Expectation vs. Reality
Materials manufacturers love to put 'Lifetime Warranty' on their packaging. But as a guy who's torn off thousands of those 'lifetime' roofs, I can tell you the reality is different. Your roof's lifespan depends 40% on the material and 60% on the installation and ventilation.
Real World Lifespans I See:
- 3-Tab Shingles: 15–18 years. I rarely install these anymore; they just don't stand up to modern storms.
- Architectural Shingles: 24–30 years. This is the sweet spot for most homes.
- Standing Seam Metal: 45–60 years. Truly a 'one and done' investment.
- Slate/Clay Tile: 75+ years. If the underlayment is replaced every 35 years, the tiles themselves last a century.
The #1 Roof Killer: Heat
It's not rain that kills an asphalt roof—it's the sun. In my experience, a south-facing roof slope will fail 3–5 years faster than the north-facing side because it's literally baking in the UV rays.