Installing a new roof on your house is a major investment that should protect you, your family, and your belongings while lasting for years. However, durable roofing materials do not always come with a low cost.
Finding the suitable roofing material to use is vital for protection and life expectancy if you have a roofing system that requires repairs or replacement. However, your budget restrictions can be a significant factor in deciding which products to choose when finding the longest-lasting roof.
COMMON ROOFING MATERIALS AND THEIR LONGEVITY
Naturally, any roofing material will last longer when it receives proper care and routine maintenance. This guide provides a general idea of the life expectancy of different materials and is subjective to your weather conditions and regular maintenance schedule.
ASPHALT SHINGLES (15 TO 30 YEARS)
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing material products available. They are affordable, simple to install and remove and come in numerous styles and colors to match any homeowner’s tastes.
A typical asphalt shingle roof for your home will last between 15 and 30 years. While that timeline is hugely varied, there are ways to help get the most time out of them.
- Choose light colors over dark to minimize UV damage
- Follow a proper maintenance routine
- Shop around with many manufacturers for high-quality materials
Unfortunately, they are more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions
WOOD SHINGLES (30 TO 50 YEARS)
Wood shingles were more common in colonial buildings but are still in numerous homes around the country. This roofing material is aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting when homeowners ensure consistent maintenance and care.
Wood roofing materials require protective treatments every few years to keep them from drying out, deteriorating, buckling, and rotting. In addition, water and fire-resistant coatings are crucial when maintaining a roof with wood shakes or shingles.
METAL ROOFING (40 TO 70 YEARS)
A roofing material that is becoming more popular with many homeowners is the metal roofing option. The average lifespan of metal roofs falls between 40 and 70 years, making them an excellent choice as the longest-lasting roof for your home.
Metal roofing materials are versatile enough not to be noisy during extreme weather conditions, and a professional roofing contractor can install them over existing shingles. This method can reduce the cost of your roof replacement.
COATED STONE ROOF – COVERED METAL ROOFING MATERIALS (40 TO 70 YEARS)
Not all roofs that are stone will be the same. For example, there is a distinct difference between stone-coated metal roofing and stone roofs. With this roofing material, small stone granules layer over metal shingles for optimal durability and look similar to asphalt shingles.
Therefore, anyone looking for a long-lasting roofing solution who prefers the appearance of asphalt can have the best of both worlds with this type of roofing. In addition, this material is lightweight, making it an excellent choice for roofs that cannot handle the additional weight of the heavier stone.
CONCRETE ROOFS (50 YEARS)
Because of their durability and longevity, you can find concrete tiles in many buildings and homes around the country. You can expect a concrete roof to last approximately 50 years with excellent care and maintenance.
However, UV rays can promote fading with concrete tiles, making them less vibrant or attractive than a new roof. This material is also highly porous and will take in water over the years, deteriorating the concrete. Concrete also carries a significant environmental impact, making it unsuitable for some professional builders.
In combination with its weight, a concrete roof may not be the best choice for some homes.
CLAY TILE ROOFS (50 TO 100 YEARS)
Like stone, clay tiles are durable and aesthetically pleasing for many buildings. Unfortunately, they also bring more weight, posing structural concerns for some property owners. However, will proper installation and support, clay tiles can last between 50 and 100 years, making them a terrific alternative for your house.
However, clay tiles can be brittle, making installation challenging and more expensive. In addition, using clay materials is not always feasible for some roofing slopes, making it not always possible to use.
SLATE ROOFS (100+ YEARS)
Slate roofs are one of the longest-lasting options for homes. A slate roof is available in hard and soft choices, whereas hard slate products where you will naturally expect to last longer than softer ones. In addition, it is impervious to water, making it resistant to mold and mildew growth, and it carries a Class A fire rating.
Slate roofing is still popular for many buildings as one of the longest roofing choices that need to be replaced on a home. The only drawback to slate is how heavy it can be and the additional support the home requires when installing a new roof with slate tiles.
YOUR LONGEST LASTING ROOF OPTIONS
Choosing the right roofing material for your home doesn’t have to be challenging, when you know what you want and need. After examining the numerous roofing material options in the market, it is clear which is the best choice for your longest-lasting roof, and which is a terrific alternative.
SLATE ROOFING
If your home is stable enough to support the weight and your budget, slate roofing will outlast other products, including asphalt shingles, clay, and even metal roofs.
Slate will come at a higher cost, however. So, if you are in the market for a new roof installation that will withstand severe weather conditions and last a lifetime, it is worth it. Talk to a reputable roofing company for a free estimate and explore your financing options and see how simple it can be to install a roof on your home that you will never have to replace again.
STONE-COATED METAL ROOF
However, if you follow a budget but still want the best roofing choice available, extend your search to stone-coated metal tiles. This roof option will provide the traditional look of an asphalt shingle while being lightweight and durable for up to 70 years with the right care.