Did you know that Japanese Koi fish have an average lifespan of 40 years? That’s a crazy long time for a small fish. The oldest ever koi fish is believed to have been a whopping 230 years old. Absolutely bonkers.
Roofs usually don’t last such a long time but, with brilliant engineering and correct maintenance, they can endure centuries.
The oldest roof in Europe belongs to St Mary’s Church in Gloucestershire, England, and it traces all the way back to 1120-1150 AD. That means it’s endured almost 900 years of English weather… and did we mention it’s made of oak?
If you’re wondering what your odds are on building a roof that lasts this long, they’re pretty slim. But with the right material and right maintenance, you’ll get more than enough longevity out of your roof:
- Asphalt tile roofs
Asphalt tile roofs are one of the cheapest roofs, but that’s for a reason – they have one of the shortest lifespans of all roofs. An asphalt roof lasts between 10 and 15 years, depending on how well it’s maintained. Not many Australian homes use asphalt roofs because of the harsh Australian climate, and there are more suitable products for not that much more money. - Concrete roofs
Concrete is a strong and durable material but it’s also affordable and accessible, making them incredibly popular with homeowners. With the proper maintenance and care, concrete roof tiles can last upwards of 50 years – even in the punishing Aussie climate. - Terracotta roofs
Not only are terracotta tiles a strong and durable option for roofing, they’re also beautiful in their rich red colour. Depending on maintenance and the conditions of your environment, terracotta roof tiles have an average lifespan of around 70 years. - Metal roofs
Metal roofs are also known for their durability. Colourbond steel can last between 30 and 50 years, whereas zinc is even more durable, lasting between 80 and 100 years on average. Metal is also an environmentally friendly option for roofing as it can be recycled. - Slate
Slate is the most durable roof material. As a natural stone, slate is much more resistant to deterioration, corrosion and the extreme weather conditions that are ever present in Australia. Its resilience also means that it requires less maintenance in the long run. Slate roof tiles are able to last 100 years or more – take that, koi fish!
Can’t decide which roof material to go with? Royce Roofing are here to help. We’re Melbourne’s best team in roof construction, offering a range of other services such as re-bedding and repointing, tile replacements, valley iron replacements, gutter work, roof restorations, roof replacements and more. Royce Roofing have over 300 years’ combined experience in the field, so there’s absolutely nothing we can’t do. Get in touch with the legends at Royce Roofing for a competitively priced job of the highest quality.
