When searching for a new home, many questions arise as a buyer. For instance, how old are the windows and how long will the roof last? As a Toronto real estate agent, it’s my job to get this information for my buyers to ensure they are comfortable with their purchase. A new roof can be a huge expense for a homeowner. It’s important to understand what year the roof was installed and the material of the shingles. The type of shingles can affect lifespan by 20 to 50 years. With that said, today we are going to learn about the different types of shingles and how long you can expect them to last.
TYPES OF ROOFS & LIFESPAN
The main factors that contribute to the lifespan of a roof are quality and installation. When a trusted company installs a high-quality material, the roof should last as long as the manufacturer estimates and then some. In most cases, your roof will have a warranty that runs the length of time the material is expected to last. Let’s take a look at the different types of material and the number of years they are expected to last.
Asphalt Shingles (20–25 years)
Asphalt roofs have both pros and cons. First off, it can be used in all different climates, which makes this a popular choice across North America. Secondly, it’s very accessible, which means you won’t have to deal with wait times or supply issues when you’re ready to have your roof installed. Another pro is that asphalt shingles come in an array of colours and styles. It’s easy to find a colour that suits the rest of your home. On top of all these pros, it is also the most affordable option and relatively easy to repair. If we flip the coin, there are some cons. Asphalt lasts the least amount of time compared to other shingle material and it must be installed in warm weather. Overall, it is a great choice for most homeowners.
Metal Roofs (40–70 years)
Metal roofs are a great choice for the right homeowner. There are also pros and cons to this decision. While metal roofs are strong and lightweight, puncture-resistant and recyclable, they also have their downfalls. The metal roof can be noisy when it rains, it can dent and there aren’t as many styles to choose from. The metal roof isn’t the most durable option but certainly outlasts asphalt shingles.
Wood Shake Roofs (40–50 Years)
Wood Shingles offer a charming, rustic look that many homeowners find appealing. Similar to slate, it’s visually appealing, environmentally friendly and affordable! Unfortunately, some cons come along with the Wood Shake Roof. The wood shingles are vulnerable to rot and mildew and cannot sustain constant moisture, however, they are still a dependable choice and are projected to last 40 to 50 years. The installation and materials are budget-friendly. Wood Shingles are the answer for homeowners looking for both longevity and style!
Clay Tile Roofs (50 years)
Clay shingles are the perfect material for homeowners who live in hot and dry climates. While clay tile roofs are used in many climates, clay is a poor heat conductor, which means it keeps the heat out and the cold in! Additional pros are it’s energy-efficient in hotter climates, fire and wind-resistant, less susceptible to rotting and has a 50-year lifespan. Installation can be difficult as the clay material is very heavy and fragile. This makes repairs more difficult and pricy.
Concrete Tile Roofs (50 years)
Many people don’t know that concrete tile roofs have been around longer than asphalt shingles. There are many positives if you are a homeowner considering concrete shingles such as the variety of styles and colours, resistance to fire and rot and of course that it can be pressed to any shape or size needed. This durable and resilient material also has its downfalls. This material, similar to clay, is heavy and can be difficult to install. It can be fragile to work with and can fade in colour but has a 50-year lifespan! This is the perfect material for a homeowner looking for unique shingles!
Slate Roofs (100 years)
Slate roofs have been used in the industry for thousands of years! It is a resilient material that is resistant to ultraviolet light, wind, fire, erosion and fading in colour. Slate roofs have the longest lifespan lasting up to 100 years! Slate roofs are aesthetically pleasing and many homeowners love it for its luxurious look. Of course, you know what’s coming next, slate roofs do have their cons as well. There is no warranty on the material, it is tough to install, fragile and rather expensive.
There you have it. If you or someone you know is looking for a new roof, sit down and crunch the numbers. What is the proper material for you and your home? If you or someone you know is looking to buy, sell or invest, one of our Toronto real estate agents is happy to connect with you. Feel free to give us a call or fill out a form on our website.
