What Kind of Roof Lasts the Longest?
The roof is the first line of defence against harsh weather and other environmental hazards. Keeping it in good condition needs proper maintenance and ensuring that you got the best roof material that will prove its longevity.
How can we determine the longest running roof if we don’t know the existing roof types? It is only logical to know beforehand what type of roof we have on our homes and how such material has withstood harsh weather and other environmental factors that damage the roof.
If your roof is nearing its end and your suspecting for a replacement, this is the best time to canvass for roof type information for it will help you to have a roof that will serve your home for many years to come. This is also the perfect time if you are into building a new home. It is a very rewarding experience to decide on a new roof while embarking on your new house construction.
The most popular roof types
In the UK, homes and commercial structures employ roofs of different tile material, based on the pitch of the existing roof. You can either use flat roofing or the pitch (angled) roofing. But these styles depend whether your building is a commercial or residential type.
Owners of commercial establishments prefer the flat roofing system because the structure occupies a wider and larger area. It is only reasonable to use the flat roofing system for many beneficial purposes (such as placing the HVAC on the rooftop or converting the place into a habitable or usable space). It is very unusual to use tile roofing for this setting.
If in case your roof is flat, what do you think are the materials that are highly durable and dependable for many years?
Can we go for flat roofing materials?
There are different types of coverings intended for flat roofs. Let us take a quick look:
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) single-ply membrane—Known for durability against wind, fire, and chemicals and requires less maintenance. The greatest advantage of PVC roof membrane is its long life and resistance to moisture. Moisture, as known in the building industry, is the prime culprit to all kinds of structure damage. The strength of PVC makes it impermeable to moisture.
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply membrane and EPDM—Best against harsh weather. TPO is known for its energy efficiency, reflecting UV rays with its bright colour, reinforcing proper insulation.
Felt (asphalt)—made of layered bitumen, economical, lasts for around 30 years but build cracks due to heat
Fiberglass or glass reinforced polyester (GRP)—A GRP flat roof is made of composite material combining plastic with fibers of glass. It is regarded as one of the most popular flat roofing types in the UK.
Roofing material affects a roof’s age
Way back in the mid-century, or even before that, the oldest structures used slate tiles for their roofs. Slate roofs are formidable roof materials because they withstood the test of time. They are known for their longevity (more than a hundred years perhaps?), beauty, elegance, and adopted by builders and property owners for their extreme resistance against any form of damage. The two most qualified downsides of slate tiles are price and weight. But who cares for the price if you can afford it. For the weight, it takes a skilful engineer to assess your framing to see if it’s sufficient to withstand the weight. Poor workmanship will produce a weak roof and wasted investment.
With the change of time, modern builders have found a way to innovate. Thus synthetic slates were made, which are less heavy, but with the same elegance with a price more practical.
Other tile materials to choose from include clay, cement or concrete, and metal. Based on how they are manufactured, each possesses its pros and cons. But what matters is on how builders build for the integrity of the whole structure.
Roofs’ ages typically range from 20 to 100 years. The list below will give us the insight to choose what we like, given due consideration of all roofing and building aspects. Birmingham Roofers has all the in-depth information on all types of roof.
- Cedar—approximately 20 years
- Concrete—100 years
- Composite—20+ years
- Asphalt—15 to 30 years
- Metal—50 to 75 years
- Rubber—30 to 50 years
Final words
Reliable roofers in Birmingham can guide you in your hunting for the best roof for your home or business. Our expert roofers, whether you need a roof repair or roofing replacement, are here to help. You can be assured of the 100% workmanship and working integrity of our experienced roofing contractors. Call us now, and we will be more than happy to help.
