• Asphalt Shingles:

  Lifespan: 15-25 years warranty, lasts 20-40 years
  Advantages: inexpensive, low maintenance, easy to install.
  Disadvantages: Less resistant to wind and rain

• Architectural Asphalt Shingles:

  Lifespan: 24 – 30 years

• Fiberglass Shingles:

  Lifespan: up to 50 years
  Advantages: more expensive than asphalt, low maintenance, easy to install.
  Disadvantages: Less resistant to wind and rain

• Wood shingles:

  Lifespan: around 30 years if properly treated
  Made from: pressure-treated wood
  More expensive tan asphalt shingles.
  Requires periodic maintenance
  Advantages: looks much better

• Metal or Galvalume:

  Lifespan: 50 years or more.
  Made from: galvanized or stainless steel sheeting
  Light material

• Cooper:

  Lifespan: can last up to 100 years
  Expensive, but looks good

• Stone (slate) tiles:

  Lifespan: 50 to 100 years
  Heavy - requires a stronger roof structure

• Clay tiles:

  Lifespan: 40 to 60 years
  Heavy - requires a stronger roof structure

• Concrete tiles:

  Lifespan: 40 to 60 years
  Heavy - requires a stronger roof structure

Other factors that can affect a roof's lifespan.

Color: Darker colors absorb more heat so they last less.
Slope: A roof with a high pitch can last longer because snow and rain can not settle on the roof.
Orientation: Roof materials on slopes that face the sun more hours during a day, can have a shorter lifespan.
Ventilation: A well ventilated roof increases the lifespan of the covering materials by reducing heat and by not letting mould mildew and wood rot appear.