What Is the Most Durable Type of Roof?
Which is the most durable form of roofing? A question asked by many, because of all the different types on the market. Fortunately, there is a simple answer to this question. It depends on where your house is located and what climate it typically enjoys. Of course, asphalt shingles tend to last the longest, up to 20 years or so on average.
Asphalt shingles are usually made from asphalt – which is essentially concrete. They come in a variety of colors, such as tan, white, slate, and green. They are highly durable and can handle both wind and rain, though they are not as durable against hail. However, they are the least expensive of all the types and one of the most reliable, as well. They are especially helpful in areas with extreme climates, such as Florida and California, where they come in particularly handy.
Vinyl shakes are another option available in the residential roofing industry. These are made of plastic and often come in a variety of colors and styles. They have the same advantages as asphalt shingles, including longevity and energy efficiency. But they are a little less reliable and are not nearly as long-lasting as the latter. The pros are fairly clear: vinyl shakes tend to be on the low end when it comes to price and durability, but they are surprisingly dependable for such a low price.
Most people are interested in getting the most for their money and in terms of home value, they would prefer to go with asphalt shingles or shakes. One thing that needs to be mentioned about shingles is the fact that they differ depending on the size of the roof. If the roof is rather small (like ten square feet), then the shingles are thinner, which translates into more durability. This is especially important for smaller roofs, where even the most resilient asphalt shingles will usually crack or get damaged over time. It would be wise, therefore, to go with a slightly bigger roof, at least twelve square feet, if at all possible.
One of the other pros is that they are highly customizable. You can choose from many different colors and styles, and you can even order customized tacks to match your overall roofing style. The shingle is easy to replace and can be made to last a very long time. However, you should keep in mind that the biggest pro is durability. It would be better to spend slightly more money and get a higher durability rating than it would spend less money on a roofing system that would eventually break apart after high winds.
Finally, there is the price. In most cases, you can expect roofing professionals to charge around $15 per square foot. Compare that to the cost of a roofing system that offers more durability, but also offers more personalized options. There are plenty of low-cost solutions to do the job that offers a higher level of longevity, which ultimately translates into better value in the long run. Therefore, the real answer to the question, what is the most durable type of roof, boils down to personal preference and the cost of doing business.
