Weather and quality workmanship significantly affect how long your roof will last, in addition to the type of materials used. Modern homes have many options for roof replacement, and today’s materials can last as little as 15 years or up to a century. Like many other things in life, you get what you pay for in terms of longer life and improved durability.

A new roof is a large investment in your residence and helps keep your family and home safe from the elements and damages. Although each homeowner will have different situations with local weather and workmanship quality, the following list will tell you the average lifespans for six of the most common types of materials in use today.

Asphalt Shingles – 15 to 30 Years
When a quality roofer performs a roof replacement, even the most economical options can last 15 to 20 years or more. Asphalt shingles are a very budget-friendly option, with a cost that starts at around $70 per 100 square feet of roof area.

These shingles cover many of our nation’s homes, usually offer a 20-year warranty, and come in various designs. Some asphalt shingles incorporate fiberglass, which makes them more lightweight and fire-resistant. Asphalt shingles made with organic materials such as cellulose offer more durability due to a heavier asphalt coating.

Asphalt shingles can become damaged in humid areas due to algae or fungus growth, so look for algae-resistant shingles if needed.

Architectural Shingles – 25 to 30 Years
Architectural shingles are made of the same materials as asphalt shingles. However, these premium-level asphalt shingles are made of two to three layers, which provide a denser, more resilient roof. These shingles cost from $250 to $450 per 100 square feet, but they look much more aesthetically pleasing in addition to their higher durability.

Due to their multiple layers, these shingles can mimic the look of higher-end materials such as wood, tile, or slate. Architectural tiles often come with a 30-year or longer warranty, and you might have seen them adorning historic and vintage homes in Edmond and Oklahoma City.

Wood Shingles – Up to 30 Years
Wood shingles make a great compliment visually for owners of a Tudor or cottage-style home. The natural material fits the theme, and most wood shingles are made of insect-and rot-resistant cedar wood. Cedar shingles usually weather over time into a soft, silver-gray tone that increases its natural esthetic.

Prepare to spend $250 to $600 per 100 square feet, and check first to see if your homeowner’s insurance covers wood shingles or charges a premium to insure your home because of them.

Some wood shingles come with a fire-retardant treatment, and installation costs are usually lower. The caveat is that wood shingles need a yearly checkup for maintenance. Due to the natural material, wood shingles can split, warp, or otherwise disfigure. Replacing these shingles as soon as possible is the best way to prevent leaks, loose shingles, and other damage.

Clay Tiles – 50 Years or More
The climate often dictates a need for specific materials, and clay tiles work well for homes in hot, dry climates. While some of these tiles are clay, many are tinted, molded concrete. This material offers superior insulation from the hot sun and stands up well to years of hot, desert-type weather.

Clay tiles are quite brittle, which necessitates professional installation. The tiles require precise measuring and pattern placement to work as intended and can weigh almost 950 pounds per 100 square feet. A roof replacement going from asphalt to clay tile might require work on the home’s structure to support the additional weight of the clay tiles.
Clay tile manufacturers usually give a warranty on the tiles for 30 years to a lifetime.

Metal Panels – Up to 70 Years
While clay tile is perfect for a desert home, metal paneling works great in snowy climates because it lets the snow slide right off the house. The market offers various prices and quality levels, so expect to pay anywhere from $115 to $900 per 100 square feet, depending on the type of metal, special coatings, and other details.

Metal panels are made of aluminum, steel, or copper and have a lower carbon footprint than asphalt tiles due to the large amounts of petroleum-based products used to make asphalt shingles.

Lower-cost metal material is thinner and less durable so expect a life span of up to 25 years. Thinner metal might become dented in a hailstorm or from falling tree branches. Dents are very difficult to remove, so take this into consideration. Thicker-gauge metal costs more but also carries a warranty that ranges from 20 years to a lifetime.

Slate Tiles – Up to 100 Years
Slate is a naturally occurring stone that cuts easily into uniform tiles for roofing. The stone’s grain has a smooth-textured appearance and holds its beauty and structural integrity for decades of weather.

Slate tile manufacturers often give warranties lasting from 50 years to a lifetime, which helps soothe the wallet after paying from $600 to $1,500 per 100 square feet of material.

If a slate tile breaks, it is very easy to replace, and the slate can withstand just about any weather conditions. In addition to the cost of the tiles, the slate is extremely heavy, and standard house rafters will not support it. A roofer must add additional reinforcements to the home and install the tiles with much precision, so use a knowledgeable, experienced roofer for this.

Protect Your Roof and Your Home

 Your home’s rooftop is one of the most essential parts of the entire house. It keeps your family safe and protected. However, if your roofing is compromised, the damage from leaks can quickly become costly and severe and shorten the life of your existing tiles or shingles.

Call us today for a free inspection and to discuss your home’s roof repair or replacement needs. Alexi Ojeda Roofing has been providing top-quality service to Edmond and Oklahoma City residents for over 15 years.
We will give you honest and transparent communication, reliability, and top-quality work. We look forward to earning your trust and exceeding your expectations. Call us for a free inspection and quote today at (405) 914-4691.