Here are three things you should know. While this may seem like an expensive roof, it's worth understanding that, with proper maintenance, you won't have to replace the roof during its lifespan. Slate roofs are the most durable type of roofing material, as they can last a hundred years or more. Slate is a natural stone that makes it an extremely durable roofing material. With proper maintenance, a slate roof can last up to 200 years.
The counterpart is price and weight. Not only are slate shingles expensive, but they're so heavy that most roofs must be reinforced to support the weight. Manufacturers continue to offer three-ply roof tiles, but today the focus is on laminated products. Two-layer dimensional tiles, commonly known as architectural tiles, were the first step towards a more convincing roof and represent 70% of the asphalt market.
More recently, manufacturers began creating luxury roof tiles with a lifetime warranty, such as the five brands shown here, with thicker two-layer, sometimes three-layer laminations, following the traditional style of architectural shingles, and with more creative designs. The roofing materials that last the longest are concrete, clay or slate tiles. These materials significantly outperform other natural products, such as wood slats or any manufactured roofing material, including asphalt shingles and the metal covers. Although these materials have a good lifespan, they are not as durable.
Atlas Roofing Corporation was founded in 1982 and, with headquarters in Meridian, Mississippi, has become one of the largest roof manufacturers in North America. It is known that the Romans used slate for roofing military buildings, but private use of slate for roofing was too expensive for most people. The lifespan of such a roof depends on several factors, primarily on the quality of the materials you use. During manufacturing, base mats receive two or more layers to create a multidimensional appearance on the ceiling. One of the easiest and cheapest roofing materials out there, roofs laminated with asphalt come in rolls instead of shingles.
These tiles add an additional layer of shingles to their design, which covers the gaps in the three tabs, adding more weight for greater durability and a more textured appearance. This tile is much heavier and thicker, which creates more definition and gives your roof the curb appeal than most homeowners desire. Instead, it is often used for functional and utility spaces, such as work sheds, barns, potting sheds, exercise structures with outdoor roofs, garages, and other outbuildings. You can get a lifetime warranty and additional protection for GAF roof tiles if you hire a roofing contractor certified by the brand to handle the installation.
Once you know what these shingles are, you'll have a much better understanding of what you have on your roof and how long that material will last. In addition to being a cost-effective option, composite asphalt roofs are also known for their strength and durability. The cost of installing this type of roof will vary greatly depending on materials and other factors.