If you are considering a new roof for your home in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, or throughout Kitsap County you are likely wondering how long your new roof will last. With several different types of roofs that are now readily available, the lifespan varies.
Here is more on the lifespan of asphalt shingles, premium architectural shingles, wood shingles, and metal roofing.
Asphalt shingles: 15 to 30 years
These are the most common type of shingle you will see on many homes across the US. They are affordable, costing between $5 and $7 a square foot. These roofs usually come with 25-year warranties, and when installed and maintained, they can last up to 30 years.
Asphalt shingle roofs can last for anywhere between 15-30 years, with the more expensive roofs lasting the longest.
Architectural or Premium Asphalt Shingles: 25 to 30 years
This shingle installs like an asphalt shingle, but they are up to three times thicker and are a more dense and resilient roofing material. They can take on the look of wood or tile and can add more character and charm to a home, as opposed to a more traditional roofing material.
Thanks to their durability, these shingles can last up to 30 years. Especially when you maintain them regularly.
Wood or Cedar Roofing: up to 30 years (but there’s a catch!)
Wood roofs are usually made of cedar shakes. Cedar is rot and insect resistant and gives your home a cozy and charming feel.
The average cedar shake roof costs anywhere between $13,000 and $20,000, and here’s the catch – they require annual maintenance. Wood splits easily, so any cracked or missing shingles need to be replaced right away. You also need to keep them free of moss because moss acts like a sponge. And when a sponge gets wet, it holds the water on your roof.
Metal Roofs: Between 50 – 70 years
By far the roofing material with the longest life span is metal roofs. These roofs can last anywhere between 50 – 70 years. These roofs cost around $10 to $15 a square foot to install.
But that small increase can be well worth it for many homeowners. A bonus is that metal roofs are considered a green product because they are made of recyclable material, and require far less maintenance.
A new roof is a big investment, and as your go-to roofing contractor, we look forward to helping you make the best decision for your home. Give us a call today!