How Long Does a Roof Last in Virginia?

July 15, 2021

Roof lifespan can be a sensitive and expensive subject for homeowners and businesses. Maintaining and replacing a roof costs thousands of dollars, so it helps to know what type of roof would work best for your budget. You also want to know how long a roof should last in Virginia so you can plan for the major expense of replacing it.

A lot of factors can affect roof lifespan in Virginia. Harsh climates will put more wear and tear on a roof, which will likely reduce how long it lasts. Fortunately for us here in Virginia, we enjoy a relatively mild climate. However, your roof will still face stresses like freezing temperatures and intense sun and precipitation.

With the right materials for your budget and the necessary roof maintenance, your roof can last longer. Let’s explore the different roofing options available to you and how long each should perform.

Types of Roofing and Roof Lifespan in Virginia

Roofing can be made of several different types of materials. Each comes with a typical expected lifespan.

Asphalt Shingles

Probably the most common type of roofing out there, asphalt shingles can be expected to last around 20-30 years in Virginia.

Wood Shingles

A little more durable than asphalt shingles, wood shingles can last up to 30-40 years.

Metal Roofing

When properly installed, metal roofing can last up to 50 years or even longer.

Tile Roofing

While expensive, tile roofing can give you up to 50 years of performance.

Slate Roofing

Among the most expensive roofing options and tricky to install, slate roofing can last up to 150 years in the right conditions.

Roofing materials like metal, tile, and slate roofing offer the longest roof lifespans. However, they also come at the highest cost.

What Can Shorten a Roof’s Lifespan?

How long should a roof last? The materials used provide a baseline, but there are several factors that can reduce the lifespan of a roof.

Extreme Weather

Your roof has to put up with a lot. In Northern Virginia, roofs have to handle freezing temperatures and some snow in winter, along with the humid heat in summer. These temperature variations wear on a roof, which can make it more vulnerable to occasional bouts of extreme weather, like the hurricane-force winds we sometimes get from July to October.

Roof Pitch

Flat roofs are more susceptible to water damage, even without high snow accumulation.

Sun Exposure

In the northern hemisphere, south-facing roofs tend to wear more quickly. They get more sun exposure and show significantly greater sun damage over time.

Storm Damage

Those hurricane-force winds that make their way up the coast can have a lasting impact. Even slight damage can create weak spots that allow in water and lead to greater damage and a shorter roof lifespan.

What Can Extend a Roof’s Lifespan?

There are some things you can do to get more from your roof and save money in the long run.

Trim tree limbs that hang over your roof.
Make sure your roof is properly ventilated to release heat.
Insulate to keep heat out.
Have a professional look at your roof regularly.

If you have an asphalt roof, did you know that roof rejuvenation is also an option? You can go beyond the typical lifespan of an asphalt roof by calling your local Roof Maxx. A single application of Roof Maxx’s innovative bio-oil instantly adds five years of life to an asphalt roof. Plus, Roof Maxx can be applied every five years, up to three times, for a total of fifteen additional years of life. And Roof Maxx costs just 15-20% what replacing your roof would run, saving you thousands.

Get More from Your Roof Today

How long does a roof last in Virginia? That depends on materials, installation, and a range of external factors. Whatever type of roofing you choose, you want to make sure it is properly installed and regularly inspected. The right professional service can help your roof last longer.

If you are looking to rejuvenate your asphalt roof to get it to last longer, contact Roof Maxx. We can save you thousands on roofing by adding years of life to your shingles, instead of simply throwing them in a landfill. Contact Roof Maxx today for a free quote.