How Long Should A Home’s Roof Last

Q: We’ve got several leaks in our roof. When we bought the home a few years back, I thought the roof was recently replaced. How long should a home’s roof last? Fay, Bloomfield, NJ
A: A roof’s useful life expectancy depends on the type of roof as well as the quality, durability and type of material that is used in putting it up. Standard asphalt shingle roofs should last at least 20 years. Wood shingle and shake roofs typically last 20-30 years and metal roofs can last 40-50 years. One way to find the age of an existing roof is to go to the town’s building department and request the building permit that was filed when the roof was erected. Thanks for your question, Fay.
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