Maybe the last time you thought of your roof was when you purchased your home. But then a record-breaking snow storm hit, and while shoveling your driveway, you wondered about the snow on your roof and whether it might be damaging. So how long do roofs typically last in Minnesota?

How long your roof lasts depends on the type of roofing material that’s been used. Metal roofing lasts up to 50 years and asphalt shingle roofing lasts between 10 and 40 years, depending on the type of asphalt shingles and their quality.

Traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles last from 10 to 20 years, architectural asphalt shingles last from 20 to 30 years, and premium architectural asphalt shingles can last from 25 to 40 years. However, there are potential influencers that can increase or decrease a roof’s lifespan.

In this article, we’ll cover a roof’s lifespan, factors involved that determine roof longevity, and the signs that could indicate your roof needs replacing.

In This Article

How Long Roofs Last in Minnesota

Whether you have an asphalt or metal roof, eventually roofs become worn and need replacement. But do you know how much longer your roof will last? Let’s look at the difference between three common materials.

Asphalt shingle roofing

Asphalt shingle roofing has an average lifespan of 10 to 40 years, depending on the specific type and quality of the shingles used. Traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles typically last from 10 to 20 years, while architectural asphalt shingles last from 20 to 30 years, and premium asphalt shingles can last from 25 to 40 years.

As it’s one of the most affordable types of material, it’s also one of the most common roofing materials. Asphalt shingles offer various degrees of protection against harsh weather, extreme temperatures, and high wind.

Erie Home offers reliable asphalt shingle roofing that protects against the elements with a class 3 impact resistance rating. Our asphalt shingles are durable, energy-efficient, and have a 30-year limited lifetime transferable warranty.

Metal roofing

Metal roofing lasts up to 50 years, although some materials like copper and zinc can last longer. Metal is one of the most durable materials and can withstand all types of weather Minnesota might throw at it.

Erie Home’s stone-coated metal shingles protect against hurricane-force winds and hail and are backed by a 50-year limited lifetime transferable warranty. Contact us for a free estimate.

Clay tile roofing

Clay tiles have an average lifespan of more than 50 years. Sought after for its pleasing look, clay tiles can be tricky to work with and may break if installed improperly.

Erie Home features metal shingles that can mimic the look of clay tiles and other roofing styles. This offers the opportunity to protect your home with a durable material, without the pitfalls of clay.

Factors Affecting Roof Longevity

A number of factors affect the lifespan of a roof—that’s why we can only give you averages for each roofing material. Regularly maintaining your roof, performing thorough inspections, and taking care of necessary repairs help maximize the life of your roof.

Consider the following:

Where you live matters; the environment plays a large role on how well a roof holds up. Do you live in a wind- or storm-prone area? Do you experience deep winters with snow and ice?
How, when, and by whom the roof was installed can make an impact on roof longevity. A roof that was not installed correctly may suffer damage more easily.
Routine maintenance can help lengthen the life of your roof and keep repairs to a minimum.
The quality of the roofing materials used influence whether your roof lasts longer or quits sooner. You could end up with a significant problem if the roofing materials aren’t as strong and durable as advertised.

Signs You Need a Roof Replacement

If your asphalt shingle roof is more than 20 years old, the chances are it needs replacing. But what if you don’t really know the state of your roof? There are some signs to look for, which can help you determine the overall life of your roof.

Inspect your home top to bottom, looking for anything out of the ordinary:

Missing or broken shingles
Missing or damaged gutters
Water damage on ceilings
Leaks in bathrooms
Uptick in insect activity
Rodent droppings in the attic
Increase in energy bills
Twigs and leaves in the attic

Final Thoughts

Replacing your roof can seem like a daunting prospect, but at Erie Home, our primary goal is to ensure the whole process goes as smoothly as possible. With over 50 years of experience and hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers nationwide, our team of expert installers can get the job done quickly, efficiently and with the minimum of fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you replace your roof in Minnesota?

This really depends on the type of roof you have and the condition it’s in. Typically, roofs are replaced every 20 to 30 years, but if you invest in a metal roof, like those available from Erie Home, then you don’t have to worry about replacing your roof for up to 50 years.

What is the average lifespan of a roof?

The average lifespan of a roof is 10 to 40 years for asphalt shingles (depending on quality and type), up to 50 years for metal roofing, and 50 or more years for clay tile, copper, and zinc. You can help to maximize the life of your roof by taking good care of it.

How long does an asphalt roof last in Minnesota?

An asphalt roof can last anywhere from 10 to 40 years in Minnesota, depending on the type of asphalt shingles and their quality. Standard 3-tab asphalt shingles last for 10 to 20 years, and architectural shingles can last from 20 to 30 years. Premium architectural asphalt shingles can last from 25 to 40 years in Minnesota.

What time of year is best to replace a roof?

Fall is the best time of year to replace a roof, but although fall is best, here at Erie Home we can replace your roof at any time of year. Just give us a call.

How long should a 20 year roof last?

Ideally, a 20 year roof would last 20 years, but due to unpredictable weather and life in general, it’s difficult to predict exactly how long a roof will last. A quality-made roof that’s installed correctly and receives regular maintenance and repairs should last decades.

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How Long Do Roofs Typically Last in Minnesota?