Composite Shingles
Lifespan: 15-50 Years
Even though composite shingles are the most popular roofing material, they last the least amount of time. They are the least expensive to purchase and install, which has led to their popularity. The lifespan prediction range is so wide due to the huge variations in quality of the material. Premium manufacturers offer higher quality products that include warranties based on the product you choose.
How to make it last longer:
Wood Shingles
Lifespan: 25 years
Not to be confused with wood shakes (see below), wood shingles are sawn from the log, so they are thin and flat. Wood is an organic building material, so at the end of its life it can be recycled into mulch and chips, but it’s also prone to weathering and decay.
How to make it last longer:
Standing Seam Metal
Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
Metal roofing is resistant to fire, mildew, insects and rot. It is also lightweight compared to other roofing materials with similar longevity.
How to make it last longer:
Wood Shakes
Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
Not to be confused with wood shingles (see above), wood shakes are either split or sawn from the log. They are thicker and can stand up to weather and UV rays better than thin wood shingles.
How to make it last longer:
Clay (Spanish) Tile
Lifespan: 100 years
Clay tiles are very durable. There are Spanish tile roofs from the old California missions in the late 1700s that are still going strong, and some that are even older throughout Spain and South America.
How to make it last longer:
Slate
Lifespan: 100+ years
Slate is the most durable roofing material available. There are roofs from Shakespearean times still working efficiently. Slate is real stone, laid down thick on the roof, so an adequate truss strength is required to hold up this heavy load.
Make it last longer:
Call Blackstone Exteriors if you have any questions about your available roofing materials options, or would like a free estimate.