How long a roof lasts
If your aging roof in your state has curling shingles or leaks, call now.
We pick up, look over your roof problem for free, and get a local roofer to check it.
An old roof can leak into your attic and walls long before you see a stain on the ceiling. Call now and find out if your roof needs a repair or a full replacement.
Years by material
| Material | Years |
|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles, 3-tab | 20 |
| Asphalt shingles, architectural | 30 |
| EPDM rubber (flat roof) | 15 to 25 |
| Metal | 40 to 80 |
| Slate | 60 to 150 |
Hot climates cut asphalt shingle life sharply, the same chart notes. Hail and hurricanes can shorten it further or cause damage in one spot.
Signs your roof is done
A 3-tab shingle roof put on in 2004 is already past the 20 years InterNACHI gives 3-tab shingles.
Look for shingles that curl or crack, bald spots where the grit is gone, and grit piling up in the gutters. Leaks in more than one place mean the roof is near its end.
Get it looked at
A roof inspection covers the roof covering, gutters, downspouts, vents, flashing, skylights and chimney, under InterNACHI's standard. Ask for photos and a written list of what is wrong.
Questions people ask
How many years do roofs usually last?
About 20 to 30 years for asphalt shingles, which most houses have. Metal and slate last far longer.
Does a 30-year shingle really last 30 years?
InterNACHI gives architectural shingles about 30 years. Heat, hail and poor attic airflow shorten that.
Should a 20-year-old roof be replaced?
A 20-year-old 3-tab roof is at the end of its usual life. Get it looked at before the next storm season.
How long does a metal roof last?
InterNACHI puts metal at 40 to 80 years. See metal roofing near you for costs.
Call now, get a roofer on it
A 3-tab shingle roof lasts about 20 years, so an old one can fail in the next storm. Call now and have a local roofer tell you how much life yours has left.
You learn plainly whether a repair will hold or your roof truly needs replacing.