When you decide that it’s time to replace your roof, you want to make sure you get the most out of your investment. That means choosing a roofing material that has a long lifespan. If you’ve been wondering what type of roof lasts longest, our experts at Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing Company can help guide you to make the best decision for your home.
We’ve outlined the lifespan of different roofing materials below, so you can go into your roof replacement project with all the knowledge you need to make the right decision for your home. If you have any questions as you plan your roofing project, please reach out to us by calling 425-881-9771 or contacting us online.
What Type of Roof Lasts Longest? Comparing Different Materials
Our roofing experts install a variety of different roofing materials to help protect your home against the elements. Learn more about the lifespan of each option below.
Composition Roofing: About 15 to 40 Years
Composition roofing, which is made from a combination of fiberglass, granules, and asphalt, is one of the most popular roofing materials on the market. How long your composition roofing lasts will largely depend on the type of shingles you choose.
Dimensional shingles are more durable than 3-tab composition shingles, while luxury shingles are the most durable. With a high-end composition roofing option, you can expect your roof to last around 40 years.
PVC Membrane Roofing: About 20 to 30 Years
Made from polyvinyl chloride, PVC membrane roofing is another durable roofing material, as the PVC is welded together with polyester. A great option for flat roofs, PVC membrane is better equipped to handle standing water compared to other materials, as long as it can drain properly.
You can expect your PVC membrane roof to last between 20 and 30 years with proper care.
Cedar Shake Roofing: About 25 to 30 Years
Cedar shake roofing gives your home a nice, rustic look, as it’s made from natural cedar wood. While you may think that natural wood might degrade faster than other materials, it is a durable material, designed to withstand intense UV rays, strong thunderstorms, and every type of weather in between. In our climate, you can expect your cedar shake roofing to last around 25 to 30 years.
Synthetic Roofing: About 40 to 50 Years
Synthetic shake roofing is designed to look like cedar shake roofing, but it’s an even more durable option, as it’s made from a blend of synthetic materials and reinforced with vinyl. This makes it easier for it to withstand our wet Washington weather. The synthetic underlayment also provides better protection against water damage, which helps it to have a lifespan of up to five decades.
Metal Standing Seam Roofing: About 50 to 75 Years
Metal standing seam roofing has the longest average lifespan of any material we use. Thanks to the interlocking panels, which are made from high-quality metals like copper, aluminum, and steel, a metal roof can withstand various weather extremes and require very little maintenance.
With an average lifespan between 50 and 75 years, metal roofs offer an average ROI of around 43.4%.
What Affects the Lifespan of Your Roof?
While the material you choose has the biggest impact on the lifespan of your roof, there are a few other factors that will play a role in how long you can expect your new roof to last. Let’s explore them more below:
- Climate: Our wet climate here in Washington can take a toll on your roof, eventually leading to mold growth and rot. Additionally, freezing and thawing temperatures in the winter can put a strain on your roof.
- Maintenance: Keeping up with a regular maintenance and inspection routine can help your roof last longer, no matter what material you choose.
- Installation: If your roof isn’t installed correctly from the beginning, it will be more prone to damage over time, causing it to degrade faster. Choosing an experienced roofing contractor like Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing Company can help you get the most out of your roof.
- Ventilation: Poor roof ventilation can lead to a buildup of heat beneath your shingles, causing them to age faster than normal. Ensure you have proper ventilation to help your roof last longer.
Install a Roof Designed to Last
After learning more about what type of roof lasts longest, we hope you feel more prepared to choose the right material for your roof replacement. To learn more about the different materials we install or request a free quote, please call 425-881-9771 or contact us online.