Whether you are building new construction or need a roof replacement on your home, it’s important to consider what type of roofing material is best for you. The most common types of roofing material for a new roof or a roof replacement are: shingle roofing, metal roofing and tile roofing.
Each type of roofing has its advantages and disadvantages. In this article we’ll discuss each type of roof and their longevity. We’ll also discuss each time and their durability, cost, efficiency, maintenance, difficulty to install and more. All of these will give you an idea of why longevity is an advantage and whether or not it outweighs any disadvantages.
Two of the best and most long-lasting roof materials are metal roofing and tile roofing. Either option will last at least 30 years; tile roofing can last up to 100 years!
In general, this is how long these types of roofs will last.
- Asphalt shingles: between 10 and 30 years
- Metal roofing: 30-50+ years
- Tile roofing: 50-100+ years
This is just a general guideline as to how long these types of roofs last. How long your roof lasts is ultimately dependent on the quality of workmanship and maintenance and the climate that you live in.
If you have any questions about the different types of roofs or specific questions regarding our roofing services, give us a call. Residential Roofing Depot is your premier Lakeland roofing company!
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
If you’re looking for affordable roofing that will last at least 10 years, look no further than asphalt shingle roofing. There’s a reason that asphalt shingles cover almost 80% of homes in North America. It’s not only the cheapest option, but with a high quality roof installation and consistent roof repair maintenance, this roof can last up to 30 years or more.
One downside to asphalt shingle roofing that is out of your control is the weather. If you live in an environment where there is extreme weather (either hot or cold), your asphalt roof is susceptible to damage caused by the climate. Natural disasters are hard on asphalt roofing, too. As Floridians, we see a lot of hurricanes do damage to houses. Asphalt shingles are particularly vulnerable during storms with heavy wind and rain.
Pros:
- Affordable roofing
- Easy roof installation
Cons:
- Doesn’t last as long as other materials
- A less durable option
- More susceptible to damage
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is picking up popularity in Florida and in the US in general! While this type of roofing is on the more expensive side, it pays off with durability, longevity and energy efficiency. Metal roofs are low maintenance, too.
These roofs are built to withstand the worst inclement weather. Including Florida hurricanes with their damaging winds and rain. Plus, a metal roof adds a lot of value to your home. Metal roofing very seldom needs repairs and it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. When you sell your home, all your potential buyers will know that the roof is going to be sound and not cause any problems.
Pros:
- Durable & long lasting
- Energy efficient (reflects heat instead of absorbing it)
- Low maintenance
- Stylish
Cons:
- Significantly more expensive than asphalt shingle
- Installation is difficult (hire a well trained professional roofer!)
Tile Roofing
Tile roofing is a great option if you never want to have to worry about replacing your roof again. The longevity of tile roofing is unmatched. It also comes in a few different materials (clay, concrete or slate) to choose from.
Tile roofing can is plenty durable and can easily hold up against strong Florida hurricanes and storms. It’s also resistant to the Florida heat which is extremely important.
There is one thing to consider if you’re currently shopping around or looking at roofing material. Tile roofing will not work on roofs with a sharp slope. In reality, they shouldn’t even be used on any roof with a pitch of less than 4:12. If you’re unsure of what this means for your roof, contact our roofing contractors! We’ll schedule a time to come out and inspect your roof. We can let you know what type of material we recommend or simply answer any questions you have.
Pros:
- Durable & long lasting
- Energy efficient
- Lots of options (clay, concrete, or slate) and styles
Cons:
- Significantly more expensive than asphalt shingle
- Installation is difficult (hire a well trained professional roofer!)
- Maintenance is expensive
Best for Longevity: Tile Roofing
Overall, tile roofing is the best option in terms of longevity. You can rest easy knowing that once your tile roof is insured, you probably won’t have to replace it again for over 100 years! That’s way longer than you’ll ever own the home. By the time your house needs a new tile roof, it will be someone else’s project to deal with.
Clay Tile Roofing
Clay tiles will last about 100 years. Even if you need to replace the tiles in your clay tile roof, once you do, your roof will be back to its high structural integrity. You don’t have to worry about further damage.
To make the tiles for clay tile roofing, the clay is baked at high temperatures to strengthen it, making it impenetrable. Clay is also an eco-friendly roofing material, which many people find to be advantageous.
Additionally, clay tiling is significantly lighter than concrete tile, weighing about 40% less. This makes it easier to install than concrete tile.
Concrete Tile Roofing
Concrete tile roofing will last for about 50 years on your home. Concrete tile is the more common tile roofing choice for residents in Lakeland and Florida in general. Concrete tile is very versatile and comes in different textures. With concrete tile, you can add a little bit more style to your roof!
Concrete tile is extremely versatile, too. Concrete tile outperforms clay in colder climates and holds up to very low temperatures quite well, making it more versatile in any climate.
Comparing Your Roof Estimate Prices
Be sure to shop around and compare prices from different roofing companies. Most Florida roofing companies will do a free estimate so that you can get an idea of what it will cost for a new roof. However, you may find that a different roofer gives you a much lower price.
If you notice a significant difference between your estimates, don’t be afraid to ask your roofing contractors what the reasons for the price differences are. Any roofing company that you work with should be willing to provide total transparency. So if you see an estimate that is much lower than other companies, be careful. Do your research to find out if the company tacks on hidden or surprise costs to their customers quotes.
Comparing roof estimates can also give you an idea of the type of people you want to work with. When a roofer comes to your home to inspect your roof, you’ll likely have lots of questions for them. Pay attention to how they answer. Is your roofing contractor happily willing to answer all your questions? Or are they hesitant?
Work With a Roofer Your Can Trust
Our roofing company has many years of experience in repairing roofs and installing high quality new roofs in and around Lakeland, FL. If you need roof repair or roof replacement done on your home, call Residential Roofing Depot today. We’ll schedule a time to come and do a free roof inspection and offer a free roof estimate.
After you get your inspection with us, and choose us as your roofing company, we’ll be with you until well after your roof replacement is complete. If you ever have any questions during the process, we’re here to answer them for you.
Whether it is about the quality of the roofing material or the quality of the installation, we provide you with the best of the best. You can feel confident that our roofing technicians will carry out the entire project with utmost competence, skills and professionalism.
Work with a roofer you can trust. Residential Roofing Depot offers the best roofing services in & near Lakeland, FL.
