The Life Expectancy Of Your Lancaster, PA
Residential Roof Replacement

Learn How Long Your Residential
Roof Replacement Should Last

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The life expectancy of any Lancaster, PA residential roof replacement depends on the type of material you are choosing. However, your roof’s lifespan can be affected by an incorrect residential roof installation.
It can also be impacted by harsh weather, maintenance, and your promptness to act on the first sign of damage.

We will walk through the most common materials and what their typical service life is. We’ll also discuss the manufacturer’s warranty on the material.

These lifespans assume that all roof decking was in good standing, underlayment was laid, and the best residential roofing contractors completed the job.

Learn everything you need to know about your residential roof replacement before turning to the experts.

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The Lifespan Of A Residential Roof Replacement
That Uses Asphalt Shingles

Shingles are the most commonly used roofing materials for homes with a slope, especially in Lancaster County.

3-Tab Shingles

The 3-tab shingle has lost its popularity because many other roofing materials on the market last longer. Other roofing systems tend to have a look homeowners want.

People who do choose the 3-tab shingles do it because they are the most cost-effective option. They also look uniform. These are the shortest-lasting shingles, with a lifespan of only 12-25 years, and the manufacturer only provides a 10-year warranty.

Using Architectural Laminate Asphalt Shingles
For Your Roofing Project

When you see a shingled home, this is likely the type of shingle you will see. That is because they can last 35-50 years, and shingle manufacturers, like GAF, have lifetime warranties.

These asphalt shingles are also durable and made to protect your home when installed by a quality residential roofer.

Residential Roofing Replacements With Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are beautiful and made from all-natural stone. These are typically once-in-a-lifetime replacements because hard slate (S-1 grade) lasts 100-200 years with a 100-year manufacturer warranty.

Soft slates (S-2 grade) don’t last quite as long. But their lifespan is still impressive – 50-100 years from now, with the manufacturer’s warranty at 40 years.

Wood Shingles & Wood Shakes

Wood shingles are made with a machine and are tapered using a saw. Wood shakes are made by hand and are not tapered, giving them a more textured appearance than wood shingles.

You can expect the wood shingles to last 25-40 years with a 20-year warranty. Wood shakes last slightly longer with a life expectancy. This type of roof can last between 30-40 years and comes with a 25-year warranty.

Synthetic Shingles, Slates, Or Tiles

Synthetic roofing materials are composite or made of plastic but have been gaining popularity as the green option.

Specific synthetic materials can be made from 100% recycled materials. Synthetic shingles, slates, or tiles have the potential to last longer than most regular shingles. They have an expected 40-60 year lifespan and include a lifetime warranty.

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The Lifespan Of A Flat Roofing
Residential Roof Replacement

Flat roofs are common for tall, narrow city homes in areas like Lancaster, PA, and Harrisburg, PA.

They are also used by residential roofing companies in large commercial buildings or warehouses.

This type of roof means that at least part of your roof is no more than a 10-degree slope. Most times, they will have a very slight slope so that water can shed properly. Flat roofing materials offer more limited options when replacing your roof.

Asphalt Roll Roofing

Rolled roofing materials are popular for homeowners looking to replace their own flat roofs with the help of residential roofing contractors.

It’s known for its ease of installation, but its lifespan is short. This type of roof is only expected to last 5-15 years and has no manufacturer warranty.

TPO Membrane

TPO membranes are typically classified by their thickness. A 60-mil TPO material is only 0.060 inches thick. This form of flat roofing material, both mechanically attached and fully adhered, can last 20-30 years.

It has a manufacturer’s warranty for up to 20 years. TPO is a popular choice for a flat roof because its white color gives it UV resistance. This makes it energy efficient in areas with high sun exposure.

EPDM Membrane

This is your typical black rubber roofing material. EPDM is most often installed with a ballasted or fully adhered roofing system.

Fully adhered means the insulation is adhered to the roof decking, wherein ballasted insulation is loosely laid on the decking but weighed down on top by river-washed ballast.

A 45-mil fully adhered roof can last 20-30 years. It also comes with a 15-year warranty from the manufacturer.

The thicker, 60-mil fully adhered EPDM lasts 30-40 years, and the manufacturer can offer a 20-year warranty. To get the longest-lasting EPDM, ask about the 90-mil fully-adhered. This incredible roof system lasts for 30-40 years and has a 30-year manufacturer warranty.

If the ballasted EPDM is a better fit for your project, the 60-mil can last 20-30 years and comes with a 15-year warranty from the manufacturer.

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The Lifespan Of A Metal Residential
Roof Replacement

Metal roofing’s popularity has continued to rise as homeowners learn the benefits of a longer-lasting, low-maintenance roof. This can be a pricier option but is attractive both to the eye and to potential home buyers.

Standing Seam Metal

The standing seam comes in three main metal options: aluminum, copper, and steel. A copper metal roof is a popular choice for green roofing because it is 100% recyclable but is the most expensive metal option.

It can last around 150 years with a warranty of 50+ years.

Copper is a soft material, which makes it quieter, but it also has a tendency to expand and contract with fluctuating temperatures.

An aluminum metal roof has great corrosion protection, but the price of an aluminum residential roofing installation can vary. Aluminum standing seam metal lasts 50-80 years with a 40-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world, which makes this a very green option. It is also the least expensive metal standing seam metal option. This option is typically coated with multiple layers of protective material before the final paint is applied, helping to lengthen the lifespan of this metal roof.

Steel standing seam metal roofs last 50-80 years with a 40-year manufacturer warranty.

Corrugated Metal

Corrugated steel metal roofs look like they have many little waves in the material. This corrugation creates an incredibly strong panel that can handle hail well. These panels can last 40-60 years with a 40-year warranty from the manufacturer.

While corrugated metal roofs are cheaper than standing seam roofs, the fasteners on a corrugated roof are exposed, limiting the lifetime and increasing the risk of problems in the future.

Metal Roof Tiles

If you want the look of a shingled roof but want the longevity and green value of metal, you’re in luck – metal roof tiles. They offer the look and feel of metal but are lightweight and efficient. The tiles are made of steel and can last 40-60 years, but their warranty is 30 years.

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Get A Residential Roof Replacement
In Lancaster County Today

If you know the age of your current roof, use the lifespan information above to determine when it might be time for you to get a roof replacement for your home. Leaks, missing shingles, hail damage, or holes are signs that your roof needs to be repaired ASAP and will likely need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

Make sure to call professional roofing contractors to get their advice on the condition of your roof. To ease your decision process, we’ve identified tips to make sure you’re selecting the best roofing company for you and your project.

Get in touch with Joyland Roofing for an estimate on your residential roof replacement in Lancaster, PA, today. Our Joyland Roofing team is excited to speak with you!