How long do roofs last in Georgia? There are certain factors you need to account for. The weather and climate your roof deals with will have an impact on its lifespan. The quality of the installation and routine maintenance also play an important role. It isn’t just the type of roof that matters either, but also the specific roofing material as well.
How Long Does a Roof Last in Georgia?
There isn’t an exact answer for how long your roof should last; it can be anywhere between 15 to 100 years depending on many different factors such as the roofing material.
Since the type of material the roof is made with primarily affects its lifespan, here is an answer to the question, “How long should a roof last?” for each roof type.
Asphalt Shingles
When it comes to asphalt shingles, there are two popular options that are often used, architectural shingles and three-tab shingles. On average, a three-tab shingle roof will last 15 to 20 years, and an architectural shingle roof will last around 25 to 30 years. Average older homes tend to use three-tab shingles, with an increasing amount of newer homes using architectural shingles.
If you want at least a 30-year roof that is backed by a warranty, architectural shingles are your best bet. Although you can buy three-tab shingles with a warranty that lasts as long, architectural shingles are more durable and the safer bet if you want 30-year roofing shingles.
Not only do architectural shingles last longer, but you also have flexibility when it comes to choosing a design. Architectural shingles have many different options, so you can style your roof in any color or texture you like. Unsurprisingly, architectural shingles are also the pricier option. You can expect to pay anywhere between half or one-third more of the cost than three-tab shingles; however, since architectural shingles have a longer lifespan, it’s a better investment in the long run.
If you live in an area where storms and high winds are common, and you want 30-year composition roof shingles, go with architectural shingles.
Metal Roofs
Although metal roofs are known for their high prices, they’re well worth the cost due to their aesthetics and durability. You can expect to pay a premium price for metal roofing, but your roof will also last longer than others, especially if you live in an area where high winds are common. On average, metal roofs can last anywhere between 50 to 70 years.
In metal roofing, the specific panels you use also play a factor in how long it lasts. The most important factor is gauge, or in other words, panel thickness. Confusingly the lower the number, the thicker the panels are, with the four options being 22, 24, 26 and 29. The vast majority of homes use 29-gauge panels since most houses don’t need anything thicker than that.
Wood Shingles
On average, a wooden shingle roof will last around 30 years. Constant maintenance like yearly cleanings and staining every few years is required for this material. Cedar shingles are often the most common wood roofing material due to their ability to combat rot and prevent insect damage. The downside of wood shingle roofs is that they require constant maintenance to keep them at a decent quality. Although wood shingles can hold their own against hailstorms, it’s not uncommon to find some shingles have split after heavy impact.
Clay Tile Roofs
Just like metal roofs, clay tile roofs have the potential for a very long lifespan. On average, clay tile roofs can last more than 50 years, and in some circumstances, up to 100 years if well maintained. Manufacturer warranties tend to last for 30 years, but some have lifetime coverage. Although clay tile roofs can last a long time, you will still need to replace the underlayment every 10-20 years. While they can be quite heavy, this is a benefit when dealing with high winds. The cons of clay tile roofs are that there is a high cost with installing them and heavy impacts will also damage them.
Concrete Tile Roofs
Concrete tile roofs that are properly maintained can last up to 50 years. While they can be costly, they are durable and aesthetically pleasing. Concrete tiles weigh more than most other roofing materials and are among the best when it comes to withstanding high winds. Like clay tile roofs, concrete tile roofs are also susceptible to impacts from hailstorms that will cause them to break. They do tend to absorb twice the amount of water than clay tile roofs. Unfortunately, this increases the chance of algae and mildew growth. Compared to other roofing systems, concrete tile roofs are very heavy, especially when they are wet. If you’re thinking of replacing a shingle roof with a concrete tile roof, you will need to verify whether your house structure can support that much weight.
Is your roof in Georgia not lasting as long as planned? Connect with us for an analysis to find common issues.