Which Housetop Material is the Most Durable?

Installing a roof is not a small investment, be it you are installing a new one or you are replacing the old one. You will want it to last as long as possible. There are many factors that contribute to the life of your roof. Out of which, some factors are out of your control, for example, the environment and the weather. 

If you are considering re-roofing your home, your investment in roofing materials has a direct correlation with how long you can expect your new roof to last. Getting a professional roofer will assist you with your needs and gives you the best options. Brunswick Roofing Company is a reputable company that is knowledgeable in long-lasting roofing products that are inherently extremely durable and maybe a bit more costly.

A roof that is continuously exposed to extreme weather conditions will not last longer than those that are in the temperate zone. Along with that, pollution also has a major role to play in the durability of your roof. However, there are many things that can be under your control when it comes to roof longevity. These factors include design, construction, maintenance and, the material. If you have the right roof installation and upkeep, your roofing system will remain intact for longer.

The roofing material that lasts the longest is concrete, clay, or slate tiles. These materials significantly outperform other natural products like wood shakes or any manufactured roofing materials including asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Although these materials have a good lifespan, they are not as durable.

How to choose the right roofing material

When buying a new roof, there are several different factors to take into consideration, including:

• Regional weather conditions
• The design of your building or home
• The amount of routine maintenance
• The quality of the roofing products you purchase
• What materials are used for roofing?

Here’s a closer look regarding the longevity of different roofing materials:

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingle is a very common roofing material, although it is regarded as barely a long-lasting roof material. Due to its price and easy installation, people opt for this roofing system. But if you compare it with other materials like stone, clay, or metal, it has a relatively long life span. Most of them need to be replaced every 20 to 30 years. As it is a manufactured material, its durability varies considerably. You need tar adhesives to bind the overlapping shingles together. The life of asphalt shingles can be extended with proper care.

Asphalt Shingles: typically, asphalt shingles last about 20 years; however, higher-quality asphalt shingles are warrantied for up to 50 years. Expect to pay more for a premium, long-life product.

Architectural Asphalt: these products last about 30 years on average

Wood Shingles and Shakes: wood roofing has a target lifetime of 30 years, but it can last much longer under moderate weather conditions.

Clay/Concrete Roofing

In the right setting, clay roofing can be expected to hold up for a minimum of 50 years. With changes in concrete tie technology, they will last even longer. The concrete has been reformulated in a variety of ways to produce tiles that are both lighter and tougher, marking them nearly indestructible under normal roofing conditions. Most tile warranties cover the product for 50 years, and not many of them are being paid on due to poor quality or lack of durability.

According to experienced roofing contractors, people have used concrete as a roofing material for thousands of years. Today, these roofing options come in a huge variety of shapes, styles, and colors. They can give you a feel of other roofing materials. They provide many benefits. Normally, they have an A fire rating, it means they are the most fire-resistant. They also oppose damage from insects and animals. The lifetime of concrete tiles is around 50 to 100 years.

Metal Roofing

Today’s metal roofs are even more durable than the hundred-year-old homes and barns in rural areas that you may have seen. Getting 100 years of attractive use out of them is expected, and higher-quality finishes are keeping them looking great longer without fading and with little surface corrosion.

Although the copper roof has been around for thousands of years, modern steel roofing is a new innovation. Just like clay and cement, metal roofing can mimic a number of other styles. The most popular one is the coated steel. The other metal roofing options include aluminum and various alloys. You will also find stainless steel roofs, although they are much expensive than other types of roofs. Metal roofing has a longer lifespan. They can last for 50 years or even more than that.

There is a renewal in metal roofing and every year it is gaining a large place in the market. Not only because they are one of the quietest roofing materials, but new designs are elegant and they are more affordable than many homeowners would expect.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofs have been popular in Europe for hundreds of years and many of the earliest are still in good condition. Slate is a form of stone. So, it is not subjected to deterioration, corrosion, insects, fire, or damage from water or the sun. It is unsurpassed for durability and offers stunning good looks to make the most luxurious homes and buildings. 

Simply put, slate roofing will outlast most of the structures it adorns and is considered to be the best roofing material. Slate, concrete, and clay tiles: each of these products is rated for a life expectancy of 100 years or more by both the NAHB and NACHI. If you are looking for a roof that is as efficient as it is durable, choose a roofing material that is clay/concrete, metal, or slate.

Slate is a type of stone that is put directly onto a roof. It is highly durable and heavy. It prevents pests and rots and is an excellent roofing option for historical and traditional designs. The lifetime of a slate roof is 100 years. As slate is heavy, it will need extra trusses to support the weight. But when it comes to longevity, it will last for over 100 years.

Shake and Wood Shingles

Being an organic material, wood is vulnerable to pests, insects, and rot. Shake tends to last longer than regular wood shingles. A good quality wooden roof will need replacement after 20 years. Many people chose them as they are both aesthetic and practical. Also, they are simple and economical to install.

The question of which roofing option will last long is a complex one. There are several different factors to consider before choosing any one of them.

The Installation Matters A Lot!

If you want your roof to complete its life span or even more than that, proper installation can make a big difference. Any material could break down or collapse early if there were problems with the installation. So, when you are installing a new roof or are getting the old one replaced, make sure you choose one of the leading roofing contractors to do the job for you. If you choose a professional roofer, you can rest assured the installation is in the right hands.

Maintenance is the Key Factor for Long Life

The roofing experts will always advise you to take good care of your roof. With proper upkeep and care, your roofing system will last longer than its life span. As replacing a roof involves a lot of expenses, you should get your roof inspected annually. The roof inspector will check the life of your roof, identify issues, and will provide you with suggestions to address the issues. They will also suggest to you the cost associated with repairing the defects