When you are building a home, choosing your roofing material may not give you a thrill. However, if you are interested in making your dollar stretch, this may be one of the most critical homebuilding (or home maintenance) decisions you will make. After all, the roofing industry was valued at $82.2 billion in 2023, so it’s something that American homeowners spend a lot of money on.

Let’s discuss the best types of roofing material. We’ll discuss which ones last the longest and advise you on how to reduce the long-term cost of maintaining your roof.

Longest-Lasting Roofing Material

Here are some popular long-lasting roof materials:

  • Metal roofing: Metal or steel roofs may last more than fifty years. However, they can be pretty expensive and may not be appropriate for every home’s design.
  • Slate roofing: Slate roofs also last around half a century. However, they are also expensive. In addition, because it’s such a heavy material, it may require extra framing – which will increase the cost of your home.
  • Clay roofing: Clay and concrete tiles are also long-lasting and often used on Southwestern and Spanish-style homes. However, like slate roofs, clay tiles are expensive and heavy.

Factors That Impact Durability

While choosing the longest-lasting roof material is an excellent first step, other factors also impact its durability. Here are three primary considerations to keep in mind when selecting a roofing material:

1. Climate

Your local weather patterns affect how long your roof will last. Roofs in extreme temperatures tend to have shorter life spans and require more emergency repairs. Other environmental factors, such as pollution, can also determine the life span of your roof.

The best roofing material for someone living in the Southwest may not be the same for homeowners in Connecticut.

2. Installation

Your roof will only last long if you have a reliable company install it. You can select durable roofing materials, but if they’re not installed correctly, your roof might only last a short while.

Some installation factors that may impact how long your roof lasts include:

  • Underlayment: The roof’s underlayment is your primary defense against leaks and water damage. Proper installation of this layer with the right underlayment materials can extend the life of your roof.
  • Flashing: Flashing helps waterproof your roof by directing water away from it. Proper flashing aids in leak prevention and prevents structural damage to your roof.
  • Sealing: Sealant helps protect your roof from damage by adding an additional layer of protection.

Your roof installer needs to pay adequate attention to these areas and more to ensure that your roofing lasts as long as possible.

3. Maintenance

While your installer has a significant part in ensuring that your roof is installed correctly, you are responsible for keeping even the longest-lasting roof materials in good condition. To get the most out of your roof, you need to practice proper maintenance.

Some care tasks that you can include in your routine are:

  • Regular inspections
  • Removing debris
  • Cleaning your gutters
  • Repairing damage as soon as it happens
  • Having professionals service your roof

The Importance of Roof Maintenance

Of course, maintaining your home will make it last longer. If you want to extend the life of your roof, look into companies that offer roofing maintenance packages. Scheduled servicing sessions allow professionals to periodically inspect your roof and stop any leaks or problems before they cause damage.

Regularly maintaining your roof offers many benefits, such as:

  • Durability: If you care for your roof, it has a lower possibility of obtaining damage. If your roof gets damaged, routine maintenance will allow you to catch these problems early enough to prevent them from worsening. All of this helps you get the most use out of your roof.
  • Cost-savings: Roof repairs and replacements can be costly, so practicing preventive maintenance can help you save money.
  • Home protection: Leaks can harm more than your roof — if large amounts of water enter your home through cracked tiles, it can stain and damage your walls and floors. Maintenance focusing on leak prevention can help keep your home safe.

How Can You Improve Your Roof’s Life Span?

Instead of researching what types of roofing materials last the longest, ask yourself how you can extend the life span of your roof:

You can implement the following steps to make your roof last longer:

  • Purchase a quality roofing system designed to handle the weather conditions in your area.
  • Hire a preferred contractor with training to install the roofing system.
  • Maintain your roof by having it regularly inspected by roofing professionals.

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The Importance of Selecting the Right Roofing Company

When purchasing the best shingles for your roof, it’s wise to do your homework on what companies in the industry offer long-lasting roofs. Research their company values and get quotes from multiple businesses to help you compare them and make an informed decision.

You also need to consider your preferred roofing material, as certain types of roofing may be better suited to your area’s weather conditions. Also, keep in mind that roofing companies are experts in the field and can guide you to the best solution for you.

Choosing professionals for your roof repairs is also much safer than trying to do them yourself, especially since ladder accidents cause 500,000 injuries annually. Working on your roof without the proper tools and experience could also lead to unintentional damage and more repairs.

Contact AmeriPro Roofing for Your Roofing Needs

At AmeriPro Roofing, we prioritize long-lasting, high-quality roofing. If your roof requires repairs, our wide range of services allows you to pick an option that works for you so our experts can assist you. We have various convenient locations to help you find a branch near you.

If you’re ready to arrange a roof repair, schedule an appointment or contact us now to learn more.