Are you building your home from scratch? Maybe you’re thinking about replacing your current home’s roof? We know there are a few options to consider in the whole process… but we don’t want you to spend too much time worrying about the specifics! We went ahead and explained a bit about the life expectancy for both tile and shingle roofs, and why you would want either one!

Tile Roofing

How long is a lifetime? Many lifetime tile roofs are guaranteed for 50 years, but depending on what type of climate you live in, the weather near you, or even naturally occurring events such as hurricanes or hail, your roof’s life expectancy may be cut down. When dealing with tile roofs, there are two main parts; the clay or concrete tiles and the underlayment and flashings. Often times, the underlayment is done with lower quality materials, affecting the total life expectancy of the roof.

The best thing you could do to get real longevity out of your roof is to make sure that your roofer uses the highest quality materials available to them. Standard roof underlayment has a life expectancy of about 25 years, though houses in the desert may have a few less due to extreme temperature conditions. On the contrary, coastal houses have been found to have underlayments lasting around 30 years. The threat of deterioration due to weather will always be there, but at least you can rest knowing that your roof was made to a higher standard and will last.

Shingle Roofing

Shingle roofing, similar to tile roofing, has a long life expectancy but changes greatly depending on the quality and type of materials you choose. Simpler, and cheaper, shingles can last from 15-20 years, but if you choose to use more modern synthetic alternatives, you can usually get about 25-30 years out of them.

Depending on the weather conditions and climate that your home is exposed to, the shingles can show signs of age faster than this. Excessive heat, extreme weather conditions, and even just the shape or orientation of your roof can still affect how long your shingles will actually last. But just remember, whether you’re constructing your home or just replacing your roof, make sure to choose the best quality materials available. It may end up being a little bit more costly but the guarantee that comes along with it is absolutely priceless.