What type of roof lasts the longest? This is a question we get asked a lot at Elite Exteriors, and understandably so. A roof replacement is a large investment, and homeowners want to make sure they get the maximum years out of their new roof.
We have a lot of experience guiding homeowners through this process, providing impartial information so that they can make an education decision on the roofing materials that are right for them. In this article, we reveal what type of roof lasts the longest, and everything you need to know about it.
Table of Contents
– What Type of Roof Lasts the Longest?
– About Slate Roofing
– Cost
– Weight
– Installation
– Warranty
– How to Ensure a Long-Lasting Roof
What Type of Roof Lasts the Longest?
So, what type of roof lasts the longest? Slate. This premium roofing system is made up mostly of natural slate tiles and natural slate roofing materials, and can last anywhere from 75 to over 100 years!
For most people, a slate roof will be their first roof and their last roof. Slate roofs are considered lifetime roofs, especially if it’s installed properly, and has adequate attic ventilation. This is why it is so important to hire a vetted roofer with slate installation experience, but we will get into that later.
About Slate Roofing
Slate itself is created when fine clay is compressed by the earth’s weight, transforming it into shale, and then into slate over time. They are usually mined in large slabs, and these pieces of slate can be sawn or split until the desired dimensions are reached. They are then used for a variety of projects, from countertops to roofing shingles.
People have recognized slate as a durable roofing material for centuries. In fact, the first recorded private home with a slate roof was found in North Wales, England, circa 1300A.D. Known for its ability to withstand the elements, longevity, and amazing aesthetic appeal, slate roofs made their way to America in the 1600s, and have been increasingly popular ever since.
Now that we know slate is the type of roof that lasts the longest, and why this style of roof is so appealing, let’s get into the details. The following information will help you decide if a slate roof is right for you. Keep reading and discover four things that every homeowner should know about slate roofing, including cost, its weight, the installation process, and warranties.
Cost
We know what type of roof lasts the longest, but how much does it cost? Slate roofs are made of premium roofing materials. They are durable, beautiful, and are definitely a great investment in terms of lifespan. However, slate roofing materials do come with a hefty price tag.
In fact, a slate roof costs nearly four times more than your common asphalt roof. You can expect labor and materials to cost anywhere from $15.00-$30.00 per square foot. This price will vary depending on the size of your roof, accessibility, and other factors that affect cost.
Weight
When learning about what type of roof lasts the longest, we’d be remiss to not discuss a slate roof’s weight factor. Slate itself is extremely heavy, making slate roofs incredibly heavy, as well. This is important to consider when deciding if slate is right for you, because your home must be able to withstand the weight.
If your home is unable to handle the weight of a slate roof, then you will have to retrofit it. Retrofitting must be done before the roof can be installed, and requires approval from a structural engineer to do so. If you must have your home retrofitted, just know it can be costly, and will increase the total cost of your roof replacement.
If a slate roof is the right roof for you, be sure to ask your roofing contractor if your home can withstand its weight, and how retrofitting will impact cost. Your contractor will be able to go over everything with you, and even provide alternatives, like composite slate, for example. This will help with the decision-making process, and leave you with a new roof you’re proud of.
Installation
When it comes to what type of roof lasts the longest, let’s discuss the installation process. Installing a slate roof is tedious, as each and every slate tile has to be handled very carefully. The tiles themselves are breakable, and can be difficult to install for someone without experience.
This is why it is so crucial to hire a roofing contractor that has experience working on slate tiles. Roofers must know how to handle the tiles themselves, but also how to walk on slate roofs without breaking said tiles. It takes a certain level of skill and training to properly install a slate roof.
You may be asking, “why is this important?” Well, if the roofer you hire does not have experience with slate roofs, the slate tiles may break and crack. This leads to problems, like leaks, and can greatly diminish your roof’s lifespan. As you can see, the contractor you hire to get the job done plays a vital role in the longevity of your slate roof.
Warranty
We know what type of roof lasts the longest, how much it costs, its weight and the importance of proper installation, but let’s discuss warranties. Warranties are created for homeowners to protect their roof investment. Depending on the roofing material you select and the contractor that you work with, you should have a materials warranty and a workmanship warranty.
No matter what, you should always work with a company who offers a workmanship warranty. This shows they stand behind their work. It also covers you from issues that may arise due to the installation process, whether it’s poor craftsmanship, laziness, carelessness, or something else.
Manufacturers will offer a materials warranty on their products, as well, covering any manufacturer defects. However, because slate tiles are naturally made, there is no manufacturer materials warranty on the slate roofing materials themselves. So, without a materials warranty, all you can fall back on is your workmanship warranty if there is a problem with your roof.
This is yet another reason why it’s so important to choose your contractor carefully. You will want to be sure that they offer a workmanship warranty and stand behind their work. Workmanship warranties come in all shapes and sizes, and we highly recommend working with a contractor that offers long lasting or lifetime warranties.
How to Ensure a Long-Lasting Roof
So, what type of roof lasts the longest? Slate roofs have the longest life expectancy of any other roofing materials out there. They are a great investment, as they are durable, built to last, aesthetically appealing, and are sure to increase your home’s value.
If a slate roof isn’t a good fit for you, rest assured, there are plenty of other beautiful roofing systems out there that are tough and long lasting. There are also plenty of ways that you, as a homeowner, can ensure the maximum years out of your roof investment. Choosing a reputable contractor, for example, has the biggest impact on every aspect of your roof, present and future. This will practically guarantee that your roof lasts as long as the materials hold up, reaching its full lifespan.
When working with a vetted and experienced contractor, you can be sure they will use proper installation techniques. This means you don’t have to worry about poor workmanship, not having proper attic ventilation, not using the right nailing materials and procedures, and that the installation itself will take place during the right weather conditions. All of this is key in creating a roof that doesn’t constantly need repairs or doesn’t last as long as anticipated.
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Whether it’s slate, composite, asphalt, or another roofing material, you can count on Elite Exteriors. Our qualified staff is composed of installation experts, who take pride in building roofs that are durable and long-lasting with curb appeal. We stand behind our work, and would love the opportunity to be your guide through the roof replacement process.
Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier resource for unparalleled service, craftsmanship and quality. And it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! Not only that, we offer NO-COST initial consultations and inspections. Are you ready to see what Elite Exteriors can do for you and your home? Give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or click here to fill out an online form.