Top 5 Most Durable Roofing Materials and the Pros and Cons of Each
Thinking About a New Roof?
As a homeowner, business owner, or owner of any type of building, it’s important to have a durable roof that will last a long time and provide protection from various weather elements. Most roofs will last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on the type of material it’s made of. When the time comes to replace the roof on your house or other building, it’s important to know which type of roofing material is the best fit for you. Here are five of the most durable roofing materials.
#1: Asphalt
Asphalt shingles are some of the most affordable and durable roofing materials, and it’s very common in homes. It does a great job of protecting against wind, rain, storm, and hail. The downside is that it doesn’t last as long as other roofing materials (only about 20-25 years), but it does come in a variety of colors so it will be easy to find one that compliments your home.
#2: Clay/Concrete/Cement
A clay tile roof gives a more traditional look to a building and can last up to 100 years. However, one of the downsides to clay is that it is more prone to water damage, so it’s important that you have the proper drainage system to avoid this problem. Concrete tiles, on the other hand, are more versatile and slightly less expensive than clay tiles. Both types may require extra framing on your home, and work best on Mediterranean-style homes.
#3: Metal
Metal roofs are one of the most environmentally friendly options to go with because they’re energy-efficient, easy to recycle, and tend to last longer than asphalt shingles. Metal roofs are very easy to install with professional help and are also very resistant to fire and high wind speeds. The only downside is that metal roofs tend to be more expensive than other materials, but they can last you up to 75 years. However, just because they’re made out of metal doesn’t mean that they always look like metal— there are a few options when it comes to color. Metal roofs look great on cabins and cottage-style homes.
#4: Slate
Slate is another old-fashioned roofing material that is most often seen on older buildings. They are also known to last a long time and be very protective against the elements, including fire. As common as slate roofs are, they are also one of the most expensive types of roofing, and they also require extra framing if you’ve never had a slate roof before. Slate roofs also require a professional to install, which can cost extra— though it’s always a safer option to have a professional install your roof.
#5: Wood
It may seem like wood isn’t the best material for a roof, but wood shake shingles can last up to 40 years if you know how to take care of them. Wood is also one of the best insulating materials for a roof. However, wood roofs are banned in areas that are prone to fires, as this type of roofing isn’t fire resistant— though you can get it treated professionally with a fire-resistant coating. Wood roofing is one of the more affordable options, and they look the best of Tudor and Cape-Cod-style homes.
There’s also the option of using synthetic roofing materials that give the appearance of a different type of material. However, the durability and longevity of these materials are guaranteed like other materials are. Still, updating your roof adds value to your home, and you can choose to update it with the same material you already have (provided that it’s durable), or you can choose a different type of material to change up the look of your home. Just keep in mind that changing the material of your roof may require you to change the framing of your home.
