The life span of your roof is determined primarily by the material used in the construction of your roof. Traditional asphalt shingle roofs, which are the most common in the United States, generally last 20 to 25 years. Wood shingle roofs typically last 20 to 30 years. Metal roofs can last 40 to 50 years. Slate, copper and tile roofs, which are common in both California and Florida, can last up to 100 years or even longer.
If your roof is nearing the end of its useful life, you should start thinking about replacement as soon as possible. You can estimate when your roof will need to be replaced based on the average lifespan of the material used on your roof and when it was originally installed. However, keep in mind that bad weather and unexpected damage can significantly shorten the life of a roof, especially if problem areas are not repaired in a timely manner.
