21 Feb Our Top 3 Roofing Materials in Terms of Longevity

You want your roof to weather the storm with you. Full stop.

After all, your roof is one of your first lines of defense when it comes to shielding your loved ones from the elements. What’s more, the longer your roof lasts, the less money you’ll have to carve out of your budget to keep your home safe.

Consequently, you may be wondering: What roofing material will last the longest?

Allow us to introduce you to our top three:

#3 — Metal

Available in a variety of materials — including aluminum, copper, zinc, and more — metal roofs are low-maintenance, low-cost, and recyclable. Additionally, despite their strengths, they are not so heavy that they will structurally compromise your home.

a\As Floridian homes are at-risk for developing leaks throughout the storm and hurricane season, metal roofs are effective in terms of sealing out water, thereby allowing them to last longer.

Moreover, they’re capable of withstanding both lightning strikes and fire. In fact, where traditional asphalt roofs last an average of 10 to 20 roofs, “metal roofs can last 40-70 years, depending on the material,” as explained by State Farm.

Metal roofs are also known for lasting up to three times as long in comparison to wooden roofs.

#2 — Spanish Tiles

Taking it up a notch, we find Spanish tiles. Lauded for both its beauty and durability, this roofing material is constructed of clay, which is fired at high temperatures to enhance its overall functionality.

Specifically, Spanish tiles are resistant in the wake of…

• Strong direct sun
• Fire exposure
• Sustained winds
• Heavy rain
• And more

“Due to its resistance to severe weather, concrete and clay tiles continue to be the preferred roofing material among homeowners in the Southeast,” the Tile Roofing Institute reports. “With proper installation, tile roofing is one of a few select roofing systems that is proven to withstand sustained winds of 150 miles per hour found in Florida.”

Provided the tiles are properly and regularly maintained, they may last up to 100 years.

#1 — Slate Roofing

Coming in at number one is slate roofing, which is engineered using natural stone. Thanks to that material, this roofing style/material has earned the nickname “the hundred-year roof.”

After all, slate roofing is the most fire-resistant roofing out of all material options, including metal and Spanish tiles. Additionally, they require little to no maintenance in order to remain durable, adding even more value to the product itself.

“Installed properly, slate roofs require relatively little maintenance and will last 60 to 125 years or longer depending on the type of slate employed, roof configuration, and the geographical location of the property,” according to the National Park Service (NPS). “Some slates have been known to last over 200 years.”

So, are you ready to invest in the best for your forever roof? Because, if you have further questions — or are ready to upgrade your roof with one of the aforementioned materials — Universal Roof & Contracting has you covered!

We’ve served the home and business owners of Central Florida and Jacksonville for over 28 years. From expert installation to professional maintenance, industry-leading products, the nation’s best warranty, and more, you’ll find that the difference is universal when you work with our team.

If you’re ready to get started with your FREE inspection, contact our team today by calling 855-ROOF-HELP! We look forward to helping you find a forever roof that’s built to last.