Tips Reference

How to Go About Choosing Roofing Material

Posted on 10. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman in Roofing

When choosing the roofing material for your roof, take the roofing material’s lifespan into account because this dictates how long your roof will last before having to be replaced. And that has an impact on long term cost.

Roofing style, materials, and the climate in the area where the home is located are amongst the factor that affect a roof’s lifespan. Selecting roofing products with nearly the same lifespans will avoid piece by piece repairs over a ten to fifteen year period. In most cases, roofing materials last for about twenty years. That is if the roof has been maintained properly and there has been no significant weather damage. Some materials have a lifespan of up to 50 years while some others last as little as 10 years. Here is a list of some common roofing materials along with lifespans.

The average lifespan of asphalt roofing is from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Asphalt roofing materials are one of the most common types of roofing materials used throughout the nation because of the low cost of the materials and the ease of repairs.

The average lifespan of fiberglass roofing is from 15 to 20 years. Fiberglass roofing requires little maintenance and can be manufactured in many different colors and styles to give the homeowner the desired look. Roofs made from this material are water resistant and mold resistant.

Wooden shakes and shingles are common in the northeastern United States. These roofing materials will generally last between 15 and 20 years, and could last for as many as 30 years if the shakes and shingles are well maintained.

Slate roofing materials are some of the longest lasting roofing products on the market, with an average lifespan of 40 to 75 years.

Metal roofing can last nearly 50 years. Metal roofing products come in a wide variety of different colors, finishes, and styles to resemble other types of roofing materials such as tiles or wooden shingles. These roofing products are nearly indestructible from weather and can be installed over the current roof.

Rubber roofing is a less known roofing material. It’s easy to install, to maintain, and it lasts a long time. It comes as a roll or as individual shingles. The very first rubber roof ever installed was in Wisconsin in 1980. It’s still doing its job after nearly 30 years.

So you see, there are many different roofing materials each with their own strengths and weaknesses.