Yes, there are roofs that can grow old with you, some will get your kids to teenage, and some are a hurricane away from biding you goodbye.
Getting a new roof for your home is a big investment. There are various factors that should be taken into consideration such as the type of roof, how long it will last and how much it will cost you.
What Roofing Material Options do I have?
A myriad of roofing material is available for people looking to build or replace their roofs. This list includes, but is not limited to aluminum, asphalt and asphalt shingles, built-up roofing, cellulose fiber, coal and tar, clay/concrete, EPDM rubber, copper, green, fiber cement, metal, wood, TPO, modified bitumen, simulated slate, slate, and wood.
The rule of thumb with roofing material is as follows: the more expensive it is, the longer it will last. They can last anywhere from 3 years to 150 years.
How Long do they Last?
Aluminum coating is a good coating material for roofing and can last between 3 to 7 years depending on the weather conditions. It stops rust from forming on your roof and is water-resistant.
Architectural asphalt could last up to 30 years, and asphalt shingles last up to 20 years. The difference between the two is that architectural asphalt is more premium than asphalt shingles. Shingles are more distinct looking and are thicker.
Built-up roof membranes, commonly abbreviated as BUR have been in use in America for over 100 years are made up of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics. The two are alternated together during the manufacturing process. This material lasts up to 30 years.
Cellulose fiber roofing is made out of organic material such as recycled paper and wood. This type of roofing can last up to 20 years and is good for the environment.
Clay roofing is an old material that has been in use for centuries especially in European architecture. Concrete roofing is also popular. This is long-lasting and will last as long as the building itself. However, clay tiles are heavier than their concrete counterpart. The two roofing types can last anywhere between 50 to 100 years depending on the weather conditions and how they were installed.
Coal and tar roofing is self-healing meaning it is able to adapt to different weather conditions through a property called cold-flow. It is also resistant to natural elements which makes it a favorable option. It may appear solid at normal temperatures, but it has a greater rate of flow at warmer temperatures. This quality makes it low maintenance too. It can last up to 30 years.
Copper is a malleable and ductile metal which makes it suitable for irregular-shaped roofs. It is also appropriate for round and dome shaped roofs. It can last up to 70 years.
Slate roofing tiles are by far the most durable, lasting up to 150 years if properly constructed. It has many positive attributes such as its fire resistance and good appearance. Apart from this, it is good for the environment as it is replaced after 100-150 years.
Fiber cement is another roofing material which has longevity and is resistant to the elements making it durable as well. It can last up to 25 years. It is also lightweight and comes with different color options to choose from.
Wood roofs are typically made from cypress, pine, redwood and red cedar. They are usually treated before use to give them a longer life. They are energy efficient as they provide natural insulation which can be double or triple the amount of insulation provided by asphalt roofing.
Last on this list is metal roofing which is lightweight and durable. It can last between 40 and 80 years. It is easy and fast to install and also resistant to fire.
Different roofing materials have different pros and cons. You should pick the best material based on your preference and how long you want it to last.