What Roofing Materials Last the Longest?

Hello, and thanks for finding your way to our website! This is just a quick article on roofing materials, and hopefully demonstrating our knowledge will encourage you in choosing our company to fix your local Oxford roofing issues. So, let us begin.

The roof is the primary defence against the heat, wind, cold, rain, and all that make up the elements. Keeping your roof in good condition is essential, and so proper maintenance is key. However, something that is usually not spoken about, is what material is it made from in the first place? This will be elementary in judging the length of time for which your roof can survive, and how regularly it will need looking after.

If your roof is nearing its end and you suspect some roof repairs or a replacement might be in order, its best to canvas for roof type information and this will help you to keep a roof that will serve your home for many years to come. It is also the perfect time if you’re building a new home – it can be an extremely rewarding experience to decide what type of material to put on your roof and give it a bit of your personality while embarking on the planning and construction of your new home.

The most popular roof types

In the UK most homes and commercial buildings have roofs of different tile materials, built onto the pitch of the existing roof. The material you use will be greatly reliant on what style of building you have, and depend on whether your roof is a flat roof or a pitched roof, as well as whether it’s a residential home or a commercial premises.

Commercial establishment owners tend to prefer the flat roofing system because the structure occupies a wider and larger area. This can also be beneficial because you can put the HVAC on the roof or convert the area into a useable space. It is quite unusual for this type of roof to be tiled unless it’s a private residence.

The roofing materials used will affect the roof’s lifespan

Back in the middle of the century, many of the oldest structures used slate tiles for their roofs. Slate roofs are formidable roof materials because they withstand the test of time. As well as their longevity, slate tiles are also known for their beauty, their sturdiness, and being extremely resistant to any form of damage. The only two downsides are the weight and the price. If they’re within budget however, putting slate tiles on your roof will ensure it’s longevity. When considering the weight of these tiles the most important thing you can do is ensure you have an experienced workman assess your framing, as well as fit the tiles. Poor workmanship could produce a weak roof and a poor investment.

One thing to consider is that over time, modern builders have found ways to innovate. Synthetic slates are now commonly used, and these are made to be less heavy and more practical but demonstrate a similar elegance to their aged counterparts.

Other tiles to choose from include clay, concrete, cement, or a range of metals. Based on how there are manufactured, each posses their own positives and negatives. The main thing to remember alongside all of this is that it is imperative to have an experienced builder build your roof to guarantee integrity of structure.

The ages of roofs typically range from 20 to 100 years. The list below will provide some rough information for you:

Cedar: about 20 years

Composite: about 20 years

Asphalt: 15 to 30 years

Rubber: 30 to 50 years

Metal: 50 to 75 years

Concrete: up to 100 years

Slate: Possibly over 100 years

Last words

Reliable roofers in Oxford like JCM Roofers can guide you through the processes of roof repairs or new roof installations, and help you find the best roof for your home or business. Our expert roofing contractors are here to help no matter what. No job is too big or too small, so don’t hesitate to get in contact with JCM Roofers using one of the methods below. Call or email us now, we’re happy to help.