What is the Best Roof Material for Longevity
New roofs can be expensive, which is why most homeowners consider their roofing material’s longevity before choosing. With different roofing materials on the market, choosing your preferred option based on longevity or lifespan alone may not be the best choice, so Kihle Roofing in Wichita Kansas has explained each roofing material’s lifespan, installation costs, and lifetime value to help decide the best option for your budget and property.
Roofing Materials Lifespan
Although there are many roofing materials on the market, not all are suitable for residential roofing. The type of roof suitable for a residential property depends on important considerations like;
- The regional weather condition
- The design and build of the property
- The amount of routine maintenance the property owner is willing to undertake
- The quality and budget available for the roofing products
Based on the above-named factors, we have identified the commonest residential roofing materials and have reviewed their estimated lifespan.
- Aluminum coating – 3 to 7 years
- Green roofing (vegetation-covered) – 5 to 40 years
- TPO – 7 to 20 years
- Simulated Slate – 10 to 35 years
- EPDM Rubber – 15 to 25 years
- Asphalt shingles (3-tab) – 20 years
- Cellulose Fiber – 20 years
- Modified Bitumen – 20 years
- Fiber Cement – 25 years
- Asphalt (architectural) – 30 years
- BUR (Built-Up Roofing) – 30 years
- Coal and Tar roofing – 30 years
- Wood roofing – 30 years
- Metal roofing – 40 to 80 years
- Slate roofing – 60 to 150 years
- Copper roofing – 70 years
- Clay or Concrete roofing – 100+ years
Based on the above, slate roofing offers the longest protection among roofing materials. Its lifespan can extend up to 150 years with proper maintenance.
Important Considerations for Installing Slate Roof
Slate roofs offer incredible protection against weather elements. They are hardy and promise a longer-lasting lifespan when properly maintained. However, slate roofing may not be the perfect choice for all homeowners.
Below are some important considerations to keep in mind before installing a slate roof on your property.
Slate Roof Is Expensive
Homeowners or property owners on a budget may find slate roofs more expensive than the common roofing materials on the market. Slate roofs are premium materials that require experience and expertise for installation.
Not only are slate roofing materials expensive but installation and labor costs can also be equally expensive. Labor costs are estimated at about $15 per square foot (national average) and may be higher – up to $30 per square foot, depending on your location and the roofer you’ve contacted.
Considering the cost to purchase the roof material and the installation costs, you may find that slate roofing is perhaps one of the most expensive roofing materials to install. For cost comparison, slate roofing is at least 4 times more expensive than asphalt roofs.
Slate Roofs Are Heavy
Slate roofing is able to withstand weather elements for up to 150 years because they are made from heavy and sturdy materials. The weight factor of the slate roof should be considered before installing it on your property.
Installing a slate roof on a weak roofing structure can lead to roof collapse and other damages. It is important that property owners speak to qualified roofing contractors to inspect and test their existing roofing structure and determine the need for reinforcement before installing the slate roofs.
Please note that weak roofing systems may require complete retrofitting before slate roofs can be installed on them. This retrofitting will come at extra costs, different from the cost of purchasing or installing the slate roof.
Installation Requires a Professional
Slate roofing is one of the most technical and delicate roofing materials in the professional world. When handled improperly, the roofing materials may break, causing losses to the property owner. Slate roofing also requires certain installation techniques to be able to deliver much-expected protection against moisture and weather elements.
Contacting a non-professional or inexperienced roofer for the job can cost you dearly. It is also important that you continue to use a professional for all future work, whether it is repairs or maintenance. This can significantly improve the roofing material’s longevity and durability.
No Material Warranty On Slate Roofs
Roof warranties are an important part of the roofing material purchase process. Property owners rely on warranties as a sign of quality and protection. However, this does not apply to slate roofing.
You will not get a material warranty on slate roofing because the slate tiles are naturally made. The lack of a warranty can be tricky, especially as you now have to rely only on your roofing contractor’s warranty and guarantee to protect your property.
It is important to consider whether the roofer’s labor and service guarantees are enough shields to cover you and give you peace of mind. If yes, then you can install a slate roof on your property.
