Looking for a different roofing material? Searching for a long-lasting roofing material?
You want as much return as you can when you put money in something. It’s no different with your roof.
Choosing a new roofing material depends much on its durability. Although all roofing materials are strong, some stand out in terms of longevity and durability.
For almost 30 years, the staff of RoofElite has been advising homeowners in selecting the best roofing material.
You’ll discover the six most durable roofing materials as well as their lifespans and warranties.
1. Slate tiles
Slate is the most durable roof material. The tiles are made from slate that is usually mined in Italy.
Unlike with other roofing products, slate tiles are fitted singly, not in mats or metal panels. Since slate roofs may be rather weighty, the house has to be built or remodeled to handle their load.
Lifespan: 75 to 100+ years
Cost: $20.00 – $30.00 (price includes materials and labor costs).
Material Warranty: None (made of natural materials).
Slate roofing pros:
- The longest-lasting roofing materials available
- High curb appeal
- Durable
Slate roof cons:
- Costly
- Weight factor
- The slate tiles are fragile
- Installing slowly and carefully is the best way to ensure a quality installation
- Repairs are harder
- No Material Warranty
2. Copper metal roofing
Copper metal roofs are a premium roofing material that is considered to be durable enough to last a lifetime. Copper is softer than steel but still durable and long-lasting.
Though it is durable, copper’s curb appeal is what draws consumers. It’s employed to highlight other roofing elements, including flashings, gutters, and chimney caps.
Lifespan : > 50 years (lifetime material).
Cost: >$30.00 per square foot.
The pros of copper metal roofs:
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight
- Patina as it ages.
- Resistant to corrosion
- High curb appeal
- Recyclable
- The perfect accent for other roofing materials
Pros and cons of copper metal roofs:
- The cost of buying a car is very high
- Soft (makes the product prone to denting).
- Some areas may not have easy access to the product
- Patina as it ages.
- Water runoff can stain things on the roof.
3. Synthetic shingles
Synthetic (also known as composite) shingles look like cedar or slate. They are very durable and can last for many years. They are made from recycled rubber or synthetic polymer, depending on the manufacturer.
Since they can absorb hail and other things hitting them, they have a great score for impact resistance. Although this roofing material may be somewhat new in the market, homeowners are increasingly embracing it.
Lifespan: 40-50 Years
Costs per square foot: $14.00 to $20.00.
Material Warranty: Depends on the manufacturer
The pros of synthetic shingle roofing:
- Eco-friendly
- High curb appeal
- Class 4 Impact Rating
- No cracking or breaking as with natural materials
- It is cheaper than the imitation materials
The cons of synthetic shingle roofs:
- The roofing industry is a relatively newer one.
- Costly
4. Steel standing seam roofing
Although steel is suitable for both metal roof systems and standing seam, its durability and longevity are unique.
The painted finish is the main reason for this. It’s specifically applied to a teel standing seam panel. Durability depends on the painted finish, which also protects the panels against any harm.
Lifespan: 30 years (up to 50 years in good conditions).
Cost ranges from $12.00 to $15.00 per square foot.
Material Warranty: 30-year paint warranty on Kynar 500 painted finishes
Standing seam metal roofing pros:
- High curb appeal
- Useful for accentuating asphalt shingle roofing
- Colors
- Long-lasting
- Durable
- Maintenance-free
Cons of standing seam metal roofing
- Costly
- Oil canning: Potential and potential for
- When it rains, make noise
- Repairing a damaged car can be a difficult task
5. Luxury Asphalt Shingles
Premium (also known as designer or luxury) shingles. The most durable asphalt shingles are also the largest, have the longest lifespan, the best curb appeal, and are the most expensive among the asphalt shingles.
Their durability is largely due to their thickness and multilayer construction. In recent years, however, some manufacturers have modified them with SBS in order to give them an even stronger impact resistance.
Lifespan: 30 or more years in perfect condition
Cost: $8.00 a square foot (price includes materials and labor).
Material Warranty: 30-year warranty (prorated at 10 years). Upgrade to a non-prorated 50-year enhanced warranty when you purchase a complete roof system.
Pros of luxury asphalt shingles:
- Durability
- Longevity
- High curb appeal
- Storm damage is not a problem for this product
Cons of luxury asphalt shingles:
- Costly
- Installation time is longer than that of other asphalt shingles
- Maintenance is required annually
6. Cedar shake shingles
Cedar shake shingles are a high-quality roofing material that is durable due to their wood materials. Natural wood shingles are resistant to damage and can last for a long period.
You must live in a place between a dry and humid environment if you want to make the most of these shingles. Regarding durability, it is wise to go for the best cedar shake shingles.
Lifespan: 30 years might range from 50 years, depending on the climate in your area.
Cost: $25.00 to $30.00 per square foot.
Material Warranty: None
Cedar Shake Roof Pros:
- High curb appeal
- Durable
The cons of cedar shake roofing
- Costly
- Maintenance is required annually
- The “fresh” color fades over time
- As they age, cedar shakes crack, rot, and curl.
- No Material Warranty
- The materials may not be readily accessible
What Other Factors Should You Consider When Selecting a Roofing Material?
You will know after reading this article the six most durable materials used for residential roofing. Though there are many other tough materials, like Spanish tile or slate, these are often found in the United States.
When choosing a roofing material, durability is a major consideration. Choosing a roofing material calls for other considerations as well.
Making the best choice is crucial as it is among the most significant decisions you will ever make. For more information, contact us at RoofElite.