Roofing Material Lifespans
Depending on the selected roofing material, the lifespan of your roof will vary. Here is an overview of the average lifespan of the most popular roofing types.
Wood Shake | 14 – 20 years |
Asphalt Shingle | 50 years |
Slate | 50 – 100 years |
Tile/Concrete | 50 – 100 years |
Metal/Steel | 50 – 100 years |
Slate, Tile & Metal Roofs
If you like things to last a really long time, and hey, don’t we all – you might be interested in a slate, tile or metal roof. While these roofing types have different characteristics and appearances, they all boast lifespans of 50 to 100 years. When choosing between these long-lasting roofing options, ultimately it comes down to preference – so we’ve compiled a quick breakdown of each roofing material.
- Slate Roofing: While primarily known for their distinctive, modern aesthetic, Slate Roofing offers a number of additional advantages. Extremely durable and low-maintenance, slate roofs require very little upkeep after the initial installation. Along with being fire resistant, the manufacturing process of slate requires minimal processing, reducing environmental waste.
- Tile Roofing: Very resistant to disruptive weather conditions such as hail, high winds, torrential downpours and even wildfires, Tile Roofing offers robust protection for your home. This type of roofing is also impervious to rot and insect damage, because unlike wood, tile doesn’t decay.
- Metal Roofing: Exhibiting superior longevity and durability, Metal Roofing can withstand many different types of weather events such as wind, hail, heavy snowfalls, lightning and wildfires. Depending on the type of coating and materials employed in the construction of a metal roof, this roofing material can reflect up to 90% of solar rays and heat absorption – something you’ll definitely appreciate when you get your energy bill.

For a complimentary inspection call us or request a free estimate.
CLICK NUMBER TO CALL
General Factors that Affect Roof Longevity
While most roofs generally possess a lifespan of approximately fifty years, there are a number of factors that can ultimately reduce their longevity.
Just like your skin needs protection from harsh weather and chemicals, so does your roof. If your roof is situated in an environment where it is subject to tremendous heat and cold, or commercial exhausts and wastes from industrial processes, its lifespan will be reduced. A harmful environment for your roof will lead to deterioration of asphalt tiles, which progresses to increased granules in your run-off and inevitably a roof that will need replacement prematurely.
The material type you have chosen to install on your roof can make a substantial difference to its overall vitality – but not when they are incorrectly installed. It’s essential to hire a roofing company with experience and knowhow to perform your roof installation correctly in order to increase its longevity.
Newer products employ impact resistant polymers and coatings that enhance longevity, although the effects don’t compare to the benefits of proper installation and continued maintenance. Speaking of, regular upkeep can be a determining factor in your roof’s lifespan. If you aren’t cleaning your roof, trimming plant growth and addressing damage or disrepair after regular inspections, your roof’s lifespan will surely decrease as a result.

About Rapid Roofing
Our mission at Rapid Roofing is to provide a stress-free, refreshingly simple, world-class roof installation experience for our customers in Long Island, NY. We look forward to protecting you. With over 110+ 5 star reviews on Google, you can trust the expert roofing contractors at Rapid Roofing to replace your roof on-time and within budget.
For a quick, no-obligation estimate on your next roofing project, fill out our estimate form!
