What Is the Most Durable Type of Roof?
The right way to start your roof installation is by choosing the right roofing material for your area and your house. In this article, we discuss the five most durable roofing materials on the market.
A quality roofing company will help you decide which type of roof is right for you. The material depends on the shape and pitch of the roof, the climate, and the budget.
Terracotta (clay) and ceramic tiles are good choices for hot weather because they can withstand extreme heat. Some of them can also be curved, which helps keep the interior of a house cool.
On the other hand, when the climate stays cool for a significant part of the year, a concrete tile roof would be perfect. Roofs made of asphalt shingles are also ideal for cooler weather, as they can withstand the extreme cold very well and are relatively affordable.
Here is a summary of the roof material choices:
Asphalt Shingle Roof
These materials are commonly used for steep residential roofs, and they can be of various quality. Keep this in mind as it can show how often it will need to be replaced. Usually, in a moderate climate, they tend to last from between 20 to 40 years, depending on their composition and quality. In extreme climates, though, with cooler winters and hot summers, they can last from 15 to 30 years. The benefit of composition shingles is their affordability and availability. Also, nowadays, the manufacturers offer some very impressive designs and shading that can look amazing on any home.
Ceramic, Cement, or Clay Tiles
Clay, ceramic, or cement tiles have a great insulative effect, making them ideal for extreme cold and hot climates. For areas with lots of snow, cement tiles can make excellent protection. Just make sure your roof trusses are able to hold the load of both heavy cement materials and the snow. Tile roofs can last for decades, but they do need regular maintenance since individual tiles tend to crack or break. You should store plenty of extra tiles for replacement just in case because some models go out of production and become really hard to find when you need them the most.
Standing Seam Metal or Steel Panels
Metal roofs that are made of crimped steel panels are some of the most durable and gorgeous roofs out there. In the long run, they can even be more economical than asphalt shingle roofs because they can last over five decades with little maintenance needed. The most durable choice is the standing seam variety. Steel tiles and exposed fastener panels can also be great choices.
Single-Ply Membrane Roofing
These roofing products are usually used on flat roofs, meaning they don’t have pitch or incline. They are typically used on commercial buildings but are becoming more popular for residential houses as flat roofs have become modern.
Rubber Shingle Roof
Rubber shingles have a much higher durability threshold than other roofing materials. They can withstand temperature fluctuations with ease, which prevents them from cracking or bending like most other roofing materials. Rubber shingles also don’t absorb water and they resist extreme weather events such as high winds or hail.
Other benefits include a natural fire resistance, easy installation and low maintenance. They are also the most cost-effective shingle and last between 15 and 30 years.
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