Roofing

2023 TPO Roof Cost and Pros & Cons of TPO Membrane Roofs

Say it with me: Thermoplastic polyolefin. Yes, TPO is much easier. According to Firestone Building Products’ white paper, TPO is technically a polypropylene based plastic combined with ethylene/propylene rubber.

So, plastic and rubber, mixed is what comprises a thermoplastic roofing membrane designed primarily for low-slope roofing applications with energy-efficiency in mind.

Much of the information online boasts how TPO is increasingly popular in commercial flat roofing. The thing is, we aren’t concerned with commercial buildings, and instead focus on the membrane options available, along with the costs, for adding this material to a low-sloped residential roof.

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Cedar Shingles & Shakes Roofing Costs, Plus Pros & Cons in 2023

Cedar shingles and shakes are a classic style of roofing that is often installed on Cape Cod style homes, especially in New England and around the greater Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Cedar roofs are also popular in the pacific Northwest including Oregon and Washington state.

via Inspirational Village

However, cedar roofs are not exclusive to New England and PNW. In fact, you can see wood shingle roofs anywhere across the US, especially in areas that land themselves nicely to the classic look of traditional roofing — think beach houses and/or homes nearby green/wooded areas, etc.

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Average Roof Lifespan – How Long Does a Roof Last?

When estimating the average roof lifespan, don’t go by the warranty!

Roofing material warranty lengths have little to do with how long the roof will last. That’s reality.

An asphalt shingle with a 25-year warranty will look terrible in 20 years. Some shingles come with a “lifetime” warranty, “lol”.

A better way to ask the question is, “how long will that roof look good?” And yes, “how long will it keep out rain?” is obviously worth considering. The answers will be about the same number of years.

This no-nonsense guide gives you the real-life answers to the question – How long do shingles vs metal vs slate vs wood shakes, etc., last? Keep reading for the answers.

Most Common Roof Types and their Lifespans

Here’s the overview followed by a deep dive on the longevity of all roofing materials and options within them, such as 3-tab vs architectural vs premium asphalt shingles.

  • Asphalt Shingles – 12 to 30 years
  • Steel – 30 to 60 years
  • Aluminum – 40 to 70 years
  • Zinc – 70 to 100+ years
  • Copper – 100+ years
  • Cedar Shakes and Shingles – 25 to 40 years
  • Slate – 50 to “Forever”
  • Clay Tiles – 50 to 100 years
  • Concrete Tiles – 40 to 80 years
  • Synthetic Composite and Rubber Shingles – 20 to 50 years
  • Green or Vegetative Roofs – Up to 40 years
  • Flat Roofs – 10 to 40 years

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