How Long Will My New Roof Last? [5 Factors that Affect Longevity]

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If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may be asking yourself, “how long will my new roof last?” This is a completely valid question, as your roof is a large and important investment, and you want to get the most out of it. The type of roof you choose to have installed can definitely have an impact on a roof’s life expectancy, but there are a few other factors to consider. 

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In fact, these factors can be crucial to the longevity of your roof, and can be the difference between a roof that stands the test of time and one that needs to be replaced sooner than later. So, How Long Will My New Roof Last? Keep reading and discover 5 factors that impact your roof’s lifespan. 

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Table of Contents

- Workmanship

- Quality Materials

- Attic Ventilation

- Maintenance

- Weather

- How Long Will My New Roof Last?

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Workmanship

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How long will my new roof last? Well, a big part of that boils down to workmanship. The roofing contractor you choose to work with has a major impact on your roof’s longevity, as well as every other aspect regarding your roof replacement. 

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This is why the first, and probably most important, factor that affects how long your new roof lasts is your roofer’s workmanship. Your roof will not live up to its full potential, or lifespan, if it’s not properly installed. Improper installation comes in many forms including poor workmanship, bad weather conditions during the installation process, and poor attic ventilation, just to name a few. 

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If you experience any of the above during your roof installation, then you will more than likely have a roof that frequently needs repairs or has failing materials. This will cause you to need another roof replacement prematurely. This is also why it is so important to find a reputable roofer you can trust to do the job.

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A common misconception is that many homeowners believe their contractor’s workmanship warranty will protect them from this. However, if you hired a roofer that incorrectly installed your roof in the first place, then there’s a good chance they won’t stand behind their work in the future. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this time and again, which is why it’s crucial to do your due diligence when it comes to choosing a contractor. 

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Quality Materials

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How long will my new roof last? Well, this also depends on the materials and components you choose to have installed. We’ve seen this many times in the roofing industry, where customers will choose to go the cheaper route, opting for the less expensive labor and materials. 

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We also understand that a new roof can be expensive, and budget plays a huge role in the decision making process. With that being said, it’s important to note that choosing quality materials for your installation is a great way to set yourself up for success when it comes to your roof and its lifespan. This doesn’t mean that you need to pick the most expensive options out there, but if you go with the cheapest roof, that comes along with the cheapest materials and labor to install them. 

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This can show up in many ways, from the finished product's aesthetic appeal, to your roof not lasting as long as it probably should. Cheap materials and labor will almost always cost you more money in the long run in repairs and another replacement. It may also cost you time, stress, and peace of mind, as well, which is why we highly recommend choosing quality from the start, no matter your budget, to protect your roof investment. 

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Attic Ventilation

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Your attic’s ventilation system plays a pivotal role in how long your new roof will last. It essentially is the component that allows proper air flow through your roof and home. For example, poor attic ventilation will trap hot air and basically burn your roof, deteriorating adhesives and causing shingles to crack and curl. Trapped cold air can create condensation, which can cause your roof decking to swell, making your roof look wavy and uneven. 

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Not only that, this can also cause the decking to lose its ability to hold onto roofing nails, compromise how much weight and pressure your roof can handle, and can cause mold and mildew to form. This can be a health hazard to anyone living in the home, but no matter if it’s hot air or cold air that’s trapped, poor attic ventilation can diminish your roof’s lifespan.

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Maintenance

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How long will my new roof last? Another factor that impacts longevity is the amount of roof maintenance performed. Just as a car or an HVAC system needs regular maintenance, so does your roof. Performing regular maintenance on your roof, whether it’s once a year or twice a year, will allow you to get the most years out of your new roof investment. 

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Not only does it keep your roof in tip-top shape, but it is also a great way to catch any issues your roof may be having before they turn into major, and costly, problems. From clearing your roof and gutters of debris, to having annual roof inspections by a professional, there are many things you can do to maintain your roof and help it to last as long as it should. For more roof maintenance tips, check out our recent blog, “Roof Maintenance Tips [And Why it’s Important]” 

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Weather

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How long will my new roof last? Another factor that affects longevity that’s out of every homeowner’s hands is the weather. The amount of extreme weather your roof faces will directly impact how long your roof lasts. And even though there’s nothing that can be done about the weather or climate in your area, it’s still important to keep this in mind. 

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A great example of this can be seen in cedar shake roofs that are installed in either a very wet or a very dry climate. This can shorten the life of your cedar shakes, and it’s a great idea to be mindful of this when choosing what roofing materials to use on your roof. If you live in an area with this type of weather, you may want to consider using DaVinci Composite Shake, or a different type of material altogether. 

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How Long Will My New Roof Last?

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So, how long will my new roof last? As you can see, there are quite a few things that can determine your roof’s lifespan. But as long as you choose quality materials, hire an experienced and vetted roofing contractor, and keep your roof well maintained, you should get the maximum years out of your investment. The total number of years you will get out of your roof, however, is determined by the type of roof you choose to have installed. 

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In general, homeowners can expect to have their roof last about 25 years. But again, this depends on the type of roof that’s installed. Below are a few of the most common roof types, and how long they can be expected to last when taken care of and installed properly:

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• Asphalt Roofs: 20-30 years (this can vary depending on whether your asphalt roof has 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles, or luxury shingles)
• Metal Roofs: 30-50 years (this is true for a standing-seam metal roof in the right conditions)
• Cedar Shake Roofs: 30 years
• Synthetic Roofs: 40-50 years (also known as composite roofing)
• Slate Roofs: 75-100 years!

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A quality roofing contractor will be able to go over the different types of roofing options with you in great detail in order to help you make an informed decision regarding your roofing needs. Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship, and incomparable quality, and it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! 

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We would be more than happy to go over different types of roofing with you, and answer any questions you may have, including, “how long will my new roof last?” Elite Exteriors also offers FREE initial consultations and inspections, and to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or fill out our online form for more information.

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