The Average Roof Life of American Roofs

American roofs are no different from roofs in other countries, but they have a different average roof life count because of the diversity of America’s states.

Each state has a different roof life expectancy with different kinds of roofs, but if we discuss all roofs and then analyze how long said roofs would last in every state in the USA, we would be wasting a lot of time.

Read also: How Long Does a Shingle Roof Last

However, we will talk about the common lifespan of roofs, the types of roofing material, and how those roof types will fare in Florida, one of the most popular states in America. Without further ado, let us begin talking about it, shall we?

The Four Roof Types and Their Lifespan

Before we can get to bullying Florida, we have to talk about the roof types and how long they are expected to live. For that, we would like to start from the bottom (regarding life expectancy), modified bitumen roofing.

Bitumen roof is – to put it simply – a modified asphalt roof. It is one of the long-lasting roofs available, though it will only last for about 10 years if untreated and 16 if treated with proper maintenance. They are durable and produce fewer cracks when compared to other asphalt-based roofing.

They have been tested against a strong current, fire, water, and other damaging stuff, and they often come out on top. Mostly used flat, so if you ask about the flat roof life expectancy, most usually last as long as modified bitumen.

Bitumen roofing
Bitumen roofing

The third longest roof is made out of 3-tab architectural shingles, lasting about 15 to 18 years. It is cheap and effortless to install, making it popular amongst the American crowd. It is waterproof, so there is never a worry about leaking, but its durability is questionable when facing extreme weather such as hail.

Asphalt shingles roof

After that, we got the metal roof, which lasted up to 30-45 years. Metal is strong and durable, and it will not break even when you introduce nature to it. It is less than pleasing to the eye, making it less popular among the crowd.

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Read also: Disadvantages of metal roofs.

Metal Roofs repair cost
Metal roof

Last but not least, tile roofs. Tile roofs last the longest, taking 30 to 50 years if treated right. They are made of clay, so they are proven strong and can withstand much pressure.

How long roof last in Florida

And talk about how those roof types would fare in the salty air of Florida. All roof types save for the tile roof we mentioned before would not bode well in Florida. For example, the 3-tab asphalt shingles can last up to 15 to 18 years.

Read also: What is Modified Bitumen Roof?

That kind of roof in Florida would only last about 10 to 12 years. The average life of shingle roofs in Florida is definitely lower than in other states.

how long does a roof last in florida
How long does a roof last in Florida

However, it is a surprise that the average lifespan drops not too far from the standard lifespan. This means that the salty air has little impact on the average lifespan of all roof types. Surprising.

In addition to regular types, other roofing materials like wood shingles can last significantly longer with proper maintenance and proper ventilation, some lasting up to 100 years under optimal conditions. A qualified roofing contractor can provide assessments and recommendations tailored to each specific roof type, enhancing longevity and performance even in challenging environments like Florida.

Conclusion Average Roof Life

We might not be able to give you a more detailed analysis of each roof type’s performance when used in Florida, but we say only the truth. I hope this article can tell you a lot more about each roof type’s average life and how each would fare in Florida, fellows.

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Roofing Expert is an experienced author and roofing expert. With years of practical experience in the field authored several informative articles on various aspects of roofing, including installation, maintenance, and repair.