We all want our roof to last as long as possible while providing robust protection from the elements, and one of the key factors that’s at play here is the material used for the roof itself. There are several high-quality materials used for today’s roofs, and each will have a slightly different range of possible lifespans depending on how they’re cared for.
At Whitaker Roofing, we’re happy to offer a wide range of material options when it comes to roof replacements and other roofing services. Over this two-part blog series, we’ll take a look at the most common residential roofing materials out there, plus their expected lifespan ranges and how you can maximize this range for any material used on your roof.
Asphalt Shingles
One of the single most common and well-known materials for roofs is asphalt shingles, a type of roofing material made from layers of fiberglass or other similar material that are coated in asphalt and embedded with mineral granules. Asphalt shingles are incredibly durable, providing homeowners with protection from most weather conditions as well as fire resistance.
The lifespan of asphalt shingles will typically range from 15-40 years, though can even extend further than this in some cases. As you’ve likely noticed, this is quite a wide range – and that just highlights the importance of care and maintenance when it comes to maximizing the lifespan of your roof. When regularly inspected, cleaned and treated for an asphalt shingle roof, you can extend its life well beyond the average range mentioned above.
Tile Roofing
Another common roofing material is tile roofing, which is a type of roof that has been around for centuries and continues to be popular today. Tile roofs are made from clay or concrete tiles that are shaped and then baked in high temperatures, creating an incredibly hardy material with excellent protection from the elements.
The expected lifespan range for tile roofs is among the longest of any roofing material out there – these can last up to 100 years in many cases, especially if foot traffic on them is limited and general maintenance is taken care of on a regular basis.
Slate Roofing
For those who are looking for a truly luxurious roofing material, slate roofing is an excellent option. Slate roofs are made from natural stone tiles that provide exceptional protection against the elements and can last anywhere between 75-100 years in most cases with proper care and maintenance.
Slate slabs to not absorb moisture, meaning they also won’t risk a buildup of algae, fungi or mold. They’re very low maintenance overall, but the flip side here is that they’re relatively expensive – this is the trade-off or one of the single most useful roofing materials out there, however.
In part two of our series, we’ll take a look at other roofing materials out there, including metal and wooden shingles. Until then, if you’re interested in learning more about any of the roofing materials we’ve discussed here – or would like to discuss your own individual needs when it comes to replacing an existing roof or building a new one – don’t hesitate to contact our team at Whitaker Roofing today!