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What type of roof lasts the longest

23rd Nov '20 • By Rohit Mankame

What roof type lasts the longest? It's a complicated but significant question that many homeowners have. The roof you choose would have a significant effect on the future value of the property, the aesthetics of the home and the quality of your home life whether you are looking to reroof your house or build a new house.

Yellow grey constructionYou have to take special care on the overall roof construction, design material and cost competitiveness if you want your roof to last long. Ultimately, the house needs to be equipped with a solid roof covering, decent insulation, and a strong foundation to withstand unwelcome environmental threats such as strong hailstorms, rain, snow and so on. Hiring a roofing service professional from service.com.au will ensure that our roofing experts provide you with the best quotes. 

A significant question to ask is what kind of material lasts the longest for an investment as big as a new roof and for an aspect so fundamental to your home. However, It can be a difficult question to answer. 

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There are so many distinct variables that go into what roof form lasts the longest. Of course, the material is the main element that goes into your roof's lifetime. Still, architecture, environmental factors and the quality of construction are also significant factors that need to be taken into account. If you have found your roofer and are assured, they are the right team for the job; taking your roofing materials into account is your next step. Similar roofing materials bear different lifespans that must be taken into account in your decision.

What are the different roofing materials?

Slate

Slate glazed roofing

Slate is that roofing material on the market that would easily outlast every other option. How long does a slate roof last you ask? They can easily last anywhere from 70 to 150 years when correctly built and looked after.

A slate roof will easily last 100+ years and that has made it a common roofing material over the years. Slate lasts long due to being naturally occurring stone. The design of slate implies that the impact of oxidation, corrosion, insects, fire and other environmental factors such as sun, heat and rain is significantly reduced. The same qualities that make it so robust and give it a long lifespan also mean that slate is very energy efficient and needs little maintenance for roofing. 

Slate is a dense material, so it makes the house cold in summer by holding the warm air inside by keeping hot air out and warm in the winter. The slate density is what also enables the little maintenance needed by it

You could also use clay and concrete tiles to replicate the advantages of slate tile and also have similar lifespan. Clay and concrete are just as durable, and they are only improving and becoming cheaper with advances in technology as time goes by, making them a good replacement for slate roof tiles. 

Metal 

metal steel and aluminium roof

There are many different types of metals that you can use for your roof. EAch different roofing material will have different lifespans 

Colorbond

A roof will last up to 70 years with Colorbond. As a specific manufactured roofing material, colorbond steel will have a myriad of advantages enabling it to last a long time. Colorbond is made up of five distinct layers that give it its long lifespan. This roofing material has been tested in Australia specifically for the purpose of being a long lasting roofing material. Colorbond may not always last as long as other long lasting metals, but in contrast, it is much cheaper and needs less upkeep, making colorbond roofing the greatest value for your buck when it comes to materials for roofing. 

Aluminium 

Aluminium would last as long as 40 to 50 years. As a roofing material, it is important to carefully consider aluminum, as when compared to other roofing materials, it is pricey, but it is immune to saltwater, so it can be useful for homeowners living near the ocean (which is more than 80% of Australia’s population). Aluminium is very malleable, which is excellent for structural support, but when subjected to hail and strong winds it doesn’t necessarily last as long.

Solar Glass

Tesla Solar Glass roof

Solar glass roofing can last for the whole lifespan of your house. Currently Tesla is the only manufacturer selling a solar glass roof, but there are several manufacturers offering solar panels for the roof. 

A lifetime tile warranty comes with this roofing alternative and has an exceptionally high hail rating. It is inextricably related to the energy efficiency and cost of solar glass roofing. Wile it’s fairly pricey to install and build, based on where you live, you might apply for a tax offset to cover the cost of installation 

Energy efficiency of roofing materials is measured in terms of how much energy they converse, solar glass literally absorbs its own energy, making it the most sustainable roofing materials on our list due to this fact. 

Plastic Polymer

installing plastic polymer roofing

Plastic Polymer roofs are extremely robust as a roofing material that can last for more than 50 years. This roofing material can be made to look like slate or wood shingles but they need considerably less maintenance. 

Plastic polymer roofs have a high hail rating and can stand up well in inclement weather. Sadly, since plastics are made to last, they are too robust, which makes them uniquely unsustainable. 

Look for manufacturers that use recycled products if you plan to use synthetic polymers. They are very energy efficient, plastic roofs reflect energy rather than absorb it like metal roofs. In the summer, they keep the house cool and in winter they keep the home warm.  

Roofing workers on roof

Which roofing material lasts the longest?

So which roof style lasts the longest? There are several variables involved in which roofing material lasts the longest, but as a general rule, any reputable roofing material can last up to 50 years or more with sufficient maintenance and care. However, if you want to invest in a product that will last, there are still some materials which you should avoid altogether. 

In the end, all the roofing materials have their advantages and disadvantages so it's necessary to consider the pros and cons of the type of roofing material you choose for your house. 

So how long will your roof last? Well,it depends on how the roofing material is handled during the construction and maintenance periods. You can easily extend the life of any roofing material with a professional roofing contractor, frequent inspections, roof repairs and maintenance. 

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We provide thousands of Service.com.au users with various businesses everyday, ranging from interior design to carpenters and roofing professionals. Simply search for tradesmen in your area and select the business that suits your needs. 

Either call them directly for a free quote, post your own job to receive multiple quotes from your local tradesperson or simply call our office directly, and our friendly staff will be more than happy to help select the perfect business to suit your needs.

If you're needing help finding a roofing professional for your latest roof installation, click the link below to receive multiple quotes from roofing professionals. 

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Futher Readings:

What is the best commercial roofing material

How to work on your roof safely

How to find and fix roof leaks

Why you should hire a professional for your roofing project

Signs your roof needs replacement

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