Which Roofing Materials are the Most Durable?

Have you decided on replacing your roof? Your next step is determining what material should be used on your new roof.  No homeowner wants to choose a material that doesn’t last—why would you if you’re already spending the money for a brand new roof?  It’s time to do some research on which materials are the most durable and longest lasting.

Why Quality Matters

Any home improvement project will propose the question of cost versus quality.  Your roof isn’t an exception.  As you navigate the constant see-sawing of high quality yet costly options in comparison to the cheaper and more basic ones, keep in mind that your roof is the first line of defense against outside elements.  Spending a little more for a more durable material can be like buying a decade-worth of longevity for your roof.

Asphalt Roof

Asphalt roofs have held the spot as one of the most popular roofing material choices out there.  You’d be hard up trying to find a neighborhood that lacks a house with an asphalt roof.  There’s a good reason for their popularity—asphalt is cost-effective and durable.  That’s right, with asphalt, you do get the best of both worlds.

Asphalt shingles are comprised of organic materials and cement fibers, designed to withstand UV radiation, impact from fallen debris, and the threat of violent storms.  Over the years, manufacturers have immensely improved its design, striking the perfect balance of quality and cost.

When properly taken care of, an asphalt roof can last anywhere between 15 to 30 years.  The trick is to actually take care of it.  Have your roof inspected annually by a professional and immediately following any damage the roof takes on, from say, an aggressive storm that may have blown off a few shingles.  Conduct self-inspections every now and again and you should be able to enjoy this durable roofing material for two decades or longer.

Slate Roof

Distinctly beautiful and uniquely elegant, some older homes are already outfitted with this durable roofing material.  Back in the day, slate was an immensely popular roofing choice because of its sheer durability, but in recent years, homeowners have begun choosing options that are easier to install, more readily available, and cheaper in its overall cost.

Slate, while unmatched in its looks, remains one of the more expensive roofing options in the industry.  Roofing companies, depending on your geographical location, may not have immediate access to this material, driving up the costs.  Another factor is that slate is heavy, which makes it powerfully durable in the face of debris (much like clay or concrete tiling), but this makes the labor of installing it more intensive, adding to its price.

There’s a vast majority of homeowners who have moved into an older home already outfitted with a slate roof.  To say that slate lasts a long time is an understatement.  Slate will last almost 100 years if it’s taken care of and inspected yearly.

Clay and Concrete Tiled Roof

Adobe style roofs use clay or concrete tiles, a popular choice in Southwestern United States.  Not only do clay and concrete give your home a unique, textured feel, but these materials are extremely durable and long-lasting.

Clay and concrete are appropriate in climates prone to wildfires as they’re non-combustible.  They’re also energy efficient, keeping your home cool year-round so your air conditioning unit doesn’t need to work very hard.  They stand up to falling debris with their naturally durable surface, giving you a roof that will last 40-50 years.

Metal Roof

Metal roofing has become increasingly ubiquitous in neighborhoods across the U. S. these days, cropping up as a hot new trend especially in rural areas.  Although metal is more expensive than some of the other roofing options, particularly the ever-popular asphalt, you do end up getting a lightweight, eco-friendly, and durable roof that lasts a lifetime.

Metal roofs are used to combat extreme weather conditions, so perfect for areas that are subjected to aggressive storms, pummeling hail, or a fearsome tornado.  A metal roof will undeniably last a lifetime, longer than its wood or asphalt counterparts, simply because of its unparalleled structural integrity.

Homeowners often are hung up on the expense and the fact that if it does suffer damage, the one-piece panels would be replaced in its entirety.  Some don’t favor its aesthetics, but for the homes that do go with metal roofs, they can expect the roofs to last 40 to 70 years.

Which Material to Choose?

Choices, choices, choices—there are certainly more than one in terms of durability.  There are other factors to consider, ones that rely on your own personal preference and budget.  There’s no wrong choice with any of these materials, but with any roofing material that you decide on, it’s up to you to take good care of it to ensure it will last as long as it’s designed for.  Have a roofing inspection done at least once per year and after any heavy storms that may have caused damage.

At Feldco, we provide breakthrough design and triple layer protection to keep your roof insulated throughout the year. For a roof replacement, our installers are factory trained, experienced and professional to get the job done correctly. Speak to a product specialist and get a free quote today.