What Is The Longest Lasting Roof Material?

Leaks and missing shingles, oh my! Has your roof reached the end of its lifespan?

Discovering that it's time to replace your home's roof is rarely cause for celebration, but it can be an opportunity to invest in a long-lasting and attractive solution for the future. And, because a new roof is one of the biggest expenses associated with standard home maintenance, many homeowners do careful research before deciding how to move forward. At STAR Builders, one of the most common questions we get from customers and clients is, "What is the longest lasting roof material?"

In this post, we'll see that there's not necessarily a one-size-fits-all answer. Roof longevity is impacted by a whole host of different factors. That being said, the roofing materials STAR Building Materials carries are all long-lasting and have their own unique advantages (and potential drawbacks).

Let's take a closer look!

What Factors Affect the Longevity of a Roof?

Investing in a durable, high-quality roofing material is key to getting the most out of a new roof, but it's not the only thing that will determine how long one may last. No matter the life expectancy provided by the product manufacturer for any given roofing material, its actual longevity will be dictated by real-life conditions such as:

Weather and Climate

Sun exposure, freezing temperatures, moisture levels, high winds, and more can all impact the lifespan of your roof. In Winnipeg and the surrounding areas, seasonal temperature fluctuations are a major consideration to keep in mind.

Maintenance

Even the most robust roofing materials may begin to deteriorate if proper maintenance isn't carried out. Roof maintenance doesn't have to be time-consuming, but tasks like visual inspections and the removal of snow and debris (as necessary) should be carried out on a regular basis to ensure issues aren't overlooked.

Design of Your Home

A complex roof with many angles may be visually stunning, but it can also limit your selection of roofing material and the length of time it may last.

Quality of Roofing Materials and Installation

Investing in high-quality materials and working with an experienced and reputable installer will greatly increase the longevity of your roof. While it may be tempting to cut corners financially at the time of installation, it may actually cost you much more in the long run.

Roofing Materials Unpacked

When selecting the right material for your new roof, there are a lot of considerations to keep in mind. In addition to a roofing material's longevity and durability, you'll also want to consider its price, aesthetics, potential insurance benefits, ease of repair, the value it will add to your home, and more.

Asphalt Shingles

Accounting for by far the largest share of the roofing materials market in Canada, asphalt shingle roofs are a standard sight in Winnipeg neighbourhoods. As their name implies, asphalt shingles are made up largely of asphalt, which is integrated onto a base mat made of organic or inorganic materials (usually glass or cellulose fibres).

Pros

• Economical
• Simple to install
• Plenty of experienced installers
• Suitable for complex roof designs
• Can be walked on
• Wide selection of colours and styles available

Cons

• Requires periodic maintenance (keep clear of debris, ensure water isn't seeping through flashing, check for loose shingles, mould, moss, rot, and more)
• Shorter lifespan than some roofing materials (especially cheap asphalt shingles)
• Not known for being an ecologically friendly option

How long will an asphalt shingle roof last?

Depending on the quality of asphalt shingles you invest in, the climate you live in, and the amount of energy you spend maintaining your roof, an asphalt shingle roof can last anywhere from about fifteen to fifty years. For many asphalt shingles, a 25-year warranty is standard, but many premium grades of asphalt shingles now offer a 50-year warranty.

Metal Roofing

Durable and long-lasting, metal roofs are an increasingly popular roofing option in Canada. Aside from being highly functional, they're also trendy and can be installed in a spectrum of different colours and styles. If longevity is your main concern, many roofing experts recommend standing seam metal roofs.

Pros

• Durable and long-lasting
• Attractive and comes in a wide range of colour and style options
• Minimal maintenance required
• Environmentally-sustainable option
• Energy efficient
• Lightweight (aluminum roofing)

Cons

• Slippery to walk on
• Difficult to repair
• Not suitable for complex roof designs
• Can be expensive
• Can dent easily
• Can be noisy
• Experienced installers less plentiful

How long will a metal roof last?

On average, an aluminum roof will last approximately fifty years. Though not necessarily a lifetime, this may well be longer than the amount of time you plan to spend living in your house.

Wood Shingles

Pros

• Long-lasting when properly installed and maintained
• Can be walked on
• Suitable for complex roof designs
• Experienced installers are plentiful
• Environmentally-sustainable option
• Straightforward to repair

Cons

• Regular maintenance necessary (keep clear of leaves and debris)
• Can be prone to risks like fire, insects, and rot
• All natural colours fade to grey within about 12 months
• Expansion, contraction, and uneven drying can cause cracking or warping

How long will a wood shingle roof last?

When installed and maintained properly, a cedar shingle roof can last anywhere from thirty to fifty years—and sometimes more. Regular inspection and care can greatly enhance the lifespan of your wood shingle roof.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that many factors go into determining how long-lasting a new roof will be. While metal roofing is often considered to be a highly durable option, high-quality asphalt or cedar shingles may last just as long if installed and maintained properly.

Many considerations go into determining the right roofing material for your needs and circumstances. For more information about roofing supplies in Winnipeg, get in touch with the experienced and friendly team at STAR Building Materials directly!