3241240574_1c3db745fc_b When making a major investment like a new roof, it would be nice to think that it will last for decades to come. But the fact of the matter is that some roofs are more susceptible to wear and tear than others. Both asphalt shingles and wood roofs, for example, deteriorate relatively quickly when exposed to the hot rays of the sun and precipitation. These types of shingle roofs are also prone to wind damage.

Fortunately, there are a few other types of roofs that do, in fact, last for many decades. You may have to pay a bit more for these roofing materials, but you’ll save money in the long run simply because you’ll probably never have to replace your roof again.

Roofs That Last

  • Slate: Without a doubt, slate is a long-lasting roof material. Popular for centuries, slate roofs originated in Europe and have become increasingly popular in the U.S. over the past several years. There are abundant examples throughout Spain and other European countries of slate roofs that have not only lasted for decades but for hundreds of years! As durable as this material is, it does have some drawbacks. Slate is very expensive, particularly if it has to be shipped from a long distance, which is probable unless you live close to a slate quarry. This material is also extremely heavy, so you need to be sure that your home or business is structurally strong enough to withstand the weight.
  • Clay tile: An increasingly common material in many Southwestern states is clay tile. It’s no wonder considering how attractive this material is. Clay has been used as a roofing material for thousands of years. Even the Ancient Greeks and Romans used clay tiles on their roofs! While there’s no doubt that clay lasts for a remarkable length of time, it shares some of the same disadvantages as slate. Clay tile is usually relatively expensive and it’s heavy – so heavy, in fact, that it can cause substantial damage to a building that is not built to hold that kind of weight.
  • Metal: One of the most popular roofing materials over the past few years is metal. Metal has several advantages over other materials. This durable material can last for 50 years or even longer. It’s relatively lightweight and usually no more costly than clay or slate. Because metal is so fire-resistant, many insurance companies offer lower premiums to their customers who have metal roofs. Metal is energy efficient, particularly in hot climates. Because this material is very effective at reflecting the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it, your home or business stays cooler with a metal roof. Many people have reported saving as much as 40% on their utility bills. The federal government even provides tax breaks to individuals with certain types of metal roofs because of their energy efficiency. And metal roofs come in a variety of styles and designs. You can even find metal roofs that resemble other materials, such as asphalt shingles or clay tiles!

Before you decide what kind of roof is best for your home or business, talk to a professional roofing contractor for more information. With a little guidance from a specialist, it’s entirely possible that this is one major investment you’ll only need to make once!




Slates and valley | Flickr – Photo Sharing! : taken from – http://www.flickr.com/photos/12394349@N06/3241240574/Author: Bryn Pinzgauer http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en