A few qualities that Tampa, Florida, residents look for in roofing materials are longevity and durability. There are several roofing materials available on the market. It can be a challenge to find the right roofing material for your budget and material that is long-lasting and reliable. However, by taking an unbiased look at different roofing materials, you can narrow down the material that will work well for your application and last the longest.
Longest Lasting Roofing Tiles
Roofing tiles come in various materials, including clay, metal, concrete, and natural slate. By far, the longest-lasting roofing tile material is natural slate. It is a hard, water-resistant, robust material that is wear-proof, weatherproof, and fireproof.
If slate tiles are correctly installed, they can last 100 years or more. And since they are a naturally durable material, only minimal maintenance is required. In addition to being non-corrosive, slate tiles are resistant to fungi, microorganisms, and insects.
If slate is not your material of choice, clay tiles are a close second. They can have a lifespan of up to 100 years. They stand up well against harsh weather, changes in temperature, and fire. They are impervious to decay, insects, mold, and rot. Additionally, clay tiles can withstand the pressures put upon them by ultraviolet radiation.
Additional options that do not last as long but are durable include concrete with a lifecycle of up to 75 years, metal that can last up to 50 years, and plastic tile with a lifecycle of 40 years. At Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar, we can work with you to help you identify the best tile material for your application and budget.
Longest Lasting Roof Shingles
In North America, asphalt shingles or the most popular roofing material. They have a lifespan of around 20 years. During that time, you will need to do some maintenance and upkeep. However, since asphalt shingles are easy to install and relatively easy to maintain, they are what you will see on most homes.
However, if you are looking for the longest-lasting roof shingles, you must look at metal or cedar shingles. Both of these shingles have a lifespan of up to 50 years. In addition to their long lifecycle, they are sturdy and resistant to most hazards.
The beauty of cedar is that it has a low density. This means that over the years, as the wood becomes drier, it will only experience minimal shrinkage. As a result, cedar shingles maintain their structure and shape year after year. Cedar has natural termite-repellent properties, and most cedar shingles are infused with additional chemicals to keep insects away. Cedar is known for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, including snowy winters and rainy springs.
Metal is known for its durability. Metal shingles are designed to stand up to everything that nature can throw at them, be it fire, extreme temperature fluctuations, and heavy precipitation. Metal shingles keep their high-quality appearance, and even though they can last for up to five decades, if not more, they keep their attractive appearance year after year and only require the smallest amount of maintenance.
If cedar and metal are not your shingle options of choice, but you want something that will last longer than typical asphalt shingles, you may look towards felt shingles. They are durable. However, they are not designed to stand up to severe weather, like hail or heavy winds. Felt shingles can start to fall apart if they are exposed to high amounts of UV light or moisture.
Longest Lasting Roof Sheets
While several roofing sheets vie for the top pick, including fiber cement, bitumen, and polycarbonate, the uncontested winner in this category is steel roofing sheets.
Steel roofing sheets are popular with residential and commercial property owners because of their longevity. If properly installed, steel roofing sheets can last up to one century. This is drastically longer than the alternatives, lasting between 15 and 20 years.
In addition to being long-lived, steel roofing sheets require very little maintenance, are not susceptible to rust or rot, are not prone to insect infestation, and are better for the environment because, after a century of use, they can be recycled.
Steel is tough yet lightweight, meaning that steel roofing sheets put less stress on the building they are installed in, they are easy to install, and they are efficient. Since steel is nonflammable and fire-resistant. Their durability means that they can stand up to winds of over 100 miles an hour, torrential rains, and snowfall, and even safely disperse lightning strikes to the ground.
Overall Longest Lifespan for Roofing Materials
By far, slate is the most durable, longest-lasting roofing material. Proof of this is seen when you look at the Old Capstone Meeting House, built in 1813 in Nyack, New York. Its slate roof protected the building for over 200 years until it was replaced in the early 2000s. Slate can stand up to all types of weather, and it is not uncommon for slate roofs to outlive the property that they have been installed on.
Number two on our list is clay roof tiles. These can last from 50 to 100 years. They are the ideal material for long-term construction. With their ability to resist weather, fire, moisture, and ultraviolet damage, clay tiles are almost unparalleled in their longevity.
Concrete roof tiles can last up to 75 years if properly maintained. They are almost impervious to insects, rot, and moisture damage. The chances of concrete roof tiles decaying or close to none. They are fire-resistant and tough, one of the most durable roofing materials you can opt for.
What About Copper Roofing?
You may wonder where copper roofing stands compared to other roofing materials. The truth is copper is in a category of its own. Proof of this is seen when you look at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Its copper roofing was installed in 1280 A.D. This is the same roof that is there today. This means that this copper roof has lasted for more than 730 years. Another example of copper’s longevity is the Kronborg, a European castle with a roofing system installed in 1585 AD. That roof was recently renovated in 2009, more than 424 years after its installation.
Unfortunately, with this long-lasting durability comes a hefty price tag, making copper too expensive for most business owners and homeowners. It is a luxurious, resilient roofing material, but because of its value, it is prone to theft and is not a viable option for a project with a reduced development budget.
The Best Roofing and HVAC Services in Tampa, FL
At Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar, we are proud of our deep family history and HVAC services and roofing. Our technicians are highly trained, our prices are fair, and as a customer-centric shop, we focus on providing quality work and repairs.
Our services include HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance. We offer residential and commercial roof repair, replacement, and installation, including tile and metal roofing. We proudly provide storm damage services, solar panel installation, and indoor air quality testing. Contact Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar today and see what it feels like to work with a company that puts its customers first.
