The Ultimate Roofing Showdown: Which Roofing Material Withstands The Test Of Time?
As a homeowner or commercial building owner, are you familiar with what type of roof lasts the longest? Does an architectural asphalt shingle roof provide a longer lifespan than a three-tab shingle roof? If you install a metal roof, should you expect it to offer greater longevity than a cedar shingle roof? What about different single-ply membrane roofing alternatives such as PVC, EPDM, and TPO? Which one delivers the most life? Which one needs more frequent replacement?
Suppose you’ve been pondering these or similar questions as you look toward replacing your existing residential or commercial roof. In that case, the information contained herein will guide you in what direction you should pursue. Making the right choice will ensure you receive the most benefit. Selecting the wrong option may result in replacing the roof you plan to install sooner than you hope. Avoid this outcome. Invest the time and energy upfront to understand the expected longevity of each roofing alternative.
What Factors Determine A Roof’s Expected Longevity
(1) Adequacy Of Ventilation
A home or structure with reasonable ventilation will help the roof breathe properly and reduce the likelihood of its early demise.
(2) Amount Of Maintenance And Upkeep
If you take care of your roof by performing routine inspections and conducting necessary repairs, it will last longer.
(3) Degree Of Roof Pitch
A roof’s slope impacts its ability to shed water and avoid pooling. A steeply sloped roof is more likely to prevent early deterioration.
(4) Extent Of Solar (U/V) Exposure
Long-range exposure to sunlight causes a roof’s composition to erode prematurely if manufactured from a degradable roofing material.
(5) Prevailing Weather Conditions
A roof is the first line of defense against outside elements like hail. If a roof is under attack, it may experience a shortened life.
(6) Proficiency In Roof Installation
Not all roofing installations are created equal. Some installers provide meticulous and precise attention to detail. Others cut corners.
(7) Sufficiency Of Insulation
Adequate insulation means everything for the health and vitality of a roof. An under-insulated attic may shorten a roof’s life expectancy.
(8) Type Of Roofing Material
The quality of residential or commercial roofing material or product plays the most critical role in a roof’s expected lifespan.
What Type Of Roof Lasts The Longest? Exploring Asphalt Shingle Roofing Options
Asphalt shingle roofs come in three primary options. Each alternative provides specific advantages and disadvantages worth considering.
Architectural Asphalt Shingle
Roofing On average, an architectural asphalt shingle roof lasts 25 to 30 years. It sometimes offers a few additional years of life if well-maintained.
Designer Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Typically, attractive designer or luxury asphalt shingle roofing provides between 20 and 25 years of life before requiring replacement.
Three-Tab Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Of all asphalt roofing options, three-tab shingles offer the shortest average duration. They will last from 15 to 20 years with reasonable upkeep.
Knowing The Average Longevity Of Popular Residential Or Commercial Roofing Styles
Each of these roofing alternatives can provide homeowners or businesses with an attractive, long-lasting solution.
Metal Roofing (Including Steel, Aluminum, Copper, And Zinc)
Depending on the material, metal roofing provides a lifespan of between 40 and 100 years. Steel lasts from 40-70 years. Aluminum, 40-60 years. Copper, 60-100 years. Zinc, 80-100 years.
Slate Roofing
Few, if any, roofing materials offer more durability than slate. It lasts from 50 to 200 years, or more. Slate roofing has a long, proud history dating back to the 13th Century.
Tile Roofing (Including Clay And Concrete)
Clay tile roofing delivers cost-effective longevity of 50 to 100 years. Concrete tile roofs have a similar lifespan. Most manufacturers will offer warranties of 50 years or a lifetime.
Wood Shingle/Shake Roofing
This traditional, attractive roofing generally requires more upkeep than any other alternative. Wood shingle or shake roofs average from 20 to 40 years before needing replacement.
Understanding The Lifespans Of Different Commercial Roofing Alternatives
Commercial, warehouse, and industrial building owners have more options than in the past when considering flat roofing materials.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
BUR consists of multiple layers of bitumen combined with reinforcing fabrics. Depending on the material quality (number and thickness of layers), BUR lasts between 15 and 30 years.
EPDM (Rubber) Flat Roofing Membrane
EPDM delivers the best value for the investment. As long as it is well-maintained, EPDM typically lasts 22-35 years, and can last up to 40-50 years.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is a common form of commercial roofing designed to last 10 to 20 years. Usually, it can be installed in either “torch-down” or “peel-and-stick” alternatives.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Flat Roofing Membrane
Generally, PVC provides a lifespan of between 20 to 30 years, with routine maintenance. As a flexible material, PVC comes in various thicknesses, widths, reinforcements, and colors.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Flat Roofing Membrane
As long as this form of roofing is installed correctly, TPO should last between 22 and 30 years. They come in sheets, heat-welded and polyester reinforced, for colder climates.
Hiring A Knowledgeable And Experienced Residential And Commercial Roofing Company
For homeowners and commercial property owners in Norfolk, VA, and surrounding areas, Stevens Roofing provides unmatched expertise to help make an informed decision regarding the ideal roofing solution. We understand the different residential and commercial roofing types, including each alternative’s features, benefits, and disadvantages. To learn more about our exceptional roofing services or to schedule a complimentary consultation and receive a free estimate, contact Stevens Roofing today.
