How Long Does a Roof Really Last in the Midwest?

Homeowners often ask: How long should my roof last? The answer isn’t as straightforward as the “25, 30, or 50 years” you may have heard in the past. In the Midwest, where hail, heat, and wind all take their toll, roof lifespan can vary dramatically.

We sat down with Paul Browne, Production Manager at McCoy Roofing, and Zach Varadi, Sales Manager, to talk about what really determines how long a roof lasts in our region.

What’s the typical lifespan of a roof in the Midwest climate?

“Probably 7–15 years is what they say,” Paul explains. “That’s the safe average for our climate.”

Zach adds, “It depends on what you’re okay with. I’ve seen a lot of roofs that are 30 years old—and you can tell. They may not be leaking, but the shingles are bruised, stained, and ugly. If you can live with that, they can last that long. But if you get hail, I don’t care if it’s three days old—I’ve seen roofs three days old that get hailed out.”

He continues, “Really, roofs here will last 30 or even 50 years, as long as nothing happens to them. But in the Midwest, something usually does.”

How do hail, heat, and wind shorten a roof’s lifespan?

Paul breaks it down: “Hail, even if it doesn’t crack a shingle, can remove the protective granules. That lessens resistance to the sun. Heat is another big one—if a roof isn’t ventilated properly, the attic space overheats. That causes shingles to blister and bubble. And wind can raise shingles or blow them off entirely, or even just loosen them so water gets underneath.”

Cold itself doesn’t harm shingles, but Paul notes, “If you start to see icicles forming on the edge of your house, that could be a sign of poor attic ventilation or a leak in your guttering.”

Does the type of roofing material make a big difference in longevity?

“Yes,” Paul says. “Higher quality materials tend to last longer, and certain materials work better together. That’s why manufacturers recommend installing their full system to maintain warranty coverage. Like anything else, you get what you pay for.”

He adds that some materials are being phased out: “Wood shake roofs are more expensive to replace, require more maintenance, and insurance companies are moving away from them. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are being developed to be more durable. They’re more resistant to wind, hail, and rain—but again, there are different cost levels.”

Zach agrees: “Dude. Yes. If you go to a small town, all the roofs are the same age. I’ve been to towns where they’re 3, 5, 7 years old. You can go up on an impact-resistant roof, and you can tell—they don’t need a new roof. It makes a huge difference. They’re kind of self-healing as the sun warms them. Of course, if you get gorilla-sized hail, nothing will survive—but we usually get ping-pong sized hail, and these can handle it.”

How does proper ventilation and installation affect roof life?

“Proper ventilation and installation is paramount in roof care,” Paul stresses. “Ventilation reduces attic temperatures in hot weather, which helps shingles last longer. It also removes moisture from the attic that can damage the underside of the decking. If the decking fails, you’re looking at large-scale repair or even full replacement.”

What’s the best way for homeowners to keep track of their roof’s condition?

Paul recommends routine checkups: “Yearly or bi-yearly inspections are best. A lot of roofers offer free inspections. Educate yourself on the basics of roof care so you can understand what the roofer is telling you and make informed decisions.”

Zach agrees. “Call a roofer—annual roof inspection. It’s free, every year. If you call ten companies other than McCoy, 10/10 will do an inspection for free. And honestly, 5/10 will be straight with you about the condition of your roof. That’s why trust matters.”

The Bottom Line on Roof Lifespan in the Midwest

A roof in the Midwest might last 7 years, 15 years, or even 30—depending on storms, material quality, and installation. But the real key is regular inspection and maintenance.

McCoy Roofing offers free annual inspections to help you stay ahead of hidden damage and extend the life of your roof. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.