Metal Roof Longevity

A Properly-Installed RPS Metal Roof Can Last Up To 33 Years Longer Than An Asphalt Shingle Roof … Or More!

• Although the average life span of a metal roof is estimated to be 50 years, State Farm^® Insurance cites metal roof life expectancy in the range of 40-70 years.
• Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, have an average life span of 17 years and a life expectancy range of 12–20 years according to State Farm^® Insurance.
• A 30-year shingle roof actually may last up to 25 years, if properly cared for, or 12 -15 years if it’s not. For our comparison, we’ll take the average and use 20 years.

What about 50-year asphalt shingles?

According to www.roofingcalc.com, “no asphalt shingle roof will last as long as 50 or even 30 years.” (With their prorated warranties, homeowners stand to collect very little even if they can prove shingle failure was due to a manufacturing defect.)

• With an average lifespan of about 30-years, the high initial and replacement costs of a wood shingle roof make this a very expensive choice.
• Slate, concrete and clay tiles last many years, but have a high initial cost, including strengthening of roof supporting structures to handle their much heavier weights. (The supporting structures often need to be replaced long before the tiles do.)
• To see how much a metal roof can save you versus an asphalt shingle roof, let’s look at the initial costs for a new roof installation based on national averages.

Estimated Total Costs To Install A New Roof

(National ranges from RoofCostEstimator.com based on a 2,000 sq. ft. home. Includes permits, removing old roofing if needed, etc. We have calculated the averages to simply comparisons.)

• 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles: Range = $7,000 to $12,000 / Avg. = $9,500
• 30-year Shingles: Range = $9,000 to $15,000 / Avg. = $12,000
• Wood Shingles: Range = $14,000 to $25,000 / Avg. = $19,500
• Steel Shingles: Range = $14,000 to $25,000 / Avg. = $19,500
• Aluminum Shingles: Range = $15,000 to $28,000 / Avg. = $21,500
• Standing Seam: Range = $23,000 to $30,000 / Avg. = $26,500
• Natural Slate: Range = $25,000 to $50,000 / Avg. = $37,500
• Concrete Tiles: Range = $20,000 to $40,000 / Avg. = $30,000
• Clay Tiles: Range = $25,000 to $50,000 / Avg. = $37,500

Comparison of Roofing Cost Over 50-Year Span

* Natural Slate, Concrete and Clay Tiles are heavier roofing materials requiring a much stronger support system underneath than asphalt, wood or metal, as well as waterproof underlayment, which may require additional costs. In many cases, the supports may only last 20-40 years.

Lasting Performance Means Savings

• A properly installed metal roof could save you as much as $16,500* in replacement costs alone versus asphalt shingles and as much as $19,500 versus wood shingles. (*Actual costs/savings will vary based on location, roof size and features, building codes, weather/climate and other factors.)
• A metal roof can save you up to $18,000 over the initial cost of a slate/tile roof. Plus, a metal roof is much lighter in weight, so it doesn’t require the stronger structural support of slate, concrete or clay tiles, which reduces installation costs and minimizes need for replacement of supports due to load stress.
• Savings will likely be even higher due to the ever-increasing costs of labor and materials making roof replacements even more expensive each time.
• And, many metal roofs last longer than 50 years, so you could save even more!
• The longevity of a metal roof could also add to your home’s resale value. (This varies by local market, so you should consult a real estate professional for specifics.)

PLUS …

See how a metal roof can also save you money and worries in maintenance, cooling costs, and safety.