COMPARING ROOFING MATERIALS FOR LONGEVITY
Major home remodeling projects such as renovating your bathroom, kitchen, and installing a new roof, can be costly. Many homeowners face these high costs when repairing their homes. With just about any home improvement option, expense and quality are directly related. Similarly, in terms of roofing, longevity is proportional to quality.
If you’re looking to replace your roof, you can decide between multiple roofing materials available in the market, all of which have different lifespans. Apart from the longevity of these roofing materials, they also have different characteristics. Every material for roofing has negative and positive qualities that can significantly impact your investment and decision.
As roofing material is a crucial part of your investment, how you install your roof can increase the longevity or cause you to get an early replacement. You may consider installing your own roof to save money, but if you are not an expert and lack the training required, you shouldn’t install the roof on your own.
Even before purchasing the material, you should consult with an expert as this will help you make the best decision. You should consider the style, slope, and material of the roof. You need to consider other factors, as well. Because of all these factors, a professional can help you get more life out of your roof.
When choosing the material for your new roof, bargaining with the shop owner will not give you any benefits. If you save your money by purchasing low-quality materials, you will end up paying more by having to replace your roof sooner rather than later. However, if you spend more on your roof, by opting for high-quality materials, your new roof will last a long time. If you buy cheap materials, you will need to change your roof about every 8 years. Here are some materials for roofing your house that you can choose from:
1. ASPHALT
This roofing material is the most affordable, and you can easily install it on your roof. This makes it very popular as the best roofing material in the US. Asphalt is the strongest material among all options. However, you can make your asphalt roof more durable by reinforcing it with fiberglass and cellulose.
These shingles are recyclable. You can find a recycling center near you who accept shingles, and they will make sure that the asphalt shingles you are providing won’t end up in the landfill. When we talk about the durability of these materials, you should always be careful because cheaper shingles are less durable than expensive ones. Find asphalt shingles that are resistant to impact, have decent ratings for hail, and are overall durable.
These are available in different colors. As these roofs are not very expensive, you can find it at just about any roofing shop. This material comes in various qualities, and despite its low longevity in contrast to other materials, it is adaptable to different roofing styles. This is the best roofing material and can last you about 20 to 25 years.
2. WOOD
Up until a few years ago, wood was a common choice for roofing your house. If you want a classic look for your home, this material is among the best options. After some wear, when the wood starts to become old and turns grey, it provides a more vintage appearance. This material will be best for you if you want a rustic, cozy, and cabin-like look. The lifespan of this material is 25 to 30 years.
3. CLAY OR CONCRETE TILES
By installing clay or concrete tiles, your house will look stylish and elegant. These roofing materials are available in various colors and designs, such as scalloped, flat, and ribbed. Clay and concrete are very heavy, giving them the benefit of durability. To install this roof, you have to hire a professional. Your roof will be safe for 40 to 50 years with this material.
Tile roofing does not decay, as in the case of shingles and wood shake. Also, there are no mineral grain that wash off over time. Only cracking in tiles can damage the roof. So you need to avoid walking on the roof if you have installed a tile roof. Another benefit of this material is that if a tile breaks or cracks, you can replace it with a new one. This way, you do not have to change the entire roof if a tile is broken.
4. METAL
These materials can last up to 30 to 50 years. These roofs have a zinc alloy, steel, copper, or aluminum construction. Metal roofs are a bit more expensive than wood and asphalt shingles with higher durability as well. Roofs made from metal are fairly resistant to hail impact, and they are suitable for locations with severe weather. Furthermore, the sound of rain is soothing and wonderful on metal roofs. When you install a metal roof for your home, you will realize how low-maintenance these roofs are. These roofs also act as an insulator and keep the home warmer when the weather is cold and cooler when it is hot. The recyclability of these roofs is unparalleled. In fact, manufacturers make them using recycled materials.
5. SLATE
If you want a beautiful looking material for your roof with maximum longevity, this is your best bet. Slate has an elegant and distinctive look that you will not find in any other material. This material is available in black, green, red, and purple colors. This roofing material can last you 100 or more years.
When we talk about the durability of roofing material, slate is different than its competitor. These tiles will crack even with the average person’s weight, so be careful during the installation process. Slate material is expensive as these materials are properly constructed and incredibly sustainable and has the longest roof lifespan.
CONCLUSION
To determine how long the best roofing material will last depends on many factors, but the material matters most of all. In addition, maintenance and care also increase your roof’s longevity. No matter what roof type you are installing, you just need to take care, inspect it various times a week, and keep it clean. These tips will help your roof last long or before you need a replacement.