When choosing roofing materials, one of the most important things to consider is how long they will last. While there are many options, some last longer and do a better job of protecting your home than others. In other words, knowing which roofing materials last the longest is crucial to your home’s health and longevity.
Choosing a suitable roofing material for your home is incredibly important for the longevity of your building. The roof you choose should coincide with what’s necessary for your area. Some roofing materials last longer than others, but it varies depending on the location.
Research and advice from an expert can help!
Comparing Longevity & Expense
Suitable roofing materials are essential for the life of your home. Whether you need a new roof or are just in the market to have one installed, you should consider the benefits of each material.
Clay, Concrete, and Slate
Clay, concrete, and slate tiles, for example, can last upwards of 100 years and are highly durable in high temperatures. They can also be fire-resistant, making them ideal for areas prone to wildfires or other dangerous elements.
Slate roofs are often called the “forever roof” because they can last seemingly forever. However, like most natural materials, slate roofs need to be replaced every so often because they start to deteriorate over time.
Concrete tiles are often called “earthquake-proof” because they rarely experience damage during tremblers. However, they can crack if they freeze and thaw repeatedly, so it’s best to find out from an expert which climate suits installing these tiles on your home.
Metal
If you’re considering replacing your roof with more conventional material, metal roofs have become more prevalent and can last up to 50 years if properly maintained. However, one downside to metal roofs is their initial cost—it takes more money to install these roofs than other types of materials.
That said, metal roofs have many benefits because they’re waterproof, fireproof, and even lower energy costs by reflecting the sun away from your home.
Asphalt Shingles
A more affordable option—though still not cheap—is asphalt shingles. They can last 30 years or more but are less durable than the previously mentioned materials. Nevertheless, these are the most common roofing materials on the market and are suitable for most weather conditions.
Others
There are many types of shingles; we’d be here forever if we tried to list them all. That being said, it’s a good idea to ask an expert about what roofing companies typically offer regarding material types and how much it would cost to install it.
Climate Changes
Choosing the suitable roofing material for your home is a big decision requiring much research. Many homeowners need to consider their geographic location and what weather they’re exposed to.
For example, certain areas get more snow or wind than others, so you should know how these conditions affect your roofing material’s lifespan. Your roof’s material should be suited for your area; otherwise, it will only be doing what it’s meant to do for a short time.
The ideal roofing material depends on your climate and environment; for instance, in areas where hail is an issue, a tile roof is the better choice because of its toughness. However, asphalt roofs are a much better option in areas where snow accumulation is high because they can hold up to heavier loads.
If you live where there are many weather changes, you will want a material that can withstand bad weather. Remember that ice dams form when there is a buildup of snow on your roof, and water backs up through the shingles due to melting snow above it on the roof. This might even cause water damage inside your home after a while.
Likewise, heavy sunlight can cause curling or cracking of certain shingle types, resulting in needing repairs more often.
Bringing It Home
Choosing a suitable roofing material for any area can be an overwhelming task. There are many factors to consider, but at the end of the day, your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home. It keeps you dry, and it protects your home from the elements.
It’s good to know that you have options when choosing the roofing material for your home. But before you decide, it’s essential to understand what makes each type of roofing material last so long and what factors may shorten its lifespan since two main factors determine how long your roof will last: climate and maintenance.
At Arrow Roofing, we can help you decide which roofing materials will last the longest and work best for your home and budget! Get in touch with us today to learn more!