Which Roofing Material Lasts the Longest?

roofing material lasts the longest

Installing a new roof is one of the most expensive investments you’ll make towards ensuring a safer home. As with most substantial investments, there are many things you should consider before making the final decision. In terms of roofing, the essential one pertains to which material you choose if you want maximum longevity from your new roof. We’ll go over all of the popular roofing materials, their longevity, and the average price. After reading, you’ll be able to determine which roofing material lasts the longest and provides you with the best value for your money.

A Quick Note Before We Start

When considering which roofing material lasts the longest, the critical aspect we often examine is the product’s quality. When speaking of quality, one factor that is closely tied with its positive or negative features is the price. To make this review applicable across the board, we’ve taken average national costs and expenses for each material based on a 2,500 square foot home with a standard roofing structure.

Note that the material prices can vary based on your location. Also, the total project cost can significantly vary depending on your roof’s configuration, as well as the local roofing contractor prices in your area. With all of this in mind, let’s start with one of the most popular roofing materials among Florida homeowners:

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the US, covering over three-quarters of households. Made from asphalt-saturated fiberglass, asphalt shingles are relatively easy to install, even if you don’t have any roofing experience. The affordability of asphalt shingles is one of the main reasons why this material is so popular.

Costing around $5 per square foot, it averages around $12,500 for a 2,500 square foot home. Asphalt shingles have a lifespan between 15 and 40 years. The longevity of asphalt shingles mainly depends on the quality of material, but also the climate conditions.

Wood Shingles

Made from thin pieces of natural wood, these shingles make for a visually stunning roof. Compared to other roofing materials, wood shingles have a relatively short lifespan. 

In most cases, they last between 25 and 30 years, though they can last significantly longer in areas with moderate climate conditions. Considering this, they aren’t the right roofing choice if you live in an area prone to hurricanes or seasonal wildfire hazards.

Wood shingles are more expensive than their asphalt counterparts and cost around $9 per square foot on average. For an average-sized house with a roof surface of 2,500 square feet, you can expect to pay approximately $22,500 for a new roof. Calculated over 100 years, the total cost of your roof will be between $70,000 and $90,000 in today’s dollars.

Metal Roofs

When talking about metal roofs, the expected life span can vary significantly from case to case, especially since many different metal roofing materials fall into this category. Most notably, these include:

  • Steel Metal Roofs — The least expensive metal roofing material available, steel metal roofing is made out of primarily iron. There are three types of steel metal roofs – galvalume steel, galvanized steel, and weathering steel. Steel roofs are affordable, easy to install, and can last for up to 30 or more years.
  • Tin Roofs — True tin roofs are hard to find nowadays, as they aren’t used in the roofing industry anymore. Tin roofs last roughly 40 years, though there are examples where such roofs have persevered for much longer.
  • Aluminum Roofs — Aluminum roofs are prevalent in coastal areas because it’s highly resistant to salt corrosion. That said, it’s susceptible to corrosion caused by oxygen and not suitable for areas with high winds or hail.
  • Copper Roofs — Recyclable and durable, copper is an environmentally-friendly roofing solution. Copper roofs can easily last for more than 70 years but are prone to excessive expansion and contraction. It’s also one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market.
  • Zinc Roofs — The most expensive and durable metal roofing material, zinc roofs can last up to a century. Zinc roofs are easily recognizable, as this type of roofing develops a distinguishable patina.

Steel metal roofing averages around $10 per square foot, while more durable and expensive metals such as copper usually go around $18 per square foot. With that in mind, if you opt for a metal roof, you can expect to pay between $25,000 and $45,000 for a new metal roof.

Clay or Cement Tile Roofs: Roofing Material that Lasts the Longest 

Clay tile roofs are a popular roofing option all over the world. They are aesthetically pleasing and durable. Traditional clay tiles are made of terracotta clay, while more modern tile roofs are made from cement. Regardless of the material used, all tile roofs made from these materials are very longevous and can last up to 100 years.

When it comes to this type of roofing material, the installation and material costs can vary significantly. Concrete tiles cost around $10 per square foot, while ceramic tiles can cost three times as much. 

For an average-sized home with a 2,500 square foot roof, you’ll pay between $25,000 and $75,000, depending on the type of material you choose. Seeing that this type of material can last for up to a century, tile roofing provides you with excellent long-term value for your invested money.

Considering a Roof Replacement? Contact Us Today

When choosing a new roof material, consider both the short-term installation costs, longevity, and long-term maintenance costs. 

Our roofing specialists are here to help you choose the best roofing material for your property. Reach out to us now, and get a free price quote for your project.Call us at 813-373-9088. Or fill out our online form.

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