The life expectancy of a patio cover roof (insulated or non-insulated) is 20 to 30 years, with an average of 25 years. The roof life can be shortened or extended outside of this range due variables like severity of climate, quality of installation, and maintenance (specifically clearing of organic debris accumulation on the roof). 

    A patio cover is both a roof structure and roof surface, and our lifespan estimate refers only to the roof surface. Although the structure can last longer, at about 25 years there begins to be leakage at the panel joints and/or the flashing to the house roof. Roof life can be extended by an elastomeric coating and/or flashing tape at offending panel joints.

    Here’s a bar graph that compares patio cover roof life expectancy to other types of roof coverings.

    Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components.  

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  To learn more about roofs and attics, see these other blog posts:

• Why is my roof sheathing sagging between the trusses?

• Why is granule loss a problem for an asphalt shingle roof? 

• What are the mistakes to avoid when doing attic improvements?

• What causes roof shingles to curl up at corners?  

• What causes shingles to buckle along a line on the roof?

• What causes leaks at a fake roof dormer? 

• What causes a sagging roof ridge line?

• What causes bubble-like blisters in a built-up and gravel roof?  

• Why does it cost so much more to replace a steep roof than a low slope roof? 

• What is "ponding" on a flat roof?

• Is an attic required to have a light by the building code? 

• How can I inspect my roof for hurricane damage?

• Why is premature curl of roof shingles a problem?

• How can I tell if a roof has more than one layer of shingles? 

• What are the common problems with attic insulation? 

• How can I tell if the house needs a new roof?  

• Why does my homeowner's insurance want a roof inspection?

• What are the hazards to avoid when going into an attic? 

     Visit our ROOF AND ATTIC page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.