The value of your home is heavily dependent on the type, quality, and longevity of your roof. Sometimes design also plays a crucial role in a home’s overall value since it enhances its aesthetics. However, the type of your roof, the material used, workmanship, among other factors, determine how long it will stand.
Here are some different types of roofs, average lifespan, average costs, and what you can do to make each last longer.
- Rubber Roof
- Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roof
- Wood Shingle Roof
- Asphalt Shingles Roof
- Synthetic Roof
- Metal & Steel Roof
- Slate Roof
- Clay Roof
- Tile & Concrete Roof
- What Affects the Lifespan of a Roof?
- How Can You Prolong the Lifespan of Your Roof?
- Work with Axe Roofing
1. Rubber Roof (EPDM)
Rubber Roofs are more common in homes or commercial buildings with flat or low slope roofs. They come in different thickness, and this greatly affecting the life expectancy. If done expertly, a rubber roof can last up to 30 years—high-quality materials.
- Average lifespan: 15-30 years
- Installation costs: Around $3 to $16 per square foot
2. Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
Thermoplastic Polyolefin are the most common in commercial buildings with flat or low slope roofs. They come in different thickness and can be mechanically attached or fully adhered, depending on the combination will determine the lifespan. TPO roofs can be coated to extend their life expectancy.
- Average lifespan: 20-30 years
- Installation costs: Around $5 to $25 per square foot
3. Wood Shingle Roof
Wooden roofs are made of thin, wedge-shaped pieces of natural wood. Cedar and pine are typical examples of such wood which can provide decent roofing materials in the form of sawn logs. Although they are attractive and durable, they can be susceptible to insects, pests, and rot. Depending on if you live in an area here in Colorado that is prone to wildfires, a wooden roof may not be the best choice.
- Average lifespan: 15-20 years
- Installation costs: Around $7 to $16 per square foot
4. Asphalt Shingles Roof
The most commonly used type of roofing is asphalt shingles. They can be made of organic asphalt-coated fiberglass with an exposed surface made with small chips of slate, quartz, schist, or ceramic granules. Asphalt shingles are relatively cheaper when compared to other roof types and is easy to install. They are also very light and usually the best choice for the average home.
- Average lifespan: 15-40 years
- Installation costs: Around $5 per square foot
5. Synthetic Roof
Synthetic slate roofs are typically made of a combination of rubber and plastic materials. They can also be made of polymers, fiber cement, clay, asphalt, or steel. F-Wave, CeDUR and Enviroshake are examples of synthetic slate roofs. They each have different strength levels and characteristics.
- 2.1 F-Wave Shingles: F-wave slate shingles are modern synthetic roofing solutions produced by the F-Wave Roofing Company. They are durable, low maintenance, and have a 5-year hail coverage guarantee. They have a Class IV impact rating with a Class A Fire and Class 4 Hail Rating. F-wave shingles come in various colors and styles, including Charcoal Blend, Woodland Estate, Colonial Estate, Sonoma Estate, Birchwood Blend, Hampton Estate, and Harvest Blend.
- Average lifespan: 30-50 years
- Installation costs: Around $9 to $18 per square foot
- 2.2 CeDUR Roofs: CeDUR roofs are one of the most aesthetically appealing roofs and the most luxurious. They look like real wood, yet they are fire-resistant and maintenance-free. The cost depends on the type or grade of cedar shingles used, and the prevailing weather conditions determine its life expectancy.
- Average lifespan: 30-50 years
- Installation costs: Around $14 to $18 per square foot
- 2.3 Enviroshake Roofs: Enviroshake roofs are both eco-friendly and aesthetically appealing. It comes in various shades of colors that resemble natural cedar and slate roofing. They are maintenance-free and are made to withstand extreme weather of all types. They also come with a lifetime warranty.
- Average lifespan: 15-50 years
- Installation costs: Around $11 to $18 per square foot
6. Metal & Steel Roof
Metal or steel roofs are more prevalent where the area is susceptible to wildfires. It’s also a cheaper alternative compared to wood and a little more than asphalt shingles roofing. Made of large metal, steel, or aluminum panels, this type of roofing is highly durable and requires low maintenance.
- Average lifespan: 50-100+ years
- Installation costs: Around $13 per square foot
7. Slate Roof
Slate is another type of stone roof. However, unlike fired or traditional molded clay, slates are real stone roofs made from quarry-mined rocks. Slate roofs are quite expensive and require skilled installation by trained roofing professionals. Since they are natural stones, they are highly durable and require little to no maintenance. Since they are expensive, slate roofs are typically used in large estates and luxury homes and can last up to 200 years.
- Average lifespan: 50+ years
- Installation costs: Around $25 to $75 per square foot
8. Clay Roof
Clay roofs are mostly popular in the southwest United States and are some of the most durable roofing types. The traditional clay tiles are made of terracotta or fired clay. The roof requires skilled professional installation since they are installed in overlapping positions over the roof’s surface. They also need more robust roofing frames to support the weight of the clay.
- Average lifespan: 100+ years
- Installation costs: Around $15 to $20 per square foot
9. Tile & Concrete Roof
Tiled or concrete roofs are a great option for areas with a hot climate or salty air. They can also withstand hail, strong winds, and of course, fire. Additionally, they can last up to a hundred years. Tiled roofs are low maintenance roofs, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly.
- Average lifespan: 100+ years
- Installation costs: $3 to $5 per square foot
What Affects the Lifespan of a Roof?
Several factors determine how long a roof will last. For instance, weather elements can cause a thatched or synthetic roof to deteriorate faster. Similarly, poor quality materials, workmanship, and human damage can destroy your roof much quicker. Therefore, working with the best quality materials and roofing specialists can ensure a durable roof no matter the materials used.
How Can You Prolong the Lifespan of Your Roof?
Proper maintenance of your roof can significantly improve its lifespan. For instance, wood, thatched synthetic, and metal roofs are susceptible to wear and tear from natural elements. Replacing worn-out or cracked roof parts can prevent further damage. You can also have a roofing expert conduct regular inspections after a thunderstorm or hailstorms and do the necessary repairs. Lastly, invest in long-lasting materials and expert installation to ensure that your roof will last for a long time.
Work with Axe Roofing
When it comes to selecting a long-lasting roofing material for your home, you don’t need to make this decision alone. Remember to go with a reputable roofing expert, such as Axe Roofing. We ensure that roof installations are done correctly to increase the chances that it will last for years to come.
We will also educate and guide you through which roofs last the longest and which one makes the most sense for you based on the pros and cons. On top of that, we also offer complimentary upgrades to maintain your roof’s integrity. These upgrades include an ice and water shield, new pipe jacks, synthetic underlayment, and new flashing and proper ventilation.
If that’s not enough, we offer free consultations, easy financing, and will help explain how roof insurance claims work. That’s because choosing the right material within your budget and for your home is an important decision. We will help you through the process from beginning to end. Our quality materials and installation help you achieve long-lasting durability on your roof.
Our experts will be happy to discuss with you the best roofing material option in the Broomfield CO and surrounding areas. Contact us today!
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