Typical lifespans
Concrete interlocking tile: 50–70 years
Clay plain tile: 60–80 years
Natural Welsh slate: 80–120 years
Spanish and Brazilian slate: 60–100 years
Fibre cement slate: 30–50 years
EPDM rubber flat roof: 25–40 years
GRP fibreglass flat roof: 25–35 years
Three-layer torch-on felt: 15–25 years
Standing seam zinc or aluminium: 60–80 years
What makes the difference
Installation quality — a badly laid slate roof can fail in 20 years; a well laid one lasts 100+
Ventilation — an under-ventilated tiled roof suffers condensation that shortens the life of every component below the tiles
Maintenance — regular gutter clearance and moss removal easily add 5–15 years
Exposure — coastal properties see harder weather and need appropriate specification