Installing a roof is a huge investment that should be taken seriously. Many things should be taken into account when choosing the right kind of roof for your home. From durability, longevity, energy efficiency, sustainability to cost.
Thankfully, there are many roofing material options to choose
from and each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.
If you’re interested in finding out more about some of the
most durable roofing materials, you’re in the right place. We compiled a list
of roofing materials that could be right for you.
1.
Asphalt
Shingles
Asphalt is one of the most popular and common roofing
materials due to its cost-effectiveness. When it comes to longevity, they last
approximately 15 to 30 years. Additionally, they are easy to install, and if
you are a skilled DIYer, you won’t have any problems installing them yourself.
When it comes to durability, try to go for quality rather than
cost. Not all asphalt shingles are of the same quality. When purchasing asphalt
shingles look for hail rating. If the shingles have this rating it means that
they are pretty durable and can protect your home against wind, rain, snow, and
hail.
Asphalt shingles are made of petroleum-based material which
means that they are not all that sustainable. However, the good thing is that
they can be recycled.
2.
Wooden
Shingles
Wooden shingles are usually made of wood such as cedar,
redwood, or yellow pine. Even though they are fire-resistant, it’s not
recommended to install them in regions and areas where fire hazards happen
seasonally.
Compared to asphalt shingles, wooden ones last longer, between
30 and 50 years. Unfortunately, they are not as durable as asphalt shingles.
They are prone to splits and cracks, and they require a lot of maintenance. If
you’re planning to install the roofing yourself, wooden shingles are not for
you, because they are tricky to install.
Cost-wise, wooden shingles are more expensive than asphalt
ones, but they are also more sustainable. Since they are made of natural
materials, they are biodegradable and recyclable.
3. Slate Roofs
Slate roofs have been around for quite some time which makes
them one of the oldest roofing materials. This is because they can last from 75
up to 150 years!
Nothing compares to slate roofing because it is made of stone and
it’s very durable. This durability is what makes this type of roofing so
expensive. Slate roofing is also fire and weatherproof – and an incredibly
sustainable roofing option. If properly installed, this roof can last over a
century.
Truly, amazing slate roofing is
incomparable. Yes, it’s expensive but if you invest in it, you won’t have to
worry about changing your roof for the rest of your life.
4.
Clay/Cement
Roof Tiles
Clay or cement tile roofs are
famous for their strength and durability. This type of roofing consists of
individual tiles installed so that they overlap each other over the surface of
the roof. When it comes to their life span, they come close to slate roofing.
On average and if properly maintained, clay or cement tiles can last up to 100
years.
Probably the only downside of these tiles is that they are
prone to cracking. This is why you should avoid walking on them as much as
possible, but if you see a cracked tile, you can replace it.
When it comes to the cost of tiles, they will vary depending
on the type of tile – terracotta, fired ceramic, or concrete. Out of all, fired
ceramic tiles are the most expensive ones. But if you take into account that
these types of tiles will last you a long time, investing a bit more in them
shouldn’t be a problem.
5. Metal Roof
Recently, metal roofs have
become increasingly popular, especially in areas where wildlife fires are a
normal occurrence. Metal roofs are usually made of steel, zinc alloy, copper,
and aluminum. They are easy to install – large panels overlapping each other
over the surface of the roof.
They are very cost-efficient even though they are slightly
more expensive than asphalt and wooden shingles. They are supposed to last from
30 to 50 years and sometimes even more if they are properly maintained.
Metal roof is also very energy-efficient. Since metal acts as
a natural insulator – during winter your home will be warmer and during summer
it will be cooler.
6.
Plastic
Polymer Roofing
Last but certainly not the least type of roofing material that
could be right for you. Plastic polymer roofing is made of recycled plastic and
it’s one of the most durable roofing materials.
This type of roofing can last over 50 years since they are
made to withstand all kinds of weather. Another advantage is their energy
efficiency. Just like metal roofs, plastic polymer roofs act as natural
insulation keeping your home warm and cool when needed.
Unfortunately, even though they are made of recycled plastic, these roofs aren’t very sustainable. Compared to metal roofs, plastic polymer roofs are slightly more expensive.
Installing a new roof or changing an old one is not a simple
job. To make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck, you’ll need
to do some research.
It’s important to know how durable or energy-efficient certain
roofing materials are. The longevity of roofs also matters a lot. Also, which
type of roofing material best suits the region you live in and so on.
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