What Is the Life Expectancy of Roof Products?

Duo edgemere oldfold village from Marley

What is the life expectancy of roof products? 

The life expectancy for roof products depends on the product, materials, and manufacturer as well as the environment and conditions in which the items are installed. For many roofing products, the expected lifespan can be 60 years or more.


How do I choose roofing products with long lifespans? 

While lifespans can never be certain, there are several ways to ensure that the roofing materials you select will last as long as possible. 


Standards  

Various standards and quality marks have been created to give manufacturers a baseline to work from when developing and improving their products. These requirements and recommendations can also serve as signals to installers and end users that the products used will provide a certain level of quality and an adequate life expectancy. 

In the case of roofing materials, here are some of the British Standards to consider: 

  • BS EN 1304 - Clay roofing tiles and fittings, product definitions and specifications 
  • BS EN 490 - Concrete roofing tiles and fittings for roof covering and wall cladding, product specifications 

Quality marks 

It’s also important to ensure that the roofing products you select are CE marked, as this will indicate that they are made to meet a certain level of quality and performance.


Manufacturer quality 

Another indicator of product quality and lifespan is the manufacturer. For example, you can check to see if the manufacturer is certified to quality management systems registered under ISO 9001 and whether they comply with environmental standards as required under ISO 14001. 


What can impact the life expectancy of roofing materials? 

Understanding what can affect the lifespan of roof tiles can help ensure the best product is chosen for each project. Some of the issues to consider include: 

  • High levels of pollution in the atmospheric conditions 
  • Walking directly on the roof, without the use of platforms or crawl boards 
  • High impact cleaning (such as pressure washing) 
  • Incorrect Installation 
  • Local weather conditions, such as high winds and the frost cycle 


How can life expectancy of roofing tiles be maintained? 

Like any types of roof covering, or building component, roofing tiles do require a simple and regular maintenance programme. Despite the height and access challenges, it is important to inspect for issues so that replacement or repair can be carried out and performance and lifespan are maintained. 
Marley’s roof tiles are typically expected to have a life expectancy of 60 years, and our roofing systems are underwritten by a 15-year warranty for additional peace of mind.