How Long Do Tile Roofs Last?

When it’s time to replace your roof, most homeowners consider up-front cost and the climate in their area, but one thing that directly affects the value you get for your money is roof lifespan. If you’re considering a more appealing alternative to asphalt shingles, you should know how long tile roofs last and what affects their lifespans. In this guide, we’ll explain the average lifespan and the factors that affect how much useful life you’ll get from your tile roof.

How Long Do Tile Roofs Last?

Tile roofs last for 50 to 100 years, and in moderate climates with good maintenance, your tile roof could last for even longer. A clay tile roof costs an average of $17,500 to install, which is double what you’d pay for an asphalt shingle roof. Concrete tile roofs cost $17,500, as well, but you get two to three times the life from these tile roofs, making them more valuable options overall.

What Affects the Lifespan of a Tile Roof?

There are a few things you need to consider that can affect the lifespan of your tile roof, and you should think about each of these before deciding if the increased cost is worth it.

Type of Tile

Clay tile roofs and concrete tile roofs last for between 50 and 100 years, while slate tiles last for between 60 and 150 years. The price of these three options varies widely, so consider the up-front cost and the lifespan when deciding which type of roof tile is right for your home.

Maintenance

As is the case with all roofing materials, a good maintenance schedule will help avoid issues and prolong the life of your roof. With annual roof inspections, routine repairs, and regular roof and gutter cleaning, homeowners can get 75 to 100 years or more of useful life from their roofs. Hire a roofer to schedule routine repairs and inspections to establish an automated roof maintenance schedule.

Climate

The climate in your area plays a major role in the lifespan of all roofing materials, and clay and concrete tiles are no exception. If you live in a moderate climate, you can expect a properly installed roof to last 75 to 100 years. If your roof sees excessive wear and tear from frequent hail storms or impact from blown debris from tornadoes, hurricanes, or tropical storms, you’ll more likely see 50 to 75 years of life from your roof. More extreme weather will mean you’ll need more frequent repairs to maintain good roof health.

How to Maintain a Tile Roof for a Longer Lifespan

Your roof will see constant exposure to intense sunlight, rain, snow, wind, and, in many cases, tree debris. There are a few things you can do to maintain your tile roof to extend its lifespan and get more value from it over time.

• Annual roof inspections: Getting your tile roof inspected by a professional once per year is the best way to identify damages and get repairs underway before small issues turn into major ones. A roof inspection costs $240 but can help prolong the life of your roof.

• Routine gutter cleaning: Cleaning your gutters prevents rain and snowmelt from spilling back toward your roof, helping to avoid issues with water damage. Clean your gutters once per year if you have minimal tree coverage on your property, but increase the frequency to two or three times per year if you have many trees hanging over your roof.

• Roof cleaning: Routine roof cleaning is also a good option, as it prevents moss growth that can lift and damage tiles and increase the risk of water intrusion. This is only necessary if parts of your roof remain in the shade for long portions of the day.