What to Know About the Most Durable Roof Material

The roof on your house or business is vital to both the integrity of the building structure and to the protection of the people inside the dwelling. Your roof will face the most trauma from the elements and the weather compared to any other part of your house; for this reason, it’s important to invest in durable roofing material.

What is the most durable type of roof? Slate roofs are the most durable type of roofing. These roofs are made from slate, which is a strong and durable metamorphic rock. Here are some qualities of slate roofing that makes it a popular choice:

• weather-resistant
• fire-resistant
• mold-resistant
• insect-resistant
• longevity
• aesthetically pleasing
• increases home value

If you’re looking for a roof that can withstand weather and is long-lasting, slate roofing may be the best option for you. While this roofing material is popular and widely used in Europe, it is becoming more and more common in the United States. To learn more about slate roofing, keep reading.

What is Slate Roofing?

Slate roofing is a type of roofing that is made of slate. Slate is a strong naturally-occurring metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rocks are the strongest types of rocks, as they are formed under heat and pressure. When it comes to slate roofing, you’ll find that each shingle is actually a rock!

While slate roofing is becoming more and more popular in the United States, it is commonly recognized on old and historical buildings throughout Europe. Believe it or not, but slate has been used for centuries as a roofing material. It was most popular in centuries passed because of its fire-resistant qualities.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Slate Roof

If you’re considering a slate roof for your house or building, it’s important to be educated about the pros and cons of the roofing material. While slate roofing is the most durable and long-lasting roofing material out there, it is also one of the most expensive materials as well. Below is a list of things to be aware of before investing in a slate roof:

Slate Roofing is One of the Longest-Lasting Roofing Materials

Did you know that slate roofing can last anywhere from 75-200 years?! That’s a long time, especially considering that asphalt roofs only last about 20 years. The reason for its longevity is that slate roofing is literally made out of a rock. The slate has already been around for 100-400 million years before it’s even been harvested to be used as a roofing material.

You may find slate roofing on many old and historical homes. Chances are that the roofing you see is the original roofing. If you’ve purchased a home that you plan on living in for the rest of your life, it makes sense to invest in durable, long-lasting slate roofing that should last for the span of time you’re in the house.

Slate Roofing is Highly Weather-Resistant

Because of its metamorphic qualities, slate roofing is resistant to the stress and trauma weather may throw its way. Whether it’s rain, hail, or wind, slate can protect your home from storm damage. Slate has high density and cannot absorb water. This quality makes slate roofing popular in wet climates, like England and other places in Europe.

If you live in an area that deals with high winds, slate roofing may be a great choice for you. Wind can lift shingles and cause them to bend and break. Slate, on the other hand, is heavy solid, meaning that it will be difficult for wind to get under the shingles to lift and break them.

Slate Roofing is Also Fire-Resistant and Mold-Resistant

Besides being weather-resistant, slate roofing is also fire-resistant and mold-resistant. In the Middle-Ages, the buildings were usually made completely from wood, which was a major fire hazard. In the cities, if one fire started, it could quickly spread from one building to another until the entire city was engulfed. People found that making homes out of stone greatly reduced the risk of fire.

Slate roofing is also mold-resistant. Mold can cause building materials to rot and weaken, which can compromise the integrity of the structure of your home. If you live in a wet climate or on a heavily shaded property, mold can be a real threat. Slate shingles can prevent mold from growing on your roof and spreading to the wooden structure of your home.

Slate Roofing Can Fix Your Insect Problem

Some bugs and insects can damage your roof and your home by eating away at roofing materials and siding on your home. Ants, bees, wood boars, and termites are some of the most common pests you’ll find bombarding your home in the warmer months. One way you can protect at least the roof of your home is by investing in slate roofing.

Since slate roofing is made from rock, insects won’t be able to eat away at it or cause damage. This will deter pests from nesting in your roof or attic. Not only can slate be used for roofing, but it can also be used for siding! If your home is constantly under attack from pests, consider investing in slate siding as well.

Slate Roofing Can Increase Home Value

If you’re looking for a way to increase the value of your home, you may consider slate roofing. Not only is slate roofing long-lasting and resistant to damage, but it also looks great! It can help make your property look more aesthetically-pleasing and classy.

Having a new roof installed on your home is said to increase home value by around $12,000…imagine the increase in home value when you install a roof that will last a lifetime and looks impressive!

Slate Roofing is One of the Most Expensive Types of Roofing

The only major downside to slate roofing is that it can be expensive to install. Slate roofs can cost anywhere from $10,000 – $25,000 depending on the size of your house. That’s no small investment. However, slate roofing can save you money in the long run since you won’t likely replace the roof or deal with repairs that most other roofing materials need.

The most popular type of roofing is asphalt roofing due to its reasonable pricing. This type of roofing usually costs $3,500 – $10,000 to install depending on the size of the roof. While that is significantly cheaper than slate roofing, asphalt roofs only last about 20 years and require regular maintenance.

Other Types of Durable Roofing Materials

While slate is by far the most durable roofing material, it can also cost you an arm and a leg to install. Other durable residential roofing materials provide more affordable options. Here is a list:

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a popular roofing material throughout the United States. While it is largely seen on older 19th-20th century houses, it is becoming more common to install on newer houses. Plus, who doesn’t love the sound of rain on a metal roof?

Metal roofing has many of the same positive qualities that slate roofing has. It lasts between 40 – 70 years and is resistant to trauma, wind, mold, fire, and insect damage. They’re also energy-efficient, as they can reflect the heat from the sun and keep your home cool.

There are a few downsides to metal roofs; if they aren’t installed correctly, they can be susceptible to severe weather damage. They can also be quite noisy when it’s raining or windy. As they age, one area of the roof may become faded, making your roof look blotchy. They can also be quite expensive to install.

Wood Shake Roofing

Wood shake roofing is when shingles are made from thick wood pieces. Due to their thickness, these shingles can be resistant to trauma and do better in extreme weather. They’re also more environmentally-friendly since they are organic matter and can decompose back into the ground when disposed of.

Wood shake roofing may require specialized servicing, as many roofers aren’t familiar with this roofing material. It can also be more susceptible to moss, mold, and mildew, which can lead to severe home damage. This roofing material usually lasts around 20 years before it needs to be replaced.

Clay Tile Roofing

When I say clay tile roofing, you probably think of the old red roofs in places like Italy and Spain. Well, this roofing is becoming more and more popular around the world! Clay tile roofing is made out of clay that has been heated and solidified to create a durable material. This roofing type can last for 100 years. It’s also another popular choice for increasing home value and completing the look of your property.

Clay tile roofing can be expensive to install, as they require a specialized roofer. The shingles can also be brittle when experiencing high impact. Clay tiles can break from being walked on, having something heavy fall on your roof, or being hit with large pieces of hail.

I hope this article was helpful to you in deciding the best durable roofing material to invest in for your home. Whether you are building a new home or working with a Tulsa roof replacement team to upgrade your current roof, there are plenty of roofing materials from which to choose. We have many articles geared towards helping you make the right home improvement decisions. Find more roofing tips from experts here!