If You Need A Replacement Roof? You're Likely Asking About Long-Lasting Roofing Materials

For the past 30 years, Roofing Solutions has provided advice and installed quality roofing systems for customers throughout southern Minnesota in Waseca and Freeborn counties. Our goal is to provide excellent customer service and help our customers to make the right choice for their home roofing needs. In fact, one question we hear more than any other is - what are the longest-lasting roofing materials available for my home?

We understand that anytime you invest in something, you want the highest return on your investment, and your roof is no different. When it comes to roofing materials, durability is a huge factor. The fact is, every roofing material has pros and cons, and each offers something different when it comes to durability.

As with any home improvement project, there is a direct relationship between quality and expense. Roofing quality often translates into longevity and durability. It makes little sense to choose a material based solely on price. Spending a little more can give you a roof that lasts for decades. A cheap roof is no bargain if it needs frequent repairs or replacement every three or four years.

This post will explain my favorite options for highly durable, long-lasting roofing materials and why they are worth the price!

Six Durable, Long-Lasting Roofing Materials

Keep in mind that roofing longevity depends on several factors. Along with the roofing materials you choose, it's crucial that your new roof is installed correctly and your attic properly ventilated.

Roofing costs can vary widely based on labor costs, roof configuration, and the cost of the roofing materials you choose.

Luxury Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material chosen by homeowners. Asphalt shingles vary widely in price and are available in many colors and styles. Luxury premium asphalt shingles mimic slate tiles. We recommend luxury shingles because they are larger and thicker than other asphalt shingles. Luxury shingles should last at least 30 years, but you can get a significantly longer life with proper maintenance.

Cedar Shake Shingles

A cedar shake roof is a premium system consisting of natural cedar shake shingles and other materials. They are beautiful but can be tricky to install. Wood shingles' average lifespan is around 35-40 years. Longer lifespans are possible with regular maintenance and keeping your roofing system free of debris. When maintained, cedar shake roofing can last up to 50 years. To extend your roof's usable life, replace any split or cracked shingles promptly and keep your roof free of moss. Cedar shake shingles are one of the most aesthetically pleasing roofing materials.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing System

Metal roofing has been growing in popularity for the past several years. It's durable, looks great, and can last a minimum of 30- 50 years, but since it's a relatively new product, long-term information is still forthcoming. Ideally, metal roofing can last up to 75 years. Metal roofs are large steel panels installed on the roof deck with overlapping seams that run vertically along the roof slope. Steel roofing systems are virtually maintenance-free. However, they are prone to denting. To maximize their lifespan, regularly inspect them to ensure the fasteners and sealants have not failed. Also, check for distressed, bent, or slipped panels.

Composite or Synthetic Shingles

Composite shingles are a newer roofing material that is quickly becoming popular. Composite shingles are made from recycled materials and are engineered polymers designed to look like natural materials, cedar shingles or slate. What makes them popular is their unique class 4 impact rating, the highest a roofing material can receive. Both cedar shake composite shingles and slate have matching lifespans of 40 – 50 years. Composite shingles are expensive, but if you have the budget, they are a great-looking, durable material that can protect your home and make it stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.

Clay or Cement Shingles

Clay or cement shingles are most popular in the Southwest but can increasingly be found in all areas of the U.S. thanks to their incredible strength and durability. Traditional tiles are terracotta clay, but today come in fired clay ceramics and concrete. These products all consist of overlapping layers over the roof deck and have the same degree of strength and durability. They are one of the heaviest roofing materials available and require sturdy roof framing in order to hold the added weight. This roofing system's installation is labor-intensive and expensive, but clay roofs routinely last 100 years or more when properly maintained. Their only downside is cracking. Avoid walking on them as much as possible. Replace cracked or broken tiles immediately!

Slate Shingles

Slate is a natural stone roofing material that, rather than being made from clay, concrete, or composite, is an actual stone mined from quarries. Slate naturally splits into flat slabs, making it an ideal stone roof covering. It is the most expensive of the roofing materials, but it is also the most durable. When properly maintained, a slate roof can potentially last for the entire lifetime of your home – even if that's 200 years or more! Because of the expense, slate is typically used on larger luxury homes or older historic homes. To achieve its maximum lifespan, immediately replace any broken tiles and check to make sure all the flashing is in good working order.

So What Roofing Material is Right for Your Home?

Each roofing material mentioned above offers proven durability, looks great, and can last decades or, in the case of slate or cement, longer. The one roofing product you’ll want to avoid is the standard three-tab shingle. Three-tab shingles will not withstand the harsh weather conditions we have in Minnesota and are typically made with half the material than laminated shingles.

Ultimately your home's style, personal aesthetic, and budget will determine which materials are best for your home. A smart option is to work with a qualified professional, like the experts at Roofing Solutions. We can help you understand the pros and cons, including costs, lifespan, and warranties for each type of roofing material. No matter which material you choose, you can count on it to last for decades, look great, protect your home, and increase its value.

Do you need a new roof? Do you live in Waseca, Freeborn, or the neighboring Counties in Southern Minnesota? Then you owe it to yourself to call Rooftop Solutions at (507) 400-7663. With 50+ Five-Star Google Reviews, we are not your typical fly-by-night, subcontract-it-out roofing contractor. We can help you determine the extent of roof damage, handle your insurance claim, and safely repair or replace your roof with the latest roofing technology. Let us help you understand your roof shingle options and safely replace your roof with the latest roofing materials that are energy-efficient, durable, and look beautiful!

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