Pick your roofing material and the year it went on. We’ll estimate how much life is left based on typical Lehigh Valley lifespans — and tell you what to watch for at your roof’s age.
Typical lifespans for common roofing materials. Real-world results depend on ventilation, sun exposure, storm history, and installation quality.
| Roofing material | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|
| Architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles | 25–30 yrs |
| 3-tab asphalt shingles | 15–20 yrs |
| Standing-seam metal | 40–70 yrs |
| Exposed-fastener metal | 25–40 yrs |
| Cedar shake / wood shingle | 25–35 yrs |
| Slate | 75+ yrs |
| Clay or concrete tile | 50–70 yrs |
| Flat — EPDM / TPO membrane | 15–25 yrs |
Think your roof is getting up there? Use the Repair or Replace checker to see what your symptoms point to, or estimate a new roof’s cost. When in doubt, our free inspection gives you a definitive answer.
Check building-permit records with your municipality, ask the previous owner, or look at the home-inspection report from when you bought the house. Still not sure? Our free inspection can date and assess your roof for you.
Poor attic ventilation, intense sun exposure, repeated hail and wind storms, low-quality shingles, and improper installation all shorten a roof’s life. Good ventilation and prompt repairs help it reach its full expected lifespan.
Yes — keep gutters clear, trim overhanging branches, make sure your attic is properly ventilated, and fix small leaks or lifted shingles quickly before they cause deck damage. A periodic professional inspection catches the small stuff early.
Not necessarily today, but it’s living on borrowed time. The smart move is a free inspection so you can plan a replacement on your schedule instead of scrambling after a leak causes interior damage.