If it's time to put a new roof on your house already, you may want roofing that lasts much longer than three-tab shingles this time. You could potentially have a new roof put on that lasts the rest of your life. This might be a better option than buying roofing material that needs to be replaced as you approach your senior years and may be inconvenienced by paying for a new roof. Here's a look at long-lasting roofing materials.
Slate Roofing Is One Of The Longest-Lasting
Slate roofing lasts a very long time. It might even last longer than your house if your house is already old. Slate is a natural stone that's cut into shingles of different sizes and thicknesses. The quality of the roofing varies, so the exact lifespan and price vary according to the type of slate you buy.
Slate is very durable, hard, and strong, but it's not completely indestructible. For instance, hail can crack slate if the stones are large enough. Slate offers good protection from fire, insects, wind, and rain. Slate is considered high-quality roofing and is often used on luxury homes. However, you can have it put on any type of home as long as the structure of the home can support the weight of the roofing. Slate is long-lasting, and it's also one of the most expensive types of roofing materials.
Clay Tiles Last Nearly As Long As Slate
Tiles made of clay are also known for their long lives. Unlike natural slate, clay tiles are manufactured. This type of roofing is popular on certain types of architecture, but they are also common on traditional homes in warm climates. While clay tile roofs are most prevalent in the south and southwest, they can be adapted for homes in the north too. However, the tiles might look out of place in a northern state.
Clay tiles have the same advantages as slate in that they are heavy, so they resist wind lifting. Plus, they resist fire and insect damage. They are so heavy that they are not suitable unless the structure of your home can support the tiles. Clay tiles may not last quite as long as slate, but they're not quite as expensive either.
Metal Roofing Is A More Affordable Option
Metal is a good choice for a new roof if you want something more common and more affordable. Metal roofs last longer than asphalt shingles, but they don't last nearly as long as tile or slate. However, metal is durable, so it can last several decades. You don't have to worry about metal cracking, but it might rust if the finish gets scratched.
Screws backing out might be an occasional problem too, but in general, a metal roof doesn't need a lot of maintenance. Metal roofing provides good protection for your home against fire, pests, hail, rain, and wind. It's also an attractive option if you want a colorful roofing material when you get a new roof.