How Long Does A Roof Last?

The Life Expectancy of Different Roofs

It’s probably one of the most common questions we get asked: How often does a roof need to be replaced?

When it comes to determining how long your house roof will last, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Each type of roofing material has its own unique set of features and potential problems. So the life expectancy can vary greatly depending on the type of material you choose and the roofing company you choose to install it. Let’s take a look at some of the more common types of roofs in Australia and what kind of life span you can expect from each one.

Metal Roof

With proper maintenance and regular check ups, metal roofs are renowned for lasting up to 40 years. The resilience of steel against moisture makes them an ideal choice for hot Australian climates.

Slate Tile Roof

Provided they’re correctly installed. Slate roofs can last up to 100 years. Slate tiles require less maintenance than other materials due to their level of waterproofing and ability to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

Clay & Concrete tile roof

With frequent inspections every five years or so, this classic roofing option is considered very resilient. Concrete or clay tile roofs can often last up to 60 – 80+ years if properly taken care of. Their heavyweight means they’re not as prone to wind damage as other tiles either. This makes them quite cost-effective over time.

Terracotta tiles

Terracotta tiles are durable but need more upkeep than other materials due to the risk of breakage from UV damage or improper installation. Nevertheless, when well maintained these excellent insulators can have a lifespan upwards of 50+ years. Keep in mind the cost of a roof using tiles can be more expensive than other materials.

Asphalt shingles

These popular choices in roofing typically come with a 10-25 year warranty. However that figure might be a bit optimistic as researchers suggest their lifespans could be closer to 15 years when exposed to harsh weather conditions. Australia is prone to harsh weather like heat waves or bushfire smoke during our dry summers. For this reason ashault roofs aren’t as popular sa other countries.

Corrugated iron & tin

Corrugated iron roofs (and their cousin the tin roof) used widely across Australia are known for their duraability when kept free from rust oxidation. Although sometimes corrosion accelerates due to coastal exposure or poor ventilation. They can generally last between 25 – 6o Years depending on how often they are inspected and serviced.

Membrane Roofing

While technology advances have allowed membrane roofs made with plasticised PVC or EPDM rubber composites. This gives them greater heat resistancy and flexibility. Common problems include self inflicted accidental damage or general wear. This leads experts expecting a realistic life expectancy of 10 to 20 years.

Copper Roofing

The ultimate in roofing materials is copper as it is a perennial favourite that can last up to over 50+ years. However the main trouble to watch out for is corrosion caused by moisture and airborne impurities. If you’re lucky enough to own a copper roof, be sure its well maintained and inspected at least once every few years.

FAQ

How long does a colorbond metal roof last?

Colorbond metal roofs are a true Aussie favourite – and for good reason! These beauties are built to tackle our harsh climate head-on. A well-maintained Colorbond roof typically lasts around 30-40 years, but it’s not unheard of for them to stand strong for up to 50 years. To ensure your Colorbond roof enjoys a long life, regular care and maintenance are essential. After all, what’s better than admiring your gorgeous colourful rooftop for decades to come?

What are the signs a roof needs replacing?

The main signs a roof needs replacing include leaks, damage from rough weather, you see visible light coming through cracks. Other signs include, interior water or wet stains on walls, buckling and bald spots on shingles as well as sagging between rafters or dips in the roof structure. If you are unsure about the benefits read about whether roof restoration is worth it for your proprrty.

What factors determine how long a roof will last?

• Sun exposure – too much heat may cause weakening over time.
• Wide fluctuations in temperature and extreme weather conditions – can be hard on a roof’s structure.
• Colour of the roof – darker colours won’t last as long.
• Roof slope – higher pitched roofs are more durable.
• Putting new roofing over existing layers of old roofing materials decreases its life-span.
• In proximity to trees – leaf particles and branches can damage the material of the roof.
• The quality of installation – if done correctly, the life span increases, if not it shortens due to mistakes or a lack of experience.
• Attic ventilation matters – since poor ventilation prevents good air flow and reduces durability.
• Quality of materials – premium-priced materials tend to last longer than cheaper ones with lower quality standards not meeting prerequisites for longevity.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, your roof remains an important part of your home’s overall security. It’s important to get regular professional inspections every couple of years no mater what kind of roof type you have. With careful maintenance, attention to detail and awareness of environmental conditions, you too can help ensure that yours stands tall for decades more.