If you are planning to buy a new roof, you must first decide what roofing material will be the best choice. You can go for asphalt shingles, metal roofing, clay tiles, or slate. But the longevity of each material will depend on the type, climate, and quality of installation. Let’s have a look at each material to understand which will last the longest. It is recommended to choose a material based on its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Slate
Slate roofing is considered the best roofing material due to its strength and durability. Roofing with slate is expensive and requires a highly trained roofing crew to install it correctly. This roofing material is also very difficult to replace once it breaks. However, if properly maintained, it will last a lifetime. Slate roofing material is most commonly used on luxury homes. However, it requires special maintenance and repair work. Listed below are a few of the most important factors that you need to consider when deciding between these three different roofing materials.
Metal
When it comes to roofing materials, metal is the most durable and long-lasting option. Compared to other roofing materials, metal roofs can last from 40 to 70 years. It is also extremely resilient to extreme weather conditions, such as heat, hail, and snow. Metal roofing is gaining in popularity every year due to its many benefits, including durability, low maintenance, and modern aesthetics. Here are some of the pros and cons of metal roofing.
Clay tile
It is no secret that the longest-lasting roofing materials are clay. The average life expectancy of asphalt shingles is 20 years, wood shake lasts about 30 years, concrete and slate last about 50 years, and clay tiles can last more than 100 years. Clay roofs are also heavier than other roofing materials, so they require reinforcement to withstand the weight of the roof. In addition, clay roofing has a better fire resistance than other materials.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of residential roofing material in the United States. The average lifespan of an asphalt roof is between 10 and 50 years, and the longevity depends largely on the quality of the shingles used. While asphalt shingles are an all-purpose material, there are many grades and levels of durability, from basic shingles that need to be replaced after only a few years to those with higher-end warranties that can last 50 years or more.
Polymer
When it comes to lifespan, plastic polymer roofing has the best longevity of all roofing materials. The material can last anywhere from seven to twenty years depending on the manufacturer and the type of roof. The downside is that polymer is not as eco-friendly as asphalt shingles. Because it doesn’t degrade as easily, it could end up in landfills after its life span. However, the good news is that the material is recyclable and is more affordable than traditional shingle roofing.
