Which type of roof is most durable for living in Rockville?

The most important factor to consider when deciding what material to use for roofing is durability. When it comes to a roof, you want one that will stand the test of time, one that will provide your home with the protection it needs throughout its lifetime. A cheaply manufactured material won't be able to offer that guarantee.

Roofing material durability does not simply mean how long it will be able to withstand the elements. There are also other benefits and features to consider. How energy-efficient is the material? Does it prevent leaks and mold? Is it susceptible to weather damage?

Which Type of Roof Is the Most Durable?

All things considered, there is one material that stands above the rest. Metal alloy roofs are the most durable roofs available to homeowners today. These alloys are usually blends of steel and/or aluminum, but copper and zinc aren't uncommon either.

Metal Roofing

Metal sheets aren't exactly a new invention. In addition, it's nothing special. Despite this, it is extremely durable. Metal roofs last up to 50 years on average. It is much longer than most homeowners will stay in one place, ensuring that the roof will withstand multiple tenants.

Metal roofs are also one of the more environmentally friendly options. Metal roofs are known for their heat conductivity, which makes them a better choice for insulating than most options. You will also find it very simple to recycle the roof shingles once their lifecycle has ended.

Flat Roofs

The material of flat roofs is protected against chemical, environmental, and ultraviolet damage by rubber and polymer sealants. Metal roofing can be paired with flat roofs to increase the durability of your home. Flat roofs fall into a separate category, but they can be combined with metal roofing to increase your home's durability. It is excellent for insulation and keeps your home cool in the summer due to the reflectivity of the pigmentation in these sealants.

Other Durable Roof Options

There are still several options if metal roofing is not possible in your area. Although they're not as durable or economical as metal, they will definitely work well. 

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are your best option if money is tight. Asphalt shingles are hands-down the most cost-effective roofing material on the market, even if the best roofers charge less than $5.00 per square foot. Though, pay attention to what you get for your money. Asphalt shingles typically last only 20 years, and that assumes you live in an area without too much weather fluctuation.

Alternatively, architectural shingles could be used. There is a variation of asphalt shingles that has a slightly longer lifespan (and are therefore a bit more expensive). Unlike standard asphalt shingles, architectural shingles can last up to three decades.

Plastic Polymer Roofing

It isn't just metal polymers flooding the market. Plastic polymer roofing is also available.

Plastic polymer roofing is durable, flexible, and readily available. Easily carved in any shape or configuration, it is the ideal choice for roofs that have unique slopes and shapes. You can also paint, pigment, or otherwise colorize it to make it look however you want. Despite hail damage and other severe weather conditions, it can last for up to 50 years.

Plastic polymer roofing does have one significant difference from other plastic roofing options: it is typically much more expensive.

Slate Shingles

You may also want to consider slate shingles if you want to cover the roof of your house with something really fancy.

The best choice for a roof is slate shingles at the surface level. They are reminiscent of classic English cottages or ancient Roman villas due to their natural appearance. Though metal roofs are the only ones that can accurately claim to be fireproof, slate shingles can do the trick too. The lifespan of these tiles is up to 120 years (triple that of metal roofing, our first pick).

The life expectancy has some caveats, however. It is important to note that slate shingles are fragile despite their stone-like appearance (and their actual stone content). It doesn't take much to damage a slate shingle, whether it's severe weather, falling limbs, or rowdy squirrels and birds. A cracked shingle quickly leads to the cracking of the rest, due to their configuration.

If your home has experienced leaks from an old or damaged roof, which has caused water damage or mold growth, contact Restoration1 of Rockville today.