Nothing lasts forever - but when it comes to your roof, you want to ensure it lasts as long as physically possible. This way, you don't have to stress about or even think about your roof again for 10, 20, or even 30+ years.
You're on a mission to kick the can down the road as far as possible - ideally, leaving the next roofing replacement to a future homeowner. And today, we're going to help you make this vision a reality by answering the age-old question - what roofing material lasts the longest?
When you start shopping for roofing materials, you'll see that there are a plethora of options to choose from, which can get overwhelming. By the end of this article, you'll be able to make a quick, educated decision for your home or commercial building.
First, let's talk about the gravity of choosing your roofing materials - and discuss why this isn't a decision you should take lightly.
Why Does It Matter What Type Of Roofing Materials I Use?
Maybe you're building your home or a commercial building from scratch. Or perhaps the dreaded time has come - you need to re-roof your existing home or building. Whatever the case, you probably already know that picking the right roofing material isn't something you should take lightly.
If you're re-roofing your home, it would be easy to just go with whatever material is already on your roof. But how can you be sure that the previous installation was the best approach?
You can't.
Because let's face it - there are a ton of amazing roofing companies out there, but there are also plenty of people who don't really have the experience or knowledge necessary to get the job done right - and maybe the previous homeowner cut corners and price-shopped.
That's why we're glad you're here with us today to learn about the different types of roofs and invest your money wisely.
Because the reality is if you take this seriously and do your due diligence (which you are by reading this!), you can get the most out of this investment by ensuring your roof stands the test of time. And, your home will be better protected from leaks, storms, etc.
Important Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Roofing Material
We know you're here to discover what roofing material lasts the longest, but there are other factors you should take into account before pulling the trigger on your new roof.
First and foremost, you should consider your regional location. Here in Dallas, we get hit with tons of storms and rain - meaning the roofing material you choose needs to be capable of withstanding these conditions. Otherwise, you'll have to replace your roof far sooner, or worse, end up with water damage as the rain or hail leaks through into your home.
Secondly, consider the design of your building or home. Certain roofing materials, while they may last longer, won't be well suited for your home. You'll have to weigh the importance of staying consistent with your home's design and functionality.
You should also factor in how much routine maintenance would need to be done on the specific roofing materials you're looking at. If you don't want to spend a weekend on your roof cleaning it every so often, you'll want a lower-maintenance material.
Finally, factor in the budget you have set aside for this project. As you can probably imagine, the longer-lasting roof materials are also more expensive - no surprise there. But consider this: the ROI you'll see on your roof will still be far greater if you choose a long-lasting roof material over a cheaper, less durable option.
A Quick List Of All The Different Roofing Materials You Can Choose From
Before we take a deep dive into which roof materials last the longest, we want to unveil the complete range of options you can choose from - in order of how long they last! We'll start with materials that need to be replaced soonest and finish with those that last the longest.
Aluminum coating
Green (vegetation-covered)
TPO
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene) rubber
Cellulose fiber
Asphalt shingles (3-tab)
Modified bitumen
Simulated slate roof
Asphalt (architectural)
Wood
Coal and tar
Fiber cement
Copper
Metal
Clay or Concrete
Slate
So, What Roofing Material Lasts The Longest?
As the experts in Dallas on all things roofing - home and commercial buildings alike - we are going to recommend the three types of roofing material that last the longest.
As you now know, there are tons of others you can choose from - but in terms of longevity, four reign supreme: Asphalt Shingles, Clay or Concrete, metal, and Slate.
Asphalt Shingle
While asphalt shingles certainly don't last as long as clay, concrete, metal, or slate roofs, they are a very popular option for a couple of different reasons.
For one, they're the most cost-effective out there while still providing excellent protection from the elements.
If you're on a budget but don't want to compromise on quality any more than you have to, you can't go wrong with asphalt shingle roofs! Rain, snow, hail, and other weather conditions don't stand a chance.
Clay or Concrete Roofing
While clay or concrete cannot be used in every single setting, they are certainly a top choice for those seeking roof longevity. In some cases, these materials can last well over 50 years! You'll find that many roofing companies offer a 50-year warranty on this type of roof, with people rarely needing to cash in on this warranty.
It's no surprise such a strong, durable material lasts so long. Clay and concrete will withstand just about any conditions that are thrown at them - rain, sleet, hail, hurricanes, you name it - they're as leak-proof as you'll find.
These days, concrete or clay roofing tiles are lighter and easier to install than ever before, too. Ask your roofing company if this is the right material for your home, office, or commercial building.
Metal Roofing
The 50 years that clay and concrete roofs boast is pretty incredible - but metal roofing blows them out of the water, with around twice as long of a lifespan at 100 years!
These days, a metal roof is more durable than ever before, and oftentimes more attractive than you may remember in the past. Metal roofing is quickly making a return, with it gaining more and more popularity each year - and for good reason.
Metal roofs come with high-quality finishes to ensure a long lifespan without any sort of fading or corrosion that may have been associated with this roofing material in the past. Plus, these are affordable - so consider metal roofs in your journey!
Slate Roofing
Finally, we want to discuss the longest-lasting roof material out there today - the slate roof. These will easily last over 100 years - so chances are, you'll never have to worry about your roof again if you go this route!
While these have been commonplace overseas in Europe for some time now, they've begun to emerge as a new favorite right there in the USA. This stone-based roofing material is resistant to deterioration, corrosion, insects, fire, storms, the sun, you name it. They're practically indestructible from natural disasters or weather conditions.
Slate roofing isn't just ultra-durable, either - they're highly attractive with recent advancements in slate roof design. This roofing material will make for a stunning home or commercial building, and you really can't go wrong here!
Important Caveat - Roofing Materials Are Only As Good As The Company That Installs Them!
Ok, now you know what roofing material lasts the longest - and you have a few different options to choose from. But we want to touch on an important caveat before we wrap things up here. And that is the importance of finding the right roofing company to install your new roof.
If you go with the best possible roofing material, but cut corners on installation - you are selling the roof short, and you can't be certain you'll get the lifespan you had hoped for. We highly encourage you to make searching for your roofing company a priority, just as you've taken your search for the best roofing materials seriously.
And if you're in the Dallas, Texas area - there is only one roofing repair company worth going with - the folks at Pineapple Roofing.
Restore or Replace Your Roof With Pineapple Roofing!
Whether you ultimately decide to go with a slate, concrete/clay, or metal roof - or even a different option listed above, such as an asphalt shingle roof - one thing is for sure:
You should only trust your roof with the experts at Pineapple Roofing if you're in the market for a roofing company in Dallas, Texas area! Nobody knows roofing like we do - be it your home or commercial building.
With over a decade of experience, we've quickly earned a reputation as the go-to folks for all things roofing - from quick touch-ups to full-on reinstalls, we can handle whatever you throw at us with grace. We guarantee you'll enjoy a smoother, easier process when you trust us with your roof.
Why Go With Pineapple Roofing For Your Next Job?
Nobody makes the roofing process easier and more straightforward than we do. You're likely stressing over the cost of this project, along with the insurance aspect. But this doesn't need to be a concern when you work with us - because we handle any sort of insurance claim for you, so you can kick back and relax.
The process starts with a free consultation - we'll come out to your property and inspect your roof and come up with a game plan. We go over everything with you so that you're completely in the loop from the start. Once we're all on the same page, we go to bat with your insurance agency to make sure they handle the payment - easing as much of the financial burden as we possibly can.
The end result is the same every time - the customer stresses less than they would have with the other guys, and they enjoy the best roof job possible. From commercial roofing to residential roofing, we're the best in the business. We even handle the roofing insurance claim. We’re excited to help you, so reach out today for your free roof inspection!