Asphalt shingles are the most popular and cost-effective roofing material for most homes. They are relatively lightweight, inexpensive and easy to install, and come in sheets that give the illusion of more expensive materials such as cedar and slate. Asphalt shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials (cellulose) without changing their appearance. When it comes to roofing, quality generally translates as longevity.
If you're looking for a reliable roofer near me to install asphalt shingles, you can trust that the job will be done right. It rarely makes sense to choose roofing material based on price, as spending a little more can give you a roof that lasts as long as you own the home. Asphalt roll roofs are made of large rolls of the same material used in asphalt shingles and are installed by placing strips along the roof in overlapping rows. They can be expected to last 5 to 10 years at most, but with proper maintenance and quick repairs of any punctures or damage, they can last longer. Composite asphalt shingles can be expected to last 15 to 40 years, depending on the quality of the materials chosen.
Some shingle roofs can even last up to 50 years. Tile wood roofs are made of thin wedge-shaped pieces of natural wood, such as cedar or yellow pine, that are cut from logs. They are an attractive option but difficult to install and not suitable for most DIYers. Timber tile roofs have an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years, although a longer lifespan is sometimes achieved in places with mild conditions and free of debris.
Meticulously maintained, wood tile roofs can last 50 years. Metal roofs with vertical joints are increasingly popular, especially in areas prone to wildfire hazard. They are made of large steel panels placed on the roof cover with the seams superimposed on raised ridges that extend vertically along the roof slope. Metal roofs with vertical joints have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, but under good circumstances they can last 75 years.
To maximize their lifespan, check them periodically for worn, bent or slipped panels and ensure that fasteners and sealants have not failed. Clay or cement tile roofs can be extended by trimming trees and eliminating other possible causes of damage. Slate is another version of a stone roof, but instead of being made of molded clays or concrete, these are roofs covered with real stone carved from rock quarries. Slate has a natural tendency to divide into flat slabs, making it ideal for covering roofs. It is the most expensive of the common roofing materials but also the most durable; if properly maintained it can last the entire life of your home, even if that life lasts two centuries.
Eco-friendly roofs are relatively new in the United States but their popularity is growing. Green roofs are made of plants and other vegetation and offer a variety of benefits to homeowners. Metal roofs with vertical stitching or even slate are great options for long-lasting roofs if you can finance the cost of installation.
