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What kind of roof lasts the longest?

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roof lasts the longest

A roof is always a major investment. So when you install a new one or replace an old one, it is best to choose one that lasts as long as possible. While there are several material options that last long, there are many factors that contribute to the longevity of the roof. Factors like the environment and weather are outside your control. But there are others that you can control with the help of your roofing services and can make a difference.

Factors Influencing Roof Life

If you live in an area where there is severe weather or extreme temperature conditions, your roof may not last its full normal service life. Even industrial pollution is a factor that can affect the material’s life.

There are certain factors that you can control:

  • Construction: A well-built roof can keep your home warm, dry, and protected for longer years. This requires you to hire quality roofing services.
  • Materials: The choice of the right material can make a huge difference in how long your roof is going to last.
  • Design: Adding more elements to your roof increase the chances of damages.
  • Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance can add decades to your roof’s life.

Taking proper and timely care with periodic inspections and quick repairs can make a big difference. The type of material used in your roof is expected to make the biggest difference in its lifespan.

Roofing Materials & Their Lifespan

When replacing your old roof or installing a new one in your new home, you should know about the lifespans of different roofing materials. In ideal conditions, your roofing should be expected to last the following number of years:

  • Slate: At least 50 years
  • Metal or Steel: At least 50 years
  • Tile & Concrete: At least 50 years
  • Single-Ply: At Least 50 years
  • Asphalt Shingles: Up to 30 years
  • Foam: At least 25 years
  • Wood Shakes & Shingles: Up to 20 years
  • Built-Up Roofs: Up to 30 years

On average, a typical roof is expected to last 20 years. When maintained well by licensed roofing services, it can last longer. However, exposure to extreme conditions such as extreme temperatures, powerful hailstorms, and blizzards can adversely affect its life.

Longest Lasting Roofing Material

Slate has been recorded as the longest-lasting roofing material. In ideal conditions, it has been known to last for 150 years. Clay and concrete roofs have been known to last almost a century.

While slate, clay, and concrete have the longest lifespans, you should know about their limitations as well:

  • Expensive: Slate is a premium roofing material. But the longer lifespan certainly offers greater value for money over the long-term. The cost of installation is recovered several times in its value over the lifespan of the roof.
  • Weight: All these roofing materials are heavy. They need strong support, which increases the cost of installation. Slate is the heaviest because it is solid stone.
  • Limited Colors & Options: In terms of aesthetics concrete and clay tiles offer very limited options. When it comes to slate, the only options are a few shades of grey. So these roofing materials may be suited for only a few styles of homes.

Popular Roofing Materials

While slate is the longest lasting roofing material, asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and metal roofing are the most popular ones. Asphalt shingles are used in almost 70% of Canadian homes. This is because it offers the best value for money considering the climate. They are available in almost endless designs and styles, even imitating slate.

So, slate is the longest lasting roofing material, but clay tiles, asphalt shingles, and metal roofs can offer greater versatility. Keep all these points in mind when discussing your options with your roofing services.