Whether you own a home or a business, your roof is one of the most durable components of your building or house. However, as with every part of your home or business, the roof isn’t designed to last forever. On average, most roofs in Texas last for 20 to 30 years, depending on the roofing material, the location, and how well you maintain it. 

While 20 to 30 years is the average lifespan of a roof, it can last much longer when you make small investments toward its health. This means taking time to clean and inspect the roof regularly, as well as hiring a professional roofer for annual or semi-annual maintenance. 

If you want to know more about the average lifespan of a roof and how to get the most out of it, you’ve come to the right place. 

How Long Does a Roof Last? 

Depending on who you ask how long your roof should last, you’ll probably get a bunch of different answers. Some people have bad luck and need to replace their roofs after five or ten years, while others have roofs that last upwards of 70 years! 

In general, however, most experts will tell you that you’re doing well if you can get 25 to 30 years out of your roof. Once you reach that 20 to 25-year mark, it’s time to pay close attention to your roof and watch out for issues. 

That’s not to say, however, that you should automatically replace your roof every 25 years. Instead, as long as you have it inspected every year and invest in annual or bi-annual maintenance, there’s no reason to replace your roof until it’s absolutely necessary. 

Average Lifespan of a Roof Based on Materials 

There are a myriad of factors that will determine how long your roof lasts. None of them are more prominent, however, than what your roof is made of. Here’s a quick look at how the type of roof you have will determine how long it lasts. 

Asphalt Shingles 

Although they’re one of the oldest types of roofing materials still used today, asphalt shingles are also the most common. While they aren’t the most durable option, asphalt shingles offer the best combination of affordability, durability, and longevity. On average, you can expect a shingled roof in Texas to last for 20 to 30 years. 

Tile 

Clay tile roofs are another popular option in Texas, New Mexico, and other parts of the Southwest. In addition to giving your home a classic adobe look, clay tile is also extremely durable and can last up to 50 years. However, clay tile roofing is fairly expensive and extremely heavy, which means it isn’t the right option for every home. 

Metal 

Metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing roofing materials in the country and it’s taking Texas by storm. People love metal roofing because of how durable and lightweight it is. When installed correctly, metal roofs should last for a minimum of 50 years, if not longer. However, metal is also one of the most expensive roofing options on the market, so make sure you have room for it in your budget. 

Copper 

If you think that metal roofing is expensive and durable, it doesn’t hold a candle to copper roofing. When installed professionally, copper roofs can last for more than a century before they need to get replaced. Copper has the unique ability to expand, contract, and shift with the weather and requires almost no maintenance. However, as you probably guessed, copper roofing is even more expensive than other types of metal or alternative roofing materials.

Wood Shake 

Finally, you also have the option of using wood shake or slate shingles for your home. Wood shingles are similar to asphalt ones but are slightly thicker and made of wood rather than rubber. Because you can use different types of wood for your shingles, some roofs last longer than others. However, all types of wood shingles require ongoing maintenance and occasional repairs and typically last for 25 to 35 years. 

Factors That Determine How Long Your Roof Will Last 

While the type of material you use for your roof will play the most important factor in determining how long it lasts, there are a few additional factors to consider. 

Roof Pitch 

In general, the steeper your roof is, the longer it will last. Roofs with a steep pitch and plenty of slope don’t retain moisture and debris as easily as flatter roofs, which means they typically last longer. Roof pitch is a big reason that flat, commercial roofs require frequent repairs or replacements. 

The Weather 

While roof pitch is an important factor to consider, the weather is even more important. You can have the perfect roof, but heavy winds, hail damage, or excessive UV radiation can create problems prematurely. For that reason, it’s important to contact us and find out what the best type of roof is based on your location and the weather you typically experience. 

Underlayment 

While it isn’t as important as the top layer of your roof, underlayment is important. In addition to providing an extra layer of insulation and protection for your home, it’s essential that underlayment gets installed correctly. Otherwise, small leaks and problems with your roof are more likely to occur. 

Attic Ventilation 

Attic ventilation is absolutely essential if you want a long-lasting roof – especially in Texas. Without proper ventilation, all the heat that’s building up in your attic won’t have anywhere to go. As a result, it will create humidity and condensation and eat away at your roof from the inside out. 

Maintenance 

Finally, the best way to ensure that your roof has a long and leak-free life is to invest in professional maintenance. An annual inspection and maintenance is adequate for the first 10 to 15 years of your roof’s life. However, as it gets older, it might be necessary to invest in bi-annual maintenance and inspections to ensure it’s in good condition. 

How to Get the Most Out of Your Texas Roof

If you want to get the most out of your Texas roof, contact us at KangaRoof. We’re one of the top roofing companies in the Lonestar State. From quality installations and replacements to ongoing maintenance and inspections, we’re the team to call. We work with a wide range of roofing materials and can handle both residential and commercial projects. Give us a call to set up an appointment or to get a free quote!