How Long They Last

Asphalt shingles—those flat squares on most Baltimore homes—typically last 15 to 30 years. Around here, they’re the go-to, covering rowhouses and suburbs alike. But Maryland’s weather takes a toll—NOAA pegs our average wind at 30 mph, and that, plus summer sun, knocks the lifespan closer to 20 years on average (Roofing Insights 2025). With regular upkeep, you might push it to 30; let it slide, and you’re replacing at 15.

What Cuts It Short

Rain and wind are the culprits. Water wears off the granules—those gritty bits that protect the shingle—while gusts lift edges. Skip maintenance, and you lose 5-10 years fast. Baltimore’s humid summers speed up the fade, too—cracks form quicker than you’d think.

How to Tell It’s Aging

Look for curling edges or bald spots where granules are gone. After a storm, check from the ground—faded colors or scattered bits in your yard mean it’s getting old. If they’re brittle to touch (safely test one), time’s running low.

How to Stretch Its Life

Clean off debris—leaves clog water flow—and patch small damage early. Omni-Roof swaps worn shingles and seals gaps, nudging that lifespan toward 30 years. In Baltimore’s storm-prone streets, a little care goes a long way.

How Long They Last

Metal roofs—sleek and tough—last 40 to 70 years in Baltimore. You’ll spot them on modern homes or old barns, shrugging off Maryland snow with ease. They’re built to endure, but rust can creep in—BBB’s 2025 Maryland report says rust complaints are up 10% locally. With good upkeep, you’re golden for 70 years; slack off, and 40’s more likely.

What Cuts It Short

Humidity’s the enemy. Baltimore’s damp air rusts cheap metal fast—10-15 years vanish if it’s not coated right. Poor installs—like loose seams—let water sneak in, too, especially after our windy winters.

How to Tell It’s Aging

Check for rust streaks or dents—winter storms leave marks. If paint’s peeling or screws look loose, it’s past its prime. A quick peek after snowmelt shows the story—fading means trouble’s brewing.

How to Stretch Its Life

Coat it with rust-proof paint and tighten seams. Omni-Roof repairs dents and seals joints, keeping your metal roof closer to that 70-year mark. In Maryland’s wet climate, maintenance is king.

How Long They Last

Slate roofs—those classy stone tiles on Baltimore rowhomes—last 50 to 100 years. Historic districts prove it; half still rock slate from decades ago (local heritage data). They’re tough as nails, but Maryland’s ice can test them. With care, 100 years is real—ignore cracks, and you’re at 50.

What Cuts It Short

Ice is the killer. Baltimore’s freeze-thaw cycles split tiles—20 years drop if you don’t catch it. Falling branches from our windy springs don’t help either—cracks spread fast without fixes.

How to Tell It’s Aging

Look for broken tiles or loose pieces—binoculars work from the ground. If you spot gaps or hear clinks after wind, it’s aging. Missing mortar around edges signals wear, too.

How to Stretch Its Life

Replace cracked tiles quick—don’t let water in. Omni-Roof resets loose slate and patches gaps, keeping it century-strong. In Baltimore’s old neighborhoods, slate’s worth the effort.

How Long They Last

Flat roofs—think EPDM rubber or TPO membranes—typically hold up for 15 to 30 years in Baltimore. That’s the range you’ll see on most Maryland homes or commercial spots with this setup. But here’s the catch: Baltimore’s rain loves to pool on these low-slope surfaces, and that standing water can crack the membrane over time. A 2025 Angi report notes flat roof leaks are up 15% locally—proof our weather doesn’t mess around. With proper care, you can hit the high end of that lifespan—30 years—but neglect it, and you’re looking at replacement closer to 15.

What Cuts It Short

Poor drainage is the big killer. If water sits after storms, it seeps into tiny cracks, shaving 5 to 10 years off your roof’s life. Baltimore’s humid summers and freeze-thaw winters make it worse—membranes dry out, then split. Skip regular checks, and you’re rolling the dice.

How to Tell It’s Aging

Look for tears or bubbling—those are your red flags. After a Baltimore downpour, head up (safely) or peek from a window. Cracks mean water’s winning; bubbles show the membrane’s lifting. If you spot either, time’s ticking louder.

How to Stretch Its Life

Keep drains clear—standing water’s the enemy. Omni-Roof seals seams and boosts drainage to push your flat roof toward that 30-year mark. A little upkeep now beats a full redo later. In Maryland’s wet climate, proactive beats reactive every time.

How Long They Last

Wood shakes—those rustic cedar slabs—last 20 to 40 years in Baltimore. You’ll see them on suburban homes, aging to a weathered gray. But Maryland’s humidity hits hard—Roofing Calculator’s 2025 data pegs the average at 25 years here. With solid care, 40’s in reach; let mold grow, and you’re at 20.

What Cuts It Short

Moisture breeds rot—Baltimore’s damp air feeds mold, dropping 10 years if unchecked. No upkeep means splits and bugs move in fast—our summers don’t play nice with wood.

How to Tell It’s Aging

Check for splits or green patches—mold’s a giveaway. Sniff near the roofline; a whiff of rot means trouble. If shakes crumble when poked (safely), they’re on borrowed time.

How to Stretch Its Life

Treat with sealant—stops mold in its tracks. Omni-Roof repairs splits and coats shakes, pushing toward 40 years. In Baltimore’s wet woods, care keeps shakes alive.

Baltimore roofs take a beating, rain, wind, snow, but they don’t have to die young. Omni-Roof’s local pros know Maryland’s quirks and stretch every year out of your roof with smart care. Asphalt shingles fading? Metal rusting? Slate cracking? Flat pooling? Shakes molding? We’ve got the fix, cleaning, sealing, repairing, to keep your roof ticking longer. Want to know your roof’s clock? Click for a check that pays off, no gimmicks, just results. Your roof deserves a fighting chance, let’s make it last.