Roofing Guides

How Long Does a New Roof Last?

Typical lifespans for common UK roofing materials and what affects them.

JTBy James ThorntonRoofing Specialist
Reviewed by Rachel Adeyemi · Chartered Building SurveyorUpdated: 10 Mar 20256 min read
A row of houses with different roof types
Roof lifespan depends on the material, exposure, pitch, installation quality and maintenance. Here are realistic ranges rather than fixed numbers.

Typical Lifespans by Material

Indicative design life — actual lifespan varies with exposure and maintenance.

MaterialTypical design life
Concrete interlocking tiles40–60 years
Clay tiles60+ years
Natural slate80–100+ years
Felt flat roof10–20 years
EPDM rubber25–35 years
GRP fibreglass25–30 years

Concrete interlocking tiles commonly have a design life of several decades, but their actual lifespan depends on exposure, pitch, installation quality and maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Often, yes — steeper pitches shed water faster, reducing the time moisture sits on the covering, which can extend its life.

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