In the U.S., a homeowner will spend around $8,500 on average to install a new roof. However, this price can fluctuate depending on several factors, but none more important than the size of your home and what material you choose to roof your residence with.
Americans enjoy the largest living spaces in the world. The average home in the U.S. measures between 1,600 and 1,650 square feet, has at least three bedrooms, and central air.
What material a roof is made of for these homes reflects the question: How long does a roof last where you live?
To answer this, we need to take a deep dive into the types of roofs and where you might find them.
In the following article, we’ll examine replacing a roof, roofing problems, and installing a home roofing system.
Clay Tile Roofs
In the South and Sun Belt, many people choose clay tile roofs. A tile roof will last close to 50 years if properly maintained and if it remains unexposed to extreme cold.
If the roof is wet or exposed to moisture, the latent water will expand as it freezes. This expansion will crack the tile and cause the roofing system to fail.
The upside to roofs in these warm climates is their lifespan and the tile’s ability to deflect heat away from the home. Also, clay tile is heavy. Therefore, the tile will remain in place even when exposed to wind gusts up to 125 miles an hour and sustained winds in the 75 to 95 mile per hour range.
Metal Roofs
One of the most popular roofing materials today is the metal roof. Metal roofs come in easy-to-install sections and any color you’d like. Also, because of its durability, a metal roof is popular with vacation homes where precipitation — both snow and rain — is heavy.
A metal room can last up to 70 years and is excellent for not only directing water away from your home but, if pitched correctly, will allow for heavy snow to slide right off. A metal roof is often a popular choice for a remote mountain vacation home.
Shakes and Shingles
Wooden shakes and shingles don’t last as long as other roofing materials and need steady upkeep. Even if you take care of them regularly, expect shingles only to last 30 years.
That stated, they look fantastic! One reason to turn to shakes and shingles is their timeless charm. If you don’t mind the work or can afford it, shakes and shingles are an eye-catching and charming choice for a roof.
However, you’ll have to do more research to find a roofing company that works with shakes and shingles. This product involves more cutting and, thus, more work.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofs are king for most of the U.S. because they are inexpensive, can handle extremes in both cold and heat, can be also used for motorcycle storage sheds and they last 15 to 40 years.
The weight and quality of the shingles vary. The better quality the shingle, the longer it will last, and you will pay more. In general, your inexpensive 3-tab shingles will last 15 to 20 years. Architectural or dimensional shingles will last 20 to 30, and your premium shingles will last home up to 40 years.
How Long Does a Roof Last? Explained
The best way to determine which roof you should go with is to look around. If you see tile, consider that the roof of choice. The question of how long does a roof last may have already been answered by your neighbors.
However, don’t be afraid to do something different. You have to live in your home, so choose a product that fits your environment, design aesthetic, and budget.
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