Roofing materials vary in terms of many features, durability being one of them. While the time that a roofing system can spend on a building is determined by numerous factors, including the type of the climate that the roof is exposed to and the amount of maintenance received, the type of material is also an important factor. Every building owner is looking for durable roof materials, so here are the ones that stand out in terms if longevity.
Metal Roofing
In the past, metal was a material used almost exclusively on commercial and industrial buildings and mostly on flat roofs. As the technology of manufacturing metal roofing materials evolved, new alloys and coatings were developed and the manufacturing methods were also extended to produce not only large panels to be installed on roofs, but shingle- and tile-shaped components as well.
Today, metal is not only one of the most varied and most attractive roofing materials, but also one of the materials that offer the highest durability. Many roofing systems that use metal are warranted for 30-50 years and the material is exceptionally strong, too, providing protection from severe weather, including storms and other extreme events. The material is also impervious to fire and pests.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Roof repair Lakewood CO contractors will attest that both types of tiles are extremely durable and strong – small wonder that terracotta tiles have been among the materials that have been most widely used on roofing all over the world for thousands of years.
The manufacturing process of clay tiles involves baking at very high temperatures, which makes the material exceptionally durable. The process removes any access moisture and seals the surface of the tiles, making them resistant to any weather, to fire and pests, too, the only thing that can harm clay tiles being strong impact. Most clay tile products offer a longevity of about 100 years.
Concrete is another very durable material, the tiles made from it offering durability of up to a century, just like clay tiles. The material is made from a mixture of cement, water and sand – a combination that ensures strength and longevity.
Slate
Slate roofs are made from pieces of natural stone installed in an overlapping pattern, with special nails. The solution is on the expensive end of the price range, but each piece of stone is unique and the aesthetic appeal of slate roofs is second to none. The material is completely water-proof and fire-proof, impervious to pests and it stands out not only with the superior protection and the attractive appearance it offers, but also with its durability of over a hundred years.
The building owners who consider getting a slate roof must be aware that stone is a very heavy material, therefore the building that receives the slate roof must be able to support the weight of the material. Slate is easy to install, but the process requires a professional roofer and should never be attempted by amateur roofers. In terms of maintenance, the material does not require any special upkeep, other than regular cleaning and inspections.