What Roofing Material Lasts The Longest?
Not all roofs last the same amount of time. Some can last for decades, while others must be replaced every ten years or so. A roof's longevity is determined by the substance, quality, installation, and regular maintenance over time. When choosing a roofing material, you have a wide range to choose from—metal, clay, asphalt, wood, and more. Let's take a look at the different materials used for roofs to see which lasts the longest to determine which material is right for your home.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Roofing Material
Longevity
Long-lasting roofs are particularly suitable for homeowners who do not mind frequent house repairs. A cheaper roof that lasts 10 to 15 years, for example, might be just what those people need. For those who have found their forever home, investing in a roof with enhanced longevity would be the best choice, so they would never have to worry again.
Cost
The cost of a roof may be one of the most significant considerations for homeowners and business owners. You want to ensure that you are making the right decision and spending the appropriate amount of money, since roofs are one of the greatest investments you can make. However, just because something is cheaper doesn't always mean it is of lesser value, particularly when it comes to roofing materials.
Required Roof Maintenance
Most roofs require proper maintenance throughout their lifetimes to maintain them and maintain their longevity. Unfortunately, many people don’t want anything to do with maintaining their roofs. Those that require less maintenance can be a great option for those who don’t want to perform the maintenance work.
Quality Of Materials
The quality of a roofing material is just as important as the material itself when it comes to roofing. The right material is not always the most important thing; rather, choosing a quality brand is significant. For example, while wood shingles are commonly thought to last between 15 and 20 years, shingles of poor quality may reduce their lifespan by as much as a few years. No matter what material you choose, choosing a poor quality one will always result in a shorter lifespan than if you had chosen a higher quality material.
What Materials Are Used For Roofing?
According to the National Association of Home Builders, most roofing materials are designed to last for at least several decades, provided the weather is normal. Here's a brief overview of how the NAHB rates the longevity of different roofing materials:
- Shingles made of asphalt are typically good for 20 years, but higher-quality shingles are warranted for up to 50 years. A premium, long-lasting product will usually cost more.
- 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.
- Metal: According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, metal roofing can endure for at least 40 to 60 years. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors anticipates that metal roofing will last between 40 and 80 years.
- 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.
Conclusion
A roof's lifespan is affected by a multitude of variables, such as its design, environmental conditions, quality of installation, and exposure to the elements. Regular inspections and quick repairs can help you benefit the most from your roof. In addition, the material your roof is made of will have a major bearing on its longevity. When evaluating roofing materials for a new construction or replacement project, you should take into account the longevity of each.The average roof will last around 20 years, though properly maintained roofs can last far longer than their warranties suggest.
It is equally important to make sure your roof is installed by a reputable roofing company that complies with all building and safety codes. Remember: Improper installation can and will void your manufacturer’s warranty.
With over 36 years in business as one of the best commercial and residential roofing contractors, and 80 plus industry awards, we know Royalty Roofing is the best contractor for the job. If you're interested in learning more contact us at (812) 523-8392 or send us a message.
