standing seam metal roof is another great roofing option to consider. They come in different materials, including steel, aluminium, copper, and zinc. The interlocking metal panels have raised seams. It provides the metal roof with extra strength and durability.
Metal roofs are resistant to extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, scorching sun, and high winds. Additionally, metal roofing is stylish and energy-efficient. This means it keeps your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Metal roofs last between 40-80 years if installed correctly and maintained regularly. Metal roofs are also easy to maintain. The average cost for installing steel or aluminium metal roofs is around £3-£9 per square foot.
Metal roofing is an effective long-term investment, considering its durability and longer lifespan.
| Pros | Cons |
| Long-lasting. | Comparatively high price. |
| Durable. | |
| Aesthetic. | |
| Easy to maintain. |
4. Slate Roofs
A slate roof is made primarily from natural materials. It’s obtained from slate rock, which can be split into flat slabs. Slate roofs have existed since ancient times, but were expensive and not used by many people. However, it has become widely popular in recent times due to its durability.
Slate roofing can withstand severe weather conditions. Hence, it’s suitable for any climate. Furthermore, it’s waterproof and resistant to fire and corrosion. Slate roofs are heavy. Therefore, when used for residential structures they must be specially designed to carry the weight.
Installing slate tiles requires experienced engineers and craftsmen. Slate tiles are quite expensive, but with regular maintenance, you won’t have to replace them within a lifetime. They last for 80-100+ years.
The average cost of installing a slate roof may vary between £16-£21 per square foot.
| Pros | Cons |
| Longest-lasting roof material. | High cost. |
| Durable. | Needs skilled craftsmen for installation. |
| Low maintenance. |
5. Clay Tiles
Clay tile roofing is another attractive, and long-lasting roofing option. Clay tiles are made of terracotta clay and are arranged on the roof surface in overlapping layers. The longevity of clay tile roofs depends on installation and maintenance. It’s estimated to be about 50-100 years.
A clay roof is resistant to weather conditions, but is fragile. This means that just walking on the roof for repairs can crack it. So, you must be extra cautious when maintaining the roof. Replace the cracked clay tiles promptly. You can also apply alkyd primer to ensure it doesn’t crack.
Like slate roofing, clay roofing is also heavy. Hence, ensure your house structure can withstand its weight. You need an experienced engineer to install a clay tile roof. The installation cost may vary from £5-£10 per square foot.
| Pros | Cons |
| Long-lasting. | Fragile. |
| Durable. | Difficult to maintain. |
| Attractive appearance. | Needs experienced craftsmen for installation. |
6. Built-Up Roofs
A built-up roof comprises alternating layers of roof felt and waterproof materials such as fibreglass and hot tar. It’s fire-resistant and suitable for flat roofs, or roofs with a slight pitch. Hence, you can find built-up roofing in most commercial buildings.
The average installation cost of a built-up roof is around £3.17 per square foot; which is cheap when compared to other roofing materials.
Its average lifespan is around 20-30 years, but with regular inspections and proper maintenance, it can last longer.
To avoid degradation, you must repair any damages immediately and keep the roof free from debris. They need to be replaced 3-5 times within a lifetime.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comparatively low price. | Require regular inspections. |
| Low life span. |
7. Concrete Tiles
Concrete roofing is popular among homeowners due to its durability and the various design options available. Concrete tiles are sold in different designs and colours. So you can choose your preferred style.
Concrete roofs are highly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. They are also free of rot, decay, pests, and mould, and are fireproof and waterproof.
The life expectancy of concrete roofs is estimated to be around 45-75 years. This makes them the second most long-lasting roofing material. The installation cost is around £4-£5 per square foot. So, the cost of concrete roofs is lower than some other roofs like slate.
Concrete roofs are also very heavy. Hence, you must ensure your house frame can support the weight. If not, you will have to spend some extra money on structural reinforcements. Moreover, you have to hire experienced roofers to install concrete tiles.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable. | Heavy. |
| Long-lasting. | Complex installation process. |
| Affordable. | |
| Unlimited design options. |
8. Membrane Roofs
Membrane roofing, also called rubber roofing, is the ideal choice for low-slope or flat roofs. There are three types of membrane roofs; ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
You can choose one based on your desired look for your home. Membrane roofs can last for 20-35 years. You can renew this roof with a roof coating system and use it for a few more years. They are also waterproof. The installation costs around £8 per square foot.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable. | Comparatively low life span. |
| Easy installation. |
9. Asphalt Roll Roofs
An asphalt roll roof is made of the same material as that of asphalt shingles. It’s much thinner than asphalt shingles and comes in rolls.
The installation process is simple and you can do it yourself by laying the strips lengthwise in overlapping layers.
Asphalt roofing is more suitable for low-sloped roofs. Its life expectancy is around 5-10 years, and it’s susceptible to punctures and damage. Hence, asphalt roll roofing is commonly used in outbuildings such as worksheds and barns rather than in residential areas.
Proper maintenance of asphalt roofs will ensure their longer lifespan. Repair any damage or punctures on time and keep the roof debris-free. The installation costs £1.78 per square foot. It’s cheap compared to other roofing types. However, you’ll have to replace it more often.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy installation. | Thin and damages easily. |
| Cheap. | Low life span. |
Factors Affecting the Longevity of Roofing Materials
The lifespan of a roof depends on several factors. Knowing them will help you to take proper care and make your roof last longer. So let’s discuss the aspects in detail.
Climate
Climate is a significant factor that affects a roof’s lifespan. Some roof materials degrade and crack due to intense sunlight and higher temperatures. Some roofing materials are damaged due to the constant freezing and thawing cycle.
The roof must be able to withstand high pressure in areas with high winds. Otherwise, the wind will lift off the shingles and damage them.
Heavy rains cause the growth of mould and cause damage to some roof materials like wood shakes and shingles.
Proper Installation Process
A properly installed roof lasts longer. Improper sealing and flashing of roof components cause unwanted damages and broken tiles, and reduced lifespan. Always hire an experienced roofer. Their installation cost may be higher, but it’ll save you money in the long run.
Proper Ventilation
Ventilation is another factor that affects a roof’s life expectancy. When there’s no proper ventilation, heat builds up, leading to premature ageing of roofs. Maintain a uniform attic temperature and insulate properly to protect the roof from intense weather conditions.
Regular Maintenance
Like everything else in your house, you must maintain your roof for it to last longer. Establish a routine to inspect your roofing. Clean the roof and keep it free from debris and other organic matter.
Ensure there’s a smooth water flow and water doesn’t accumulate on the roof. If there are any cracks or punctures in the existing shingles, repair them promptly.
Type of Roofing Material
As we discussed above, the quality of the roofing materials affects roof longevity. Different types of roofs have different lifespans.
Slate and clay roofs last the longest, for about 100 years. Concrete roofs last about 75 years. The lifespan of a metal roof is around 40-80 years. Asphalt roofs have the shortest lifespan, varying between 10-20 years.
Useful guides:
Points to Consider When Selecting a Roofing Material
How do you choose the best type of roofing?
Well, there’s no single answer to this. It depends on many factors. Below are some points to consider when choosing a suitable roofing material.
- Lifespan: Consider the estimated lifespan of the roofing materials available. If you are okay with replacing roofs every few years, choose a cheaper roof that’ll last for 10-12 years. If you want a forever roof, go for clay roofing or slate tile roofing.
- Cost: The cost of the roof will change based on the roofing materials, installation services, and the size of the roof. Ensure you choose a roof within your budget. Remember that quality roofs are also available at affordable prices. You don’t have to buy the highest-priced roof for it to be valuable.
- Aesthetics: You want your home to look beautiful, so choose a roof that complements its architecture and design. Wood roofing material is perfect for a classy look.
- Weight: Your house framework must be able to support the roof structure. Some roofs, such as slate roofing and metal roofing, are heavy, so you’ll need additional reinforcements to install them.
- Ease of installation: Asphalt rolls and shingle-like roofs are very easy to install. A metal roof and slate roof require experienced roofers. Consider the installation process and the cost of the roofer.
- Ease of maintenance: Maintaining a roof can be a headache. If you don’t like inspecting your roof frequently, choose slate or metal roofs, which require low maintenance. Applying outer coatings can increase the average lifespan of some roofing materials.
- Repair costs: No matter what quality roof you buy, you’ll need repairs from time to time. Hence, ensure you buy roofing that requires the least cost for repairs. Metal roofing is very challenging to repair. Consider warranty and insurance coverage, too.
- Climate: Consider the climate of the area you live in. If you live in an area with frequent wildfires, avoid wood shakes. A steel panel roof is suitable for intense weather conditions. Slate roofing is perfect for any climate.
Which Type of Roofing is Best for You?
There are different types of roofing materials with different lifespans and quality. Slate roofs and clay tile roofs last the longest, spanning over a century.
Concrete roofs and standing seam metal roofs have a lifespan of 40-80 years. They are expensive and require expertise to install. Asphalt roofs have 10-20 years of lifespan. It’s affordable and easy to install.
Maintain the roof regularly to make it last longer. Consider the lifespan, cost, ease of installation, ease of maintenance, aesthetics, repair costs, and the climate in your area when choosing a roof.
