Roofs are among the most important elements of any home, so it’s important to choose longest lasting roof material that will stand the test of time and protect your investment. While many different materials are available, these 10 have been shown to last longer than all the rest.
Each has unique characteristics that make it ideal for certain application, and you should consider each of them carefully before making your choice in order to ensure you get the right type of roofing material for your situation.
Clay tile
You may not realize it, but there are many types of roofing options available to you. What may be the most popular option in your area might not be the best for your house.
For example, some areas have more wind or harsher weather than others. Additionally, different structures require a variety of materials for optimal efficiency and protection. No matter what kind of home you own or where you live, there is probably a type of roofing material that will work well for you and last longer than other types.
There are so many options out there, so we want to help break down the top three choices.
Clay tile: These tiles come in all shapes and sizes, making them easy to install on nearly any surface. They’re also very durable – can withstand storms better than most other roofing materials.
There’s no need for extensive maintenance either! But they’re also expensive compared to slate tiles and terra cotta shingles. Slate tile: They’ve been around since the Roman Empire!
Concrete tile
While the average lifespan of other roofing materials might be 20-30 years, concrete tiles last at least twice as long and in some cases up to 80-100 years. Concrete tile is more expensive upfront than the cost of asphalt shingles, but they are worth when it comes to choosing the longest lasting roof material
The best part about concrete tiles is that they don’t require any type of coating because their exterior is made from cement which lasts much longer than shingles which are made from asphalt.
Another great thing about this type of roofing material is that it comes with a warranty for 50 years! That’s an incredible amount of time to be worry free from leaks or roof damage.
Slate
What are the longest lasting roof materials on the market? There are many to choose from, such as shingles, metal, and tile. It’s best to decide which type of material is best for your situation.
For example, if you need a highly durable roof that lasts long and has a good insulation quality, metal might be the right option for you.
Tile roofs will last longer than most other types of roofing materials, but they can cost more and don’t have much insulation value. Shingles are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can last up to 30 years with little maintenance required.
Asphalt shingles
When it comes to roofing, asphalt shingles are one of the most popular types. Here are a few reasons as to why they are so popular:
- They come in a variety of styles and colors, so homeowners can choose what’s best for their needs.
- They’re easy to install, so this option can be much more affordable than hiring a professional company
- The lifespan is at least 20 years, which is longer than most other options.
Wood shingles
A wood shingle roof is an organic and natural way to keep the rain out of your home. The gentle slope of a wood shingle roof acts as a funnel that drains water away from the edges.
Wood shingles are also aesthetically pleasing, being available in many styles, colors, and textures. Plus, they can be assembled over older cedar shakes or tar-and-gravel roofs as part of an upgrade to your home’s architecture.
There are two types of wood shingles: those made with synthetic resin or asphalt (so not exactly eco-friendly) and those made with linseed oil, which makes them 100% biodegradable!
Modified bitumen membrane
Modified bitumen is considered the longest-lasting roofing material, with a life expectancy of at least 25 years. This type of roofing is unique because it is the only asphalt product that bonds chemically to the substrate.
Furthermore, modified bitumen’s reputation for excellent tear and tensile strength means it will retain its quality during storms or high winds. It has many advantages over other types of roofing products. It is non-combustible and fire retardant which makes it perfect for preventing fires caused by sparks from chimneys or vents.
Another one of its benefits is that if any areas become damaged, the rest of the surface will still be functional and serviceable in comparison to other products which are more likely to need replacement when even small amounts are damaged
Single-ply membrane
Membranes are easy to install, but can be difficult to fix should anything go wrong. While many professionals and contractors believe that membranes are the best long-term solution for roofing, the corrugated metal roof is the longest-lasting material on this list and is an option that does not have any adverse environmental effects.
Corrugated metal roofing is one of the most affordable options in today’s market as well. It also has a wide variety of styles and colors, making it easier to find something that matches your home’s style or color scheme.
Built up roof
A built-up roof is created by overlaying a number of layers of different sheets of heavy tar paper and asphalt. Typically, the number of layers needed for built-up roofing depends on the climate where the building is located.
Though there are mixed reviews about this type of roofing material when it comes to appearance, many believe that a built-up roof is one of the most durable types available and can last up to 50 years in some cases.
Conclusion
Many roofing options are available, but what are the longest lasting? Here is a breakdown of some different types of roofing materials:
Tar and gravel – This can last for around 25 years.
Metal Roofs – Depending on the type of metal, metal roofs may last up to 40 years.