When it comes to selecting the right material for your roof, two key factors stand out: price and durability. Installing a new roof or replacing an old one is a significant investment, and naturally, you want the perfect balance. You don’t want your roof falling apart within a few months, nor do you want to break the bank.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 most durable roofing materials, helping you decide which option is best suited for your needs.
#1 Cedar shake shingles
First on our list is cedar shingles. Among the main advantages of this roof:
- Superb Insulation: Cedar has excellent insulating properties, effectively shielding your home from both heat and cold.
- Natural Ventilation: These shingles promote natural ventilation, helping regulate temperature and moisture levels within your home.
However, despite its benefits, cedar comes with its share of drawbacks. Being a coniferous tree, cedar is prone to moisture issues over time. Without proper maintenance, such as treatment every three years, moisture-related problems like rot and fungus can arise. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of cedar shingles tends to decline after three years, as the color fades. Unfortunately, Calgary’s climate doesn’t spare you from these concerns.
While cedar roofs have an average lifespan of around 30 years, assuming regular maintenance, the ongoing upkeep adds up. Cedar remains a popular choice but may not be the most cost-effective option in the long run.
#2 Slate tile roof
It’s undeniable: slate roofing is great in terms of durability. With an average lifespan of 80 years, slate roofs are in a league of their own. However, is this exceptional longevity worth the investment?
As we’ve stressed from the outset, price is a crucial factor to consider. The average cost for a slate roof fairly expensive and here’s the kicker: installing slate is no small feat. Its substantial weight requires a specialized roof structure, which can significantly drive up installation costs. For older homes, strengthening and modernizing the existing roof structure are additional expenses to contend with, potentially pushing the price up too high.
Slate roofing is primarily found adorning modern, large family mansions – a rarity in Calgary. Its installation is a meticulous and pricey, yet it has unparalleled durability and resistance to natural disasters. Once properly installed, slate roofs require minimal maintenance. However, the steep price tag may deter many homeowners from choosing this option.
#3 Composite shingles
Composite or synthetic roofing blends materials like asphalt, wood chips, fiberglass, and plastic to create a remarkably durable option. With an average lifespan of 25 years and minimal maintenance requirements, it’s an appealing choice for many homeowners. This kind of roofing in Calgary is affordable but not wildly popular.
One of its key strengths lies in its resistance to various weather conditions, including moisture, UV rays, hail, and impact from fallen debris. Additionally, synthetic roofs have high levels of protection against rot and fungus.
However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Aesthetic concerns and environmental considerations loom large with synthetic roofing. The use of plastic and similar compounds raises questions about sustainability and eco-friendliness. While there are synthetic slate options made from recycled materials, they often come at a higher cost. Furthermore, the appearance of synthetic roofs tends to degrade over time. After just five years, composite roofs can fade significantly, detracting from the overall look of the house and potentially diminishing its resale value.
#4 Metal roof
Standing seam metal roofing is renowned for its durability, with an average lifespan of 30 years. In Calgary, the metal roofing material typically doesn’t cost too much per square foot, making it an appealing option for many homeowners.
Despite its exceptional weather resistance, this type of roof does has notable drawbacks. One concern is the potential for oil contamination over time, which can mar the appearance of the roof and compromise its integrity. Additionally, the sound of heavy rainfall on a metal roof can be quite noticeable, which may be bothersome for some residents. Another drawback is the lack of insulation inherent in metal roofing systems, which can lead to energy inefficiency and higher utility bills.
Furthermore, while some consider the metal roof with standing seam to offer a modern design solution, it’s not universally embraced. Many homeowners find the aesthetic less appealing, opting for alternative roofing materials that better suit their tastes.
#5 Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing solution in Calgary and across Canada, including those installed by our company, Cityboss. Offering a balance of durability, affordability, and aesthetics, asphalt shingles are highly favored by homeowners.
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In terms of longevity, you can expect around 30 years from asphalt shingles, all at an average cost per square foot is quite reasonable – making them more budget-friendly compared to other roofing options. Aesthetically, asphalt shingles receive high marks, with many finding them visually appealing.
Moreover, asphalt shingles have an excellent resistance to various weather conditions, fungi, and other potential threats. It’s worth noting that there are different types of asphalt shingles available, including:
- Owens Corning
- Architectural
- Luxury Shingles
Each type offers its unique aesthetic and performance characteristics, with luxury shingles closely resembling the appearance of slate roofs at a fraction of the cost and with easier installation.
In conclusion
It’s clear that while a slate roof has unmatched durability lasting a long time, its practicality may be limited for average homes in Calgary. While ideal for family mansions with ample budgets, the cost and installation complexities of slate roofs make them less feasible for the average homeowner.
In light of this, asphalt shingles emerge as the practical choice for most homeowners. With a lifespan of around 30 years, easy installation, and relatively low costs per square foot, asphalt shingles strike a balance between longevity and affordability. Therefore, for the majority of homeowners in Calgary, asphalt shingles can rightfully claim the title of the best roofing materials and the longest lasting roofing material.
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