How long your roof will last depends on several factors:
- Materials: Some roof types last longer than others. For example, slate tiles and composite tiles will last longer than asphalt shingles or cedar shakes. And higher quality shingles will last significantly longer than more affordable ones.
- Workmanship: Quality of installation matters when it comes to how long a roof lasts. Better quality roof installers will use high-quality materials and take the time to properly install a roof to make sure it lasts decades.
- Maintenance: Regular roof maintenance helps a roof last longer. We recommend getting your roof cleaned every 3–5 years to remove debris and moss that can damage your roof if left alone.
- Weather: Inclement weather—like the heavy winds and rain, sleet, and snow we get in Portland—damage roofs and require a roof repair or replacement sooner than roofs in more mild climates.
We’ll go over different roof types and how long each one usually lasts, depending on the factors above.
Wondering how much a new roof will be? Check out our blog “The Costs of Different Roof Types.”
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are made of a paper or fiberglass mat with at least one layer of asphalt.
Asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the type of shingle you choose. Architectural asphalt shingles (have multiple layers of asphalt) and presidential asphalt shingles (premium option) both have additional layers that make the roof look better and last longer.
Learn more about the Malarkey asphalt shingles and Certainteed asphalt shingles we install at Roof Life of Oregon.
Clay/Concrete Tiles
Clay tiles are made from naturally occurring clay and have a terracotta color, but can be glazed in a different color of your choosing. Clay tiles are sturdy and resistant to leaks and fungi (since they absorb little water), but are prone to cracking in extreme temperatures or from impact like fallen branches.
Clay tiles can last 50–100 years.
Concrete tiles (sometimes referred to as cement tiles) are designed to mimic the look of clay tiles. They’re more affordable and hold up better in extreme temperatures, but don’t last as long as clay tiles. Concrete tiles normally last around 50 years.
Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes are shingles made of cedar wood, which is a durable hardwood that holds up well to Portland’s climate. Cedar shakes are so popular in Oregon because cedar wood doesn’t easily warp or shrink in humid conditions and has natural preservatives that make the roof resistant to UV rays and insect damage.
Cedar shakes made from quality cedar will last up to 30 years. Lower quality cedar will last 15–20 years.
Since we use only the highest grade of cedar at Roof Life of Oregon, you’ll get quality cedar shakes that will last decades.
Slate Tiles
Made of natural slate stone, slate tiles are one of the most popular roofing options because of their beauty and durability.
They’re so popular that manufacturers now make asphalt shingles that are designed to look like slate tiles, but they don’t last nearly as long. Slate tiles can last more than 75 years when cared for properly.
Composite Tiles
Also called composition roof tiles, composite roof tiles are made of several different materials (like fiberglass, asphalt, wood, paper, and other minerals) instead of a single material like metal, wood, or clay.
Composite tiles will last at least 50 years. At Roof Life of Oregon, we offer a 50-year warranty on the Brava composite shingles we install.
Stone Coated Metal Tile
Stone coated metal tiles are metal shingles that have a layer granular stone. They’re designed to mimic the look of asphalt shingles, clay tiles, slate tiles, and cedar shakes—but are more durable, more affordable, and can last longer.
Stone coated metal tiles can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years. But if Roof Life of Oregon installed your roof, you’ll get a lifetime warranty on your stone coated roof.
Need Help Choose a Roof That Will Last? Contact Us Today.
Call us at (503) 925-0125 or fill out the form below to get a free quote for a roof installation.
At Roof Life of Oregon, our professionals will go over the best roof type for your home, along with your style and color options. We genuinely care about your roof, so we only give you quality options to make sure your roof will last decades.