A roof isn’t something you need to replace every few years. At a minimum, a roof replacement is expected to last around 15 to 20 years under normal weather conditions without any major weather events like high winds or tropical storms.
But that 15-to-20-year lifespan is only for roofs that use basic materials, like standard three-tab shingles. And homeowners who wish to extend the life of their roofs have several other roofing products to choose for their roof installation.
Long-lasting roofs might not be the cheapest option, but they should save money in the long run. The old saying, do it right the first time and you won’t have to do it again.
Here’s an overview of the longest-lasting residential roofing options available from roofing contractors in Charlotte, NC.
| Type of Roof | Average Lifespan |
| Slate Roof Tiles | 50 to 200+ years |
| Metal Roofs | 30 to 200 + years |
| Clay Tile Roofs | 75 to 150 years |
| Concrete Tile Roofs | 50 to 100 years |
| Composite Roof Shingles | 40 to 50 years |
| Wood Shake Roofing Shingles | 30 to 50 years |
| Premium Roofing / Luxury Roof Shingles | 25 to 40 years |
| Architectural Asphalt Shingle Roof | 24 to 30 years |
| 3 Tab Asphalt Shingle Roof | 15 to 25 years |
Architectural Asphalt Roofing Shingles: Lifespan 24 to 30 years
Architectural or dimensional shingles are manufactured to look like high-end cedar and slate roofing. This makes them much thicker, heavier – and consequently more durable than basic three-tab asphalt shingles.
Dimensional shingles have a three-layer composition. A fiberglass mat is the base. Ceramic-coated mineral granules are in the middle. And water-resistant asphalt is on the exterior. The traditional manufacturing process includes laminating two shingles together, resulting in an even thicker product.
Multiple layers of premium material give architectural shingles a higher lifespan than basic asphalt shingles.
If properly maintained, homeowners can expect a reasonable lifespan of at least 24 to 30 years.
- Architectural Asphalt Roofing Shingles: 24 to 30 years
Premium Roofing or Luxury Shingles: lifespan 25 to 40 years
Luxury or premium asphalt shingles are multi-dimensional shingles manufactured to have a high-end look that can resemble slate and other natural materials.
These are triple-laminate products, rather than double-laminate like architectural shingles. Premium shingles are the thickest, largest, and most durable kind of asphalt shingles.
Well-maintained luxury asphalt shingles should last a good 30 years.
- Premium Asphalt Shingles: 25 to 40 years
Composite Roofing Shingles: lifespan 40 to 50 years
Composite shingles are made of synthetic polymer and/or recycled rubbers and plastics, along with laminate, wood, or slate.
Much like architectural and premium shingles, composite synthetic shingles are manufactured to resemble natural slate or cedar. However, composite shingles look more authentic than any kind of asphalt shingle.
These products are virtually indistinguishable from the actual material and even replicate graining, stone patterning, and manual tool marks.
Composite shingles certainly look attractive. But the real draw is that these products are engineered for performance. These shingles are excellent at withstanding high winds, impacts, UV rays, leaks, and algae growth.
With proper care, composite shingles have a lifespan of 40 to 50 years.
- Composite Roofing Shingles: 40 to 50 years
Wood Roofing Shingles and Shake Roofs: lifespan 30 to 50+ years
Natural wood is a very durable material that can last for several decades as a roof. Wood does have certain limitations, specifically having inherent vulnerabilities to fire, direct moisture, and extreme dryness.
However, correctly treated and maintained wood does make an excellent – and long-lasting roofing product.
Various types of woods are used for roofing. Cedar is the most common one due to its natural insect-resistant properties. Other popular options include teak and wallaba.
Cedar, teak, and wallaba roofs should last for several decades, as long as they receive seasonal cleanings, inspections, and maintenance.
- Cedar: 30 to 50+ years
- Teak: 50 to 80+ years
- Wallaba: 35 to 60+ years
Metal Roofs: lifespan 30 to 200+ years
Metal is another long lasting roofing material. Metal that’s finished, treated, and installed is resistant to corrosion, moisture, impact, UV rays, fires, and high winds. It’s an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly option that can last for decades.
All metal roofing isn’t made the same. Different metals, compositions, coatings, and installation methods all impact the final product’s lifespan.
- Galvanized steel: 30 to 50 years
- Tin: 50 to 75 years
- Corrugated Iron: 60 years
- Copper: 70 to 200+ years
- Zinc: 80+ years
Concrete Roof Tiles: lifespan 50 to 100+
Concrete makes low-maintenance, durable, and strong roofing that can become even stronger with age as it dries out. It’s becoming more popular for residential purposes and lends a modern, contemporary look to homes.
Concrete is naturally fire-resistant, but its porous surface requires protection from water, carbon dioxide, and impact damage.
Weatherproofed and maintained concrete roofs should last at least 50 years and up to 100 years or more.
- Concrete: 50 to 100+ years
Clay Roofing Tiles: lifespan 75 to 150+
Clay or terracotta tile ranks as one of the longest-lasting roofing products. It’s naturally a fire-, insect-, and sun-resistant material that ages well and maintains its beauty over the years.
Terracotta has traditionally been used in warm, dry climates. Manufacturers are creating clay roofing products that shore up its weather-related limitations and make these tiles suitable for use in various regions.
Regular inspections, upkeep, and maintenance are essential for keeping these tiles in good condition and preventing weather-related deterioration.
If that’s done, homeowners with an appreciation for the signature look of natural clay can invest in this roofing knowing that it will last for decades.
- Clay: 75 to 150+ years
Slate Roof Tiles: lifespan 50 to 200+
Slate is a durable stone with an elegant, upscale aesthetic. For this reason, it’s an extremely popular higher-end roofing material.
Slate is resilient and fairly low maintenance, but it is somewhat breakable and vulnerable to impact damage from falling objects, hail, and even inexperienced foot traffic.
Aside from extreme conditions, slate does hold up well over time. It’s reasonable to expect well-cared-for slate to last at least 50 to 75 years. In fact, slate roofs are expected to outlast the person who has them installed.
If you love the look of natural stone and don’t want to replace the house’s roof again within your lifetime, this is one roofing product to consider.
- Soft Slate: 50 to 125 years
- Hard Slate: 75 to 200+ years
The Longest-Lasting Roofs Have a Quality Installation and Ongoing Care
Products can’t do all the work on their own. Even the most durable and low-maintenance roofing materials, like concrete, will be prone to leaks and less resistant to the elements if the roofers do a shoddy job.
Additionally, it often takes more skill and experience to install these higher-end specialty roofing products. Architectural and premium asphalt shingles require more expertise than basic three-tab shingles. Composite shingles require more expertise than architectural or premium roofing shingles, when choosing from local roofing companies make sure the roofing contractor you choose has installed the type of roof you want before you sign a contract.
Metal might be easy to care for once it’s put in, but its installation methods are completely different than traditional shingles. Wood, concrete, clay, and slate all have their special requirements.
If you’re investing in a long-lasting roof, make sure to have it put in by professional roofers who know what they’re doing and have an excellent track record.
