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How long can you expect your roof to last? Many factors go into answering that question. We know that nothing lasts forever but just how long can you expect roofing materials to hold up and continue protecting your home and its valuables?

Barrel or Spanish Tile: Tiles can be made from different materials from concrete to clay. Their life expectancy will be directly tied to what material they are made from and the climate that the roof endures year after year. Tile will not rot or burn and is virtually impervious to insects. The drawback to using this roofing material is that they break easily. In areas where storms can bring hail or flying debris, tile roofs may need regular repair. Aside from potential color fading, weather patterns (minus storms) do not take a heavy toll on this type of roof tile.

Composition Shingles: Affordably priced and a popular option on most homes, composition shingles have a varying lifespan that is very dependent upon climate, grade of shingle, slope of the roof, and attic ventilation. Poor ventilation greatly reduces the life of a composition shingle as does the freeze/thaw cycle. Flat roofs with composite shingles that don't allow for drainage of rain or melted snow will break down quicker than sloped roofs with adequate drainage. Storms can also wreak havoc with composite shingles. Hail often causes bruising to the shingles displacing the granules which can lead to deterioration of the shingle itself. Wind can also shorten the lifespan of a roof with composite shingles particularly if the edges of the shingles have already begun to curl due to natural deterioration.

Wood Shakes: Although beautiful and helpful with controlling energy costs, wood is subject to the wear and tear of nature. Wood is prone to rot, insect infestation, cracking, and mold. A maintenance schedule to prolong the life of your roof is going to vary depending on the climate you live in. Your local home improvement store can also advise you about using wood preserving solutions on this type of roof. Providing that you use a high quality product, perform regular maintenance, and take preventative measures, a wood shake roof can be expected to last at least 15 years.

Metal roofs- Metal is impervious to bugs and rot and considered a lot more durable. A metal roof can easily be expected to last upward of fifty years providing that it is installed properly. Loose seams and corrosion are the two most common problems that can affect the lifespan of this type of roof. These roofs need to be sealed with a non-corrosive agent to protect them from moisture. Not doing this will lead to costly repairs and a shortened life span of your roof. In climates where the weather causes expansion and shrinking of the metal roof the seams can pull apart. If not addressed quickly, the underlying roof structure can become damaged. Yearly inspections and spot checks after storms is recommended.