5 Most Durable Roofing Materials You Need To Know About!
As a roofing contractor, I and my team get to work with different types of roofing materials. And from our 25 years of collective experience, we have figured out that these 5 types of roofing materials are the best roofing options out there.
The five most durable roofing materials are; asphalt shingles, slate shingles, Cedar Shake Shingles, metal roofs, and TPO Roofs.
In this article, we will be discussing each of these roofing material in detail. Along with its pros, cons, costs, lifespan and more!
Five Most Durable Roofing Materials
Below is a list of the most durable affordable and long-lasting roofing materials that you would want to check out if you are a property owner.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles have been the most popular roofing material for several decades, and for a good reason. These shingles are made from a fibreglass base mat coated with asphalt and then embedded with mineral granules. They come in a wide range of colours and styles, making them a versatile option for any home or building.
Pros:
- Affordable compared to other roofing materials
- A wide range of colours and styles are available
- Durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions
- Require minimal maintenance
- Fire-resistant
Cons:
- Prone to algae growth
- Shorter lifespan compared to other roofing materials
- May not be as eco-friendly as other options
- Can be affected by extreme temperatures
- Not suitable for all types of architectural designs
Cost
The cost of asphalt shingles varies depending on the brand and quality, but they are generally a very affordable option. They typically range from $50 to $150 per square (100 square feet) for materials and installation.
Lifespan
The lifespan of asphalt shingles can range from 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality and maintenance of the shingles. Proper installation and regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of the shingles.
Slate Shingles
Shingles are a type of roofing material made from natural slate stone. They are thin, flat, and typically rectangular, and they can be installed on a roof in overlapping rows to create a durable and long lasting roof covering.
Slate shingles come in various colours and textures, depending on the location and type of slate used.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Fire-resistant and can withstand severe weather conditions
- Resistant to mold, mildew, and insect infestations
- Adds an elegant and classic look to a home
Cons:
- One of the most expensive roofing materials available
- Heavy and requires additional structural support
- Can be difficult to install, requiring specialized skills and tools
Cost:
The cost of slate shingles can vary depending on factors such as the slate’s quality, size, and thickness, as well as the location and complexity of the installation.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $30 per square foot for slate shingles, making it one of the most expensive roofing materials available.
Lifespan:
Slate shingles are known for their long lifespan, with some roofs lasting up to 100 years or more. With proper maintenance and care, slate roofs can last for 7 to 10 decades, making them a worthwhile investment for homeowners who are looking for a durable and long-lasting roofing option.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners due to their versatility and durability. Metal roofs are roofing systems made from various types of metal materials, such as aluminum, steel, zinc, copper, or tin.
They are designed to provide a durable, long-lasting, and weather-resistant covering for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Metal roofs are installed using various methods, including standing seam, corrugated, and metal shingle systems. The type of installation method depends on the particular metal material used, the climate, the roof design, and the cost.
Pros:
- Customizable with a variety of colours, styles, and finishes to suit individual tastes
- Longevity and durability
- Highly resistant to weather damage, including wind, hail, and fire
- Eco-friendly and energy-efficient, reflecting the sun’s rays and keeping homes cooler
- Low maintenance requirements compared to other roofing materials
Cons:
- More expensive than other roofing materials
- Can be noisy during heavy rainfall or hail storms without proper insulation
- Can dent if hit with heavy objects, or debris or if walked on
Cost:
In terms of cost, metal roofing can range from $5 to $12 per square foot for materials and installation, with higher-end materials and custom finishes increasing the overall cost. However, the longevity of metal roofing can make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Lifespan:
The lifespan of a metal roof can vary depending on the specific material and maintenance. However, with good care metal roofs last for 50 years or more.
Some metal roofs, such as those made from copper or zinc, can even last up to 100 years.
Cedar Shake Shingles
Cedar shake shingles are a popular roofing material made from split logs of western red cedar, Cedar shake shingles are a type of roofing material made from split logs of cedar trees. They are cut and shaped to form flat, rectangular shingles, which are then overlapped on a roof to provide a protective layer.
They are often used on homes and other buildings with a rustic or natural aesthetic. Cedar shake shingles can come in different sizes and thicknesses and can be treated with fire retardants or preservatives to increase their lifespan.
If you wish to learn more about roofing shingles click here!
Pros:
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- Provides excellent insulation and ventilation
- Longevity
- Resistant to moisture, insects, and fire
- Adds natural beauty and value to a home
Cons:
- Expensive compared to many other roofing materials, as the installation costs can be higher than other roofing material
- Requires more maintenance than other roofing materials, including regular cleaning and periodic re-sealing
- May not be suitable for all climates or environments
Cost:
The cost of cedar shake shingles can vary depending on factors such as quality, location, and installation method. On average, cedar shake shingles can cost between $6 and $10 per square foot.
Lifespan:
The lifespan of cedar shake shingles can vary depending on factors such as quality, maintenance, climate, and other environmental elements. With proper maintenance and care, cedar shake shingles can last up to 30 years.
However, in harsher climates or environments with high humidity or frequent heavy rains or snow, the lifespan of cedar shake shingles may be shorter.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are a roofing material that has been used for centuries due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. These tiles are made from natural clay that is shaped and then fired in a kiln to create a durable and long-lasting roofing material.
Pros:
- Timeless and elegant appearance
- Available in various colours and styles
- Resistant to fire, insects, and harsh weather conditions
- Long lifespan
- Good insulation properties can help reduce energy costs
Cons:
- Heavy, requires a strong roof structure to support them
- Can crack or break if walked on, making maintenance and repairs more challenging
- Expensive roofing material, less accessible to some homeowners
- Installing clay tiles can be a complex process that requires specialized skills and tools
Cost:
Clay tiles are expensive, with a cost per square foot ranging from $10 to $18, depending on the style and quality of the tiles.
Lifespan:
Clay tiles have a long lifespan and can last up to 100 years with proper maintenance.
TPO Roofs
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) roofs are a popular roofing material for flat roofs, which have become increasingly common in commercial and industrial settings. TPO is a single-ply roofing membrane made from a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. Its benefits make it an ideal choice for flat roofs.
Pros:
- Highly durable and resistant to punctures, tears, and impacts
- Resistant to UV rays, chemicals, and extreme weather conditions
- Energy-efficient, as it reflects sunlight and reduces the need for air conditioning
- Lightweight and easy to install, which reduces labour costs
- Available in a wide range of colours and styles to suit any building design
Cons:
- Can shrink over time if not installed properly, which may cause leaks
- May become brittle and crack in extremely cold temperatures
- Can be difficult to repair, as the membrane must be welded together
Cost:
The cost of TPO roofing can vary depending on factors such as the size of the roof, the location, and the installation method. On average, TPO roofing can cost between $5 and $10 per square foot.
Lifespan:
TPO roofs have an average lifespan of around 15-20 years, but with proper maintenance and upkeep, they can last even longer. Regular inspections and repairs can help prolong the lifespan of the roof and prevent any major damage or leaks.
Conclusion
As important as it is to have a functioning roof over your home, more important is to have a roof that is within your budget, suitable for your climatic conditions and complimentary to your home’s design. We hope this article has helped you to understand roofing material better.
If you have any more questions our comment section is always open.
Also, if you need an experienced roofing team to take care of your roofing needs connect with us TODAY!
Leak-Stop is a one-stop destination to meet your roofing-related requirements. We offer roof repair, replacement, maintenance and inspection services all over GVRD (Greater Vancouver Regional District).
We offer a free inspection to first-time clients. Connect with us TODAY at 1 866 777 0084 for immediate assistance!