Average life spans of roofs
How long does a roof last? That has a lot to do with the roofing material chosen as well as; weather and climate, building design and construction, and the regularity of roof maintenance performed and so on.
Life expectancy and various pros and cons for various roofing materials, including the following:
- Average lifespan: 20 years.
- Pros: Easier to install than some materials, and often easier to repair.
- Cons: Moderate protection, shorter life span than some materials.
- Average lifespan: 30 years.
- Pros: Different colour and texture options, reliable durability.
- Cons: Leaks can form from punctures/tears, sometimes prone to fade.
Wood shake (or wood shingle) roofing
- Average lifespan: 30 years.
- Pros: Attractive natural shades, renewably sourced.
- Cons: Higher cost for materials and installation.
- Average lifespan: 50 years.
- Pros: Impervious to rot, eco-friendly and recyclable.
- Cons: Higher cost, complex installation.
- Average lifespan: 40 years.
- Pros: Natural sourcing, high resale value.
- Cons: Few colour options, complex to repair.
- Average lifespan: 40 years.
- Pros: Long lasting, minimal maintenance.
- Cons: Not suitable for all roof styles, professional installation required.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.
Digital technology, transformation and cybersecurity
Supporting SMEs through Digitalisation in Construction.
Villa Wolf in Gubin, history and reconstruction. Book review.
Construction contract awards down one billion pounds
Decline over the past two months compared to the same period last year, follows the positive start to the year.
Editor's broadbrush view on forms of electrical heating in context.
The pace of heating change; BSRIA market intelligence
Electric Dreams, Boiler Realities.
New President of ECA announced
Ruth Devine MBE becomes the 112th President of the Electrical Contractors Association.
New CIAT Professional Standards Competency Framework
Supercedes the 2019 Professional Standards Framework from 1 May 2025.
Difficult Sites: Architecture Against the Odds
Free exhibition at the RIBA Architecture Gallery until 31 May.
PPN 021: Payment Spot Checks in Public Sub-Contracts
Published following consultation and influence from ECA.