What are the Longest Lasting Types of Roofing Materials?

Roofing materials differ in terms of resistance to various weather conditions, installation costs, thermal and sound insulation etc. There is the opinion that the type of roof cover is a determining factor in calculating the resistance structure, which is partly true, because there are other factors that have a large influence too, such as the static load (the snow layer) and the dynamic load (the wind) that acts on the roof.

Here are some of the longest lasting roofing materials, with pros and cons.

Metal shingles

They have a very long lifespan that can reach up to 50 years. Metal does not allow vegetation formation on the surface of the roof, it doesn`t absorb water and is lightweight. Metal shingles come in a wide range of shapes and colors and can be installed in a relative short time. On the other hand, they do not provide the best insulation and are also prone to discoloration over time. It is not recommended to install a metallic roof on a house situated on the sea shore, where the atmosphere contains salt water vapors.

Ceramic tiles

They provide better protection against cold / heat than metallic shingles, but also better sound protection. However, ceramic tiles may develop moss on their surface and absorb water if the roof slope is not appropriate. Ceramic tiles are manufactured in a variety of shapes and colors.

Corrugated fibrocement sheets

This roofing material is not flammable and has high resistance to corrosion, rot and pests. Fibrocement is a good thermal and sound insulator, it can mimic wood shingles or planks and can be painted. On the other hand, a corrugated fibrocement roof is often more costly because it requires more installation labor and it is also more susceptible to breakage, in the right circumstances.

Bituminous shingles

They are suitable for any type of roof and are easy to install, regardless of the complexity of the roof, with low installation costs. Instead, they are easily flammable and require some special measures to address this problem.

Slate

A slate roof is a natural stone product, with a unique and distinctive appearance. Slate is completely fireproof, as well as extremely durable and reliable (it can last for over a century!). The downside is that this roofing material is expensive and also very heavy (its installation may require some structural reinforcements).

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How external factors influence the life of the roof

Weather conditions are a factor to consider when installing a roof and choosing the materials, because they affect its durability. Here are a few details given to us by roofing Centennial pros for you need to keep in mind:

  • the amount of rainfall – if you live in an area with a greater amount of precipitation, it is good to choose a sloped roof and opt for materials such as metal, that do not favor water absorption.
  • wind – a roof must have stability in the case of strong winds. Specialists recommend using ceramic or concrete tiles, as they are heavier and provide increased resistance
  • high temperatures – Fiber cement boards and bituminous shingles are resistant to extreme temperatures and strong UV radiation.