When it’s time to replace or install a new roof one of the bigger decisions will be what kind of roof will it be? Some people just want the cheapest roof they can get away with while others prefer to consider things like quality and longevity over cost. One thing is for sure, when it comes to roofing materials, you get what you pay for and you really should carefully consider the choices available.
No matter if you’re cheap or have money to buy the best, there’s a roofing material for you. The good news is, even on the lower end, modern roofing materials sold by reputable roof contractors can last much longer than they used to as long as they are installed properly and maintained well throughout their life.
3-tab Asphalt Shingles
On the lower end, you have 3-tab Asphalt Shingles. The “old-school” roofing material with the lowest quality lasting only 5 to 10 years but on average, quality shingles last up to 20 years with the highest quality lasting 50 or more!
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are also known as dimensional or laminated shingles. They are made up of multiple layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass that are laminated together, giving them their dimensional appearance. When properly maintained they last 30 year on average.
Wood Shingles/Shakes
Wood shingles are thin, tapered pieces of wood primarily used to cover roofs and walls of buildings to protect them from the weather. Historically shingles, also known as shakes, were split from straight grained, knot free bolts of wood. Today shingles are mostly made by being cut which distinguishes them from shakes, which are made by being split out of a bolt. They usually last around 30 years but in favorable environmental conditions can last much longer.
Metal Roofs
A metal roof is a roofing system featuring metal pieces or tiles exhibiting corrosion resistance, impermeability to water, and long life. It is a component of the building envelope. The metal pieces may be a covering on a structural, non-waterproof roof, or they could be self-supporting sheets. These roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 80 years, with some estimates topping out at 60, like any roofing material longevity will depend on how it isinstalled and maintained as well as the environment it’s in.
Tiles (Slate, Concrete or Clay)
Roof tiles are designed mainly to keep out rain and are traditionally made from locally available materials such as terracotta or slate. Modern materials such as concrete, metal and plastic are also used and some clay tiles have a waterproof glaze. While being among the most expensive of materials, they are made to last with lifespans estimated as high as 100 years and even up to 150 years or longer for slate!
As the biggest thing that protects your home and loved ones from the elements, you want your roof to be the best that it can be! When it’s time to replace your roof, consider more than just costs if you can, better materials that last longer can really pay off in the long run!
In Metro Atlanta, Atlanta Roofing Specialists can help you decide the materials that are best for your roof and budget, call (770) 419-2222 to get your no-obligation inspection and estimate today!