How long will this roof last? This is one of the most frequently asked questions during a home inspection. And the answer is not so simple. Several factors combine to affect roof deterioration. These include ultraviolet radiation from the sun; temperature or temperature extremes in the area; inadequate ventilation; exposure to wind, snow, ice and rain; and foot traffic on the roof. Darker color shingles may have shorter service lives than shingles of a light color.
Here are some mean life estimates for various roofing materials: