Which Roofing Materials Last the Longest?

Remodeling projects can be some of the most expensive investments you will make in your lifetime; second only to the purchase of your own home and a new car. Added to that price is the top quality materials that should be used on your roof to protect it for years to come. Here’s how to choose the best roof for your home.

Choosing Your Roofing Materials

Asphalt Roofing

Asphalt roofing rolls use small flat pitches, angled and rolled out in strips across the roof. Asphalt roofing is fairly easy to install and can be cost-effective for a lot of people doing it themselves. It is not a terrific material for home roofs and works better for non-home spaces such as garages and sheds. Asphalt roofing lasts for up to 10 years and requires the buyer to keep it clear of moss and other debris on the roof.

A 2,000 square foot house will average $2.25 per square foot, with a total average cost of $4,500 for the entire home.

Built-Up Roofing

Built-up roofing (BUR) alternates roofing materials, fiberglass, and tar. Built-up roofing is good for roofs that are flat with little angle. Built-up roofs can last up to 30 years if they are kept repaired and in good condition.

BUR roofs cost about $4.00 per square foot with a 2,000-foot house close to $8,000 to do. This roof is not good for a roof with an extreme slope.

Composite Asphalt Shingle Roof

The composite roof has organic materials mixed with asphalt and chips or graduals of ceramic or slate. It is a low-cost roof that has a relatively long life. The composite roof averages up to 40 even 50 years if well cared for.

Costing around $5.00 a section, a 2,000 square foot house will cost $11,000 to put on.

Wood Shingle Roof

Wood shingles are not easy to install for the average person and are more of a fire hazard in some regions. Made of Cedar or yellow pine, the can provide a good insulating layer to any home. The average wood shingle roof will last up to 30 years if the roof cared for overtime. High maintenance roofing can enable the roof to last 50 years.

Wood shingles are more expensive than other types of materials and, depending on the type of wood, can cost up to $11.00 per square foot; with a 2,200 square foot home costing $19,800 to complete.

Making Your Decision

The better the quality the roofing materials is the more it will cost to replace. Choosing roofing materials based only on price will not last nearly as long. A good quality roof should last 20 to 30 years. A roof of lesser quality can expect to last maybe 8 years.

At Landmark Exteriors, we’re the experts in choosing the right roof for your home. Our Cedar-Life roofing materials are the best in Connecticut. Cedar-Life delays the onset or return of mildew and algae and will improve the structural integrity of the roof or siding.  To book a consult or for any questions, please call us. (203) 838-3838

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