Every homeowner wants a roof that will last for decades. The challenge is that Arizona’s harsh climate is not kind to roofs. The lifespan of a roof depends on the material and how well it is maintained, resulting in an average lifespan of 20 to 50 years.

This wide range is not very helpful if you are trying to decide which house to buy or which material to choose for your new roof. So let’s dig a little deeper, looking at each material and its pros and cons. We will also explore how preventative maintenance and timely repairs can extend the lifespan of your roof and save you money.

Types of Roofs in the Grand Canyon State

Roofing in Arizona may seem to have come a long way from early adobe-style houses that were fully enclosed in clay. However, we still use the same materials today, albeit with slightly different construction techniques.

Tile roofs

Tile roofs have been popular in Phoenix since the late 1980s. They look great and perfectly capture the southwestern aesthetic.

Today, there are 3 main types of tile roofs: concrete, clay, and sand-cast tiles:

  • Concrete tile: Also known as cement tiles, they are a cost-effective and durable choice. They can be molded into a variety of styles and can even be made to look like wood shakes. If you are buying a new home, it will likely have a concrete tile roof. One of the drawbacks of concrete tile is that it can fade in the sun.
  • Clay tiles: Traditional clay tiles look beautiful and come in a wide range of colors and styles. They are more durable than concrete tiles but are also more expensive. They are also more labor-intensive to install, which increases the cost of a new clay-tile roof.
  • Sand-cast tiles: Many homeowners appreciate the attractive appearance of sand-cast tiles. They come in a range of earth tones, and the firing process means each tile has a unique appearance. However, they are extremely brittle, which can lead to a lot of wastage during construction. They are also expensive to install and can be difficult to color-match if you need to make significant repairs in the future.

If you are looking for a roof with the potential to outlive you, concrete or clay tiles are the way to go. The Tile Roofing Institute confidently states that both have an expected lifespan of 50 to 100 years. It also points out that some clay tile roofs in Asia and Europe are still intact and functional centuries after their construction.

Talk with an experienced local roofing contractor to find out whether a tile roof is the best choice for your Arizona home. He or she can advise you on the best tile for the local climate and whether tile roofs are worth the extra expense.

Asphalt shingle roofs

Asphalt shingle roofs may be the most popular roofing material across the United States, but most parts of the country are not as hot as Arizona. However, that does not mean you should necessarily rule them out when choosing a new roof.

Asphalt shingle roofs have the following benefits:

  • Lower material and labor costs than other roofing materials
  • Lifespan of 25 to 50 years with good maintenance
  • High-quality shingles have good fire resistance and protection against hail, wind, and mold
  • Used asphalt shingles can be recycled

That said, there are also some drawbacks to consider for Phoenix and Mesa homeowners considering this affordable option:

  • UV rays can cause shingles to dry out and crack
  • The heat of the sun can cause asphalt to melt
  • Shingles can begin to break down and crumble

The good news is that asphalt shingles are generally easier and cheaper to repair than other roof types. So, if you are looking for an affordable and attractive roofing option, talk to local roofing contractors about whether an asphalt shingle roof is the right choice for your Arizona home.

Foam roofs

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofs are suitable for flat-roofed houses or those with a very slight pitch. If that describes your home, this could be a great option, as SPF roofing can last for decades. One study of SPF roofs found that they showed very few signs of deterioration even after almost 30 years.

SPF roofs are also very light and have excellent insulating qualities. They are quick to install, and an average-sized roof can be laid in a single day.

However, applying SPF foam requires skill and experience. Be sure to choose a company with successful projects under their belt and an understanding of SPF roof maintenance. If applied correctly, SPF roofs can last the lifetime of your home.

Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan Through Maintenance

With good maintenance, it may be possible to extend the lifespan of your roof for many years.

If you take care of the following tasks, you may be rewarded with many more years under the same roof:

  • Inspect it regularly: Check your roof and attic for signs of water ingress, mold, or other damage. From the outside, check for signs of deterioration, such as missing shingles. Get a professional roof inspection once a year.
  • Keep gutters clean: Clogged gutters keep water on your roof, causing materials to break down more quickly. Keep them clean year-round to prevent this type of damage.
  • Cut trees back: Falling branches can be a danger to your roof, as can leaves that accumulate and clog gutters. Keeping trees trimmed can prevent these issues.
  • Do not put off repairs: The longer you leave repairs, the more expensive they will be. Hold off too long, and they may get past the point of no return, leaving you with no option other than replacing your roof.

Get a Roof That Lasts From Overson Roofing

The Arizona climate may be harsh, but the right roof can protect your home for decades. At Overson Roofing, we have over 40 years of experience in repairing and replacing roofs for Phoenix and Mesa homeowners. We already have over 40,000 satisfied customers – will you be the next one?

Our roofing experts are ready to inspect your roof and give you free advice. As recipients of the BBB Torch Award for Ethics, you know you will get an assessment you can trust. If you choose to hire us, we will go above and beyond to provide a repair or new roof that stands the test of time. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free roof inspection.

Photo by Krzysztof Hepner on Unsplash