The most durable roofing material is slate with a life expectancy of 150 years, followed by clay and concrete of about 100 years. The roofing material that lasts the longest is concrete, clay or slate shingles. These materials significantly outperform other natural products such as wooden slats or any roofing material manufactured, including asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Although these materials have a good service life, they are not as durable.
With an average life expectancy of 40 to 60 years, metal roofing sheets are the most durable sheet material available for purchase. Though lightweight in construction, metal sheets can withstand high wind speeds of up to 120 mph without damage. This means that if you live in an area that is prone to a fairly harsh climate, you won't have to perform repairs and maintenance every time there is a storm. Metal roofing sheets are corrosion and fire resistant, as well as creating a hermetically sealed structure that minimizes moisture problems such as rot and mildew.
It is important to remember that materials are not everything when it comes to roofing. In addition to choosing the right type, it is important to choose a brand of roofing material that is known for being of high quality. For example, while wood shingles are generally estimated to last 15 to 20 years, opting for low-quality shingles to save a few dollars will likely take away a few years of life. Choosing poor quality materials, no matter what type, will always result in a shorter service life than if you had chosen a higher quality material.
Slate roofs have one of the longest life expectancy of any roofing material, ranging from 75 to 200 years. Manufacturers of slate tiles offer guarantees ranging from 50 years to a lifetime. Slate withstands extreme weather conditions such as strong winds or changing temperatures very well. It also does not require much maintenance, since the slate almost does not retain moisture.
They are an extremely attractive ceiling, but they are difficult to install and are not suitable for most DIYers. However, as the surface can wear and tear so easily, it is generally recommended that the felt only be used for smaller scale use, such as shed roofs. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the United States because they are affordable, durable, and include warranties of up to 25 years. Keep in mind that increasing fire hazards in some regions have led to legal restrictions on the use of wooden roofing materials.
You may encounter some surprises when considering the longevity factor of these common residential roofing materials. Most manufacturers of tile roofs offer a range of products in different weights and different life expectancy. Wooden tile roofs are made of thin wedge-shaped pieces of natural wood, such as cedar or yellow pine, which are cut from logs. A roof is not a small investment, so if you're building a new one or replacing an old roof, you'll want it to last as long as possible.
If homeowners are looking to use the most durable roof, they should absolutely consider clay, concrete or slate. If you select poor-quality materials, no matter how well they are installed, the life of the roof will be less than if you had selected a good quality material. Before installing a slate roof, you should inspect your roofing system to make sure it can support that weight. And if you're looking for a new home, a shingle roof under the age of 50 may be a home you'll never need to re-roofing.
For homeowners who don't mind doing house projects every few years, a cheaper roof that lasts 10-15 years might be perfect for them. The best thing you can do when choosing your roofing materials is to consult with your contractor about what is most appropriate for your situation and budget. On the other hand, metal roofs are more difficult to replace and do not have as many guarantees or give when it comes to insurance coverage. .
