Your roof lifespan depends on many factors, but to begin with, let’s first look at the life expectancy of various materials that are used for roofing.

Roofing contractors in Bexley will use a range of different materials for your roof, depending on the structure of your property, whether the roof is flat or pitched and the common weather conditions where you live. If you need roof repairs, re-roofing or a new roof, it is always best to call in professional roofing contractors as they have the specialist knowledge required to know which materials are best to use.

Flats roofs are most commonly constructed in felt, single ply membranes and EPDM rubber, all of which are very different materials. Felt is the oldest of these materials and has been used by Birmingham roofers for many years on properties in the UK by roofing contractors. The lifespan of this material is generally 10-20 years, and it can vary widely depending on the weather as harsh weather conditions cause felt to wear more quickly. EPDM rubber is another materials used for flat roofing, however this is a relatively new material in comparison to felt. Rubber roofs have a lifespan of around 20 years. It is a very flexible material and is hardwearing. Single ply membranes can be used on flat or pitched roofs, and are one of the newest materials in roofing. They usually have a lifespan of 20-25 years.

Pitched roofs are generally made of wither slate or tile, and these are the longest lasting roofs. Slate and tile roofs are laid out in small tiles, so usually only missing or broken tiles need to be replaced every so often. Slate has a lifespan of 200 years, but generally a roof will need re-roofing in slate every 40-45 years. Tile is a man-made material and has the longest lifespan. Again, it is usually used for pitched roofs, and has a lifespan of 50+ years. This is why tile is so popular for pitched roofing.

The newer materials are simply becoming more popular because they are more cost effective, and more simple to construct taking less time. Rubber and single ply are also easy to do roof repairs on, and although these materials are not as long lasting as slate or tile, they are a more cost effective option when re-roofing and so it is not a huge issue.

Other factors can affect the lifespan of your roof however, it is not just about the materials that you use. For example, moss and lichen can grow on roofs made of slate and tile, so if you live in an area where it is damp for most of the year, it is more likely that they will grow. Moss and lichen growth will reduce the lifespan of your roof because it causes it to wear more quickly and can cause the tiles to become weakened. High winds and regular snow or rain can also affect the roof as it will wear down more quickly in these weather conditions. With some materials, a lot of sunshine can cause it to wear too, especially rubber.

It is best to discuss the options with your roofing contractors to decide which is the best roofing material for your home.