When you’re looking to invest in a new roof, one of the big questions you’ll likely be wondering is how long you can expect the roof tiles to last.
Well, in general, standard roof tiles have a minimum lifespan of around 40 years. However, the material used will affect how many years you can expect from your roof, with some potentially lasting up to 100 years.
In this blog, we’ll go over how long roof tiles last, including materials such as slate, metal, rubber, and more.
How Long Different Roof Tile Materials Last
What roof tile material you go for makes all the difference in how long you can expect them to last.
For example, the most commonly used roof tile material in the UK is concrete, which typically lasts between 30 and 50 years. Professional installation and staying on top of general maintenance will get you towards the longer end of that estimate.
However, there are other roof tile materials to explore, too. Some may not last as long as concrete, while others could potentially last even longer.
To give you the most accurate advice for the roof tiles you’re considering, we’ll look at how long you can expect roof tiles to last according to each material, below.
How Long Do Slate Roof Tiles Last?
A natural slate roof tile generally lasts for at least 50 years. However, they can actually last for up to 200 years!
The quality of the slate will impact how many years you get out of it. For example, harder slate tends to be more sturdy, meaning you’re likely to get towards the longer end of the scale from them.
Spanish and Welsh slates are some of the more premium, high-quality slates, typically lasting up to 100 years. However, with proper maintenance and professional installation, you can extend this to nearly two decades.
How Long Do Metal Roof Tiles Last?
Metal roof tiles typically last between 40 and 70 years. Depending on the type of metal used, you may be able to get a bit longer.
It’s a steel roof that generally lasts 40 to 70 years, while aluminium roofs last at least 50 years, but may last longer with proper maintenance. Both materials are sturdy, durable, and lightweight, making them the ideal choice for low-pitch roofs.
For more longevity, copper or zinc roofs are your best bet, as you expect up to 100 years from them.
How Long Do Rubber Roof Tiles Last?
Rubber roof tiles offer many years of use, lasting at least 30 years. You can get up to 50 years from them, depending on the quality of the installation and how well it’s looked after.
The most common type of rubber roof is Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), a synthetic rubber made using oil and natural gas. Since it’s rubber, it’s great for use in areas with heavy rainfall, as it’s naturally water-resistant.
Looking for a flat roof? Well, rubber roof tiles actually have the longest lifespan of all typical flat roof material options.
Our team is expertly trained in installing and maintaining EPDM rubber roofs. Get in touch with us today to arrange a free quote on a new rubber roof for your property.
How Long Do Clay Roof Tiles Last?
Clay tile roofs offer some of the best longevity of common roof tile materials, lasting anywhere between 50 and 100 years.
They’re naturally fire and weather-resistant, as well as sturdy to withstand harsher wind speeds. Plus, as it’s a natural material, clay roofs are environmentally friendly. For older properties, clay roofs keep your property insulated and safe, without compromising on the heritage look.
You can apply a protective coating to your clay roof to extend its lifespan, which is a great choice for coastal homes, where the weather can be more intense.
How Long Do Fibreglass Roof Tiles Last?
Fibreglass roof tiles can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance and installation, though many last at least 30 years on average.
One of the biggest perks of a fibreglass roof is that it’s resistant to cracking, splitting, and warping, which are typically what cause issues with other roof tile materials. What’s more, fibreglass has great UV radiation protection, preventing damage from sun exposure.
As with the other materials, though, it’s the installation process and how well it’s looked after that determine how long you get from it. With expert installation and proper care, you can look to get towards the longer end of the scale for your roof.
Considering upgrading your tiles to a fibreglass roof? Well, our team offer expert installation on fibreglass roofs across the North West. Contact us today for a free quote.
How Long Do Felt Roofs Last?
Felt roof tiles generally last between 10 and 20 years, though some may go up to 30 years if properly installed.
While this lifespan is on the shorter side when compared with the other materials we’ve explored here, felt roofs are still worthwhile. Felt is a popular material choice for garages, sheds, porches, or home extensions, as it’s simple to install and cost-effective.
You’ll find felt is actually incredibly versatile. In fact, some people use felt as an underlay for another roof tile type, e.g., fibreglass, to improve waterproof properties.
With over 20 years of experience, you can come to us for proper felt roof installation. All our services come with a no-obligation quote and a guarantee.
How Can I Make My Roof Tiles Last Longer?
Now you know how long you can expect your roof tiles to last, you may be wondering what exactly you can do to make sure they last as long as possible.
Well, we’ve already mentioned the importance of a proper installation and a bit of TLC, but there are other ways to make sure you get the most out of your roof. We like to consider ourselves experts, so we’ve got a few tips below:
- Professional Installation: Getting your roof tiles installed by professionals is crucial to ensuring they last as long as possible. Incorrect installation can lead to tiles slipping, cracking, or even falling off.
- Check for Moss: Over time, moss and algae can start to grow on or between the roof tiles, especially in coastal areas. As such, it’s important to check them regularly for any growths before cleaning them out if it’s safe to do so.
- Look for Damage: Cracks can start to form in roof tiles over time, especially after heavy weather or storms. Make sure to check your roof for any signs of weather damage – cracks, slips, or broken tiles.
- Replace Broken Tiles: If you’ve noticed a damaged tile, getting it replaced as soon as possible helps to avoid any further damage. Plus, a broken tile is more likely to slip, which may cause damage to other tiles as well.
- Clean Out Gutters: Cleaning your gutters is an essential part of roof tile maintenance. When gutters are full of debris and dirt, it can cause moisture to build up on the roof, potentially causing damage to the tiles.
Always be careful when checking your roof to avoid harm. If you’re worried about performing your own inspections, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We offer roof tile cleaning and maintenance to keep your roof in tip-top shape.
Which Roof Material is Right for Me?
With so many different roof materials to choose from, it can be tricky to narrow down the right one for you – we’re here to help.
We’ve created a handy table to break down how long roof tiles last according to the material type. Plus, we’ve included our recommendations for what roof material types are best suited to certain properties or locations.
|
Roof Material |
Expected Lifespan |
Our Recommendations |
Slate |
50 to 200 years |
Ideal for historic properties or heritage homes, or those in areas with particularly harsh weather, e.g, coastal homes. |
Metal |
40 to 70 years |
Perfect for homes in areas with heavy snow or strong winds. Fire resistance makes them suited to commercial properties or agricultural structures. |
|
Rubber |
30 to 50 years |
Best for smaller home or business projects like extensions, garages, sheds, or green roofs. |
|
Clay |
50 to 100 years |
Areas with plenty of sun are best suited to clay roofs, as they offer excellent natural insulation. |
|
Fibreglass |
30 to 50 years |
Great for us on a greenhouse or extension, as it offers plenty of light but is more durable than plastic. |
|
Felt |
10 to 20 years |
Garden sheds or outdoor DIY workspaces are perfectly suited to felt roof tiles, as they’re practical and cost-effective. |
Still not sure which roof material is right for your project? Don’t worry! Give us a call to discuss the best options for you.
We Offer Expert Roof Installation and Repair to Keep Your Home Safe
Here at Leakproof Roofing, we have over 20 years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of roofs across the Liverpool and North West area.
If you’re looking to install a new roof on your property or need one of our engineers to inspect and clean your current roof, we have the skills for the job. Simply get in touch with us, and we can discuss the best way we can help you.
You can call us on 0151 374 0415 or send an email to info@leakproofroofing.co.uk. Alternatively, fill out our contact form and a member of our team will contact you.