Whether you are purchasing a house with an older roof or looking to install a new roof, you must be curious to learn how long a roof can last. It will help you understand the average life of the roof and ensure that you are replacing it on time.
The answer to this question varies with the type of roof and some other factors. In this blog, we have shared a brief overview of the average lifetime of a roof as well as shared information based on different types of roofs. Let’s get started and read more to timely replace or repair the roof.
How Long Does a Roof Last? [Quick Answer]
The average lifetime of a roof is 20 to 50 years. Undoubtedly, this is an extensive range to estimate the lifetime of the roof. But it is written based on the type of roof, its material, and other factors.
You can say that you may have to replace the roof anytime in between this duration to keep your house protected.
Types of Roofs & Their Lifetime
To be more precise and understand the lifespan of a roof, we have listed some of the commonly installed types in the UK and their lifespans. You can explore the following section to understand the average duration and pick the information according to the type of roof you have.
Metal Roofs
A metal roof can last 50 years or more because of the sturdy material with which it is made. It is the longest-lasting roofing material. Normally, you can find metal roofs made with aluminium, copper, and steel materials that are highly resistant to minor issues.
Tile Roofs
In the UK, another common type of roof is a tile roof that not only covers the upper side of a house but also gives it an aesthetic look. These roofs also have an average lifespan of 50 years or more. The main reason for being highly durable is the material with which tiles are made.
However, these roofs can get a prominent impact by heavy trees covering the roofs. Therefore, you should trim such trees to prolong the life of your tile roofs.
Cedar Roofs
If you are interested in getting a beautiful preview from your roof, you must consider installing a Cedar roof. This roof type can last for 30 to 40 years, which is good enough to have an aesthetic roof.
But the thing to consider is that you must focus on its maintenance. Without proper care, you may need to replace this roof earlier than its average lifetime.
Wood Roofs
The average lifetime of a wood roof is also between 30 to 40 years, like Cedar roofs. However, it is the best option when you are looking for a beautiful roof. It is an excellent option for luxury houses because of its flexibility to customise.
Slate Roofs
Another option with the longest lifetime is a slate roof. These roofs can last for more than 100 years, which means you may not need to replace them for a century. However, the lifetime of these roofs depends on the environment and the maintenance that you do to keep your roof preserved.
Concrete Roofs
With a lifetime of 50 years or more, Concrete roofs are also widely used in the UK. They are normally installed in commercial buildings because of their heavy weight as compared to other materials.
These roofs are made with concrete tiles that are highly resistant to extreme weather conditions. It is good to have this roof at your place, especially if you own a commercial building.
Flat Roofs
The average lifetime of a flat roof is 20 to 30 years, which can be reduced from this range in the UK because of weather conditions. However, it is still a popular choice for both commercial and residential buildings.
The main reason behind the popularity is easy installation and a variety of colours and custom designs. But the problem is that these flat roofs need extra maintenance for an enhanced lifespan.
Final Verdict
From this blog, you must have got an idea about how long a roof can last. We have shared the overall average lifetime of a roof in the UK.
However, we have also shared the estimated lifelines for different types of roofs to let you read more about them and understand according to the type of roof you have.