What Roofing Materials Last the Longest?

The roof is the protective umbrella of a home and as such, the roofing material of choice should have a certain degree of longevity. New roofing is a major investment that can prove to be costly. When it comes to roofing materials, the better the quality, the greater the longevity. It’s not a good decision to go for a cheap roofing material if a long lifespan is a priority.  Let’s look at a few common residential roofing materials and their longevity factor.

What Roofing Materials Last the Longest?

Asphalt Roll Roof

Produced from the material used in asphalt shingles, asphalt roll roofing is commonly used for angled shed roofs and installed in overlapping courses. It’s ideal for applications involving shed, porch roofs and garages. The average lifespan of asphalt roll roofing is 5 to 10 years. With proper maintenance, you can expect to get the maximum life from your asphalt roll roof.

Built-Up Roof (BUR)

A built-up roof (BUR) is a layered roof that is typically used on flat roofs with a very slight pitch. BUR roof pros include being fire-resistant and inexpensive. The average lifespan of BUR is 20 to 30 years, depending on the climate and the particular materials that it’s made of. Still, there are specific constructions that can last up to 40 years. 

Composite Asphalt Shingle Roof

Composite shingle roofing is synthetic shingle roofs made of a mixture of materials that can include recycled paper products, fiberglass, and asphalt. It’s a popular roofing option that is relatively affordable and easy to install. The average life expectancy of composite asphalt shingles is 15 to 40 years, depending on the combination of synthetic materials it is made of.  

Wood Shingle Roof

Wood shingle roofs are made from wedge-shaped pieces of natural wood, like cedar, and requires a certain skill set to install. They are not the best choice in locations where there are seasonal wildfire hazards, but they are attractive. The average life expectancy of wood shingles is 25 to 30 years. Even so, well-maintained wood shingle roofs can extend in upwards of 50 years. 

Clay or Cement Tile Roofs

Clay tile roofs are known for their strength and durability and are commonly found in the Southwest. Tiles are installed in overlapping layers over sturdy roofing frame requires skilled professionals for the job. The average lifespan routinely lasts 100 years or more with proper maintenance. 

US Roofing

There are many different roofing options on the market and each offer something different and lifespan is an important factor. Hire a roofing company like US Roofing that offers you quality workmanship when doing your next roofing job. We can help you to choose the right roofing for your particular roofing job.