How Old Is Too Old? Your Roof’s Expiration Date

British (& particularly Scottish) roofs endure seasonal extremes every year. The summer heat followed by gusts, rain, frost and snow put the integrity of every roof to the test. This page will outline the lifespan of various roofing materials.

Pitched Roofing (Concrete, Clay and Slate)

The lifespan of pitched roofs can vary depending on the materials used. Tiles used generally include concrete, clay and slate.

Concrete is the most popular roof tile option and account for up to 48% of sales in the UK. Clay tiles are the second most popular option. Clay is particularly popular among period properties and in the south east and west of England.

Finally slate is the premium roofing option. Slate is generally extracted from North Wales, Cornwall and the Lake District and has a lifespan of over a century. The added longevity comes at a cost. Contact our team for the latest rates.

Flat Roofs (Bitumen & EPDM)

The lifespan of a standard flat roof is generally 15 to 30 years.

In forgiving conditions traditional bitumen felt (Which accounts for around half of British homes) can last for over 20 years. While modern EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) and fibreglass can reach the 40 year mark. As a result, EPDM and fibreglass are up to 50% more expensive than bitumen.

Get Your Consultation

Is your roof past its sell by date? Do you need a full roof replacement or will a few simple repairs suffice? Ask Edinburgh Roofing Contractors for their take. With over a generation of experience in roofing and construction industry, we can guide you through the options.

We offer online and onsite consultations. Our goal is to help you choose the best course of action and potentially save you money in the process. We work across Edinburgh and the Lothian region (inc. Bonnyrigg, Dalkeith and Musselburgh). Get in touch today.