Your roof provides vital protection against sun, rain, and other damaging weather. So when you’re considering a roof replacement, it makes sense to choose materials that not only look good, but also give you the performance you deserve.
If your roof is durable enough, you might never have to replace it again. Isn’t that worth the investment in the right product and the right roofing company?
Here’s what to know about finding the most lasting roofing material for your home.
Why It’s So Important to Have a Durable Roof
Even the slightest damage to your roof can cause problems for homeowners. A small hole is enough to:
- Invite a leak that creates wood rot, ruins insulation, and spawns the growth of unhealthy mold.
- Result in the escape of heated/cooled air through the roof, driving up utility bills.
- Open up a pathway for pests like squirrels, raccoons and mice to nest in your attic.
- Expose your home’s structure to the elements, weakening its wood frame and lowering your property’s overall value.
A strong roof that’s made and installed to last means you have a lot less to worry about in terms of damage from debris, winds, hail—and even age—that would lead to issues like these.
Longer-Lasting Materials Create Stronger Return on Your Investment
Making the most of your money is essential, right? Replacing a roof is a significant investment, and you deserve to know you’re getting the most value for what you’re spending. Selecting a highly durable material ensures you’ll enjoy decades of protection from your roof.
Factors that Increase a Roofing Material’s Durability
Imagine the peace of mind that comes from knowing your new roofing will last for decades with minimal upkeep required. As you consider your options, keep these features in mind:
Makeup
Some materials are simply longer-lasting than others. Wood shakes are more vulnerable to the elements, while clay and slate are lasting but pricey. Asphalt is more affordable and can be recycled into pavement, while metal is very durable and eco-friendly.
Impact Resistance
One of the main ways to compare different roofing options is their weather-resistant ratings. For lasting durability, look for roofing that has a high impact resistance rating (ideally Class 4, the top rating). This indicates it will perform well during hailstorms.
Other Durability Features
Some roofing types come with specialty coatings that protect against wear and UV rays. Or, they may be installed in layer-like designs—such as standing seam metal panels—that create added protection against moisture intrusion.
Top Choices in Durable Roofing Materials for Your Home
Asphalt Shakes and Slate-Like Shingles
Asphalt roofing is practical, adaptable and appealing—with a lifespan of 20-30 years, sometimes longer. It comes in the form of shakes (traditional squarish shapes) as well as a slate-like design that mimics clay or ceramic without the added weight and expense.
There are many asphalt product lines—so ensure you’re selecting one that delivers true durability. We install CertainTeed asphalt shingles and Malarkey architectural shake shingles due to their strong and proven performance. Consider these other benefits they offer:
- Long-lasting design options. When looking for durability, opt for either architectural shingles or luxury shingles. (While low-end 3-tab asphalt shingles don’t offer a lot of choices, architectural and luxury roof shingles do—so they’re preferable.)
- Architectural shakes are thick and substantial, giving your roof added strength and visual style.
- Luxury shakes are specially manufactured to yield lasting endurance against weather elements, and they come in sophisticated colors and textures.
- Weather resistance. Premium asphalt roofing is designed to withstand the elements, such as hail and high winds.
- Algae resistance. Since moisture, shade, and trees can add up to algae forming on your roof, look for roofing that is treated to resist this annoying growth. CertainTeed offers this among its asphalt shingle lines.
At Iron River Construction, we are CertainTeed ShingleMaster Certified and we also provide an extended, 40-year prorated warranty for our CertainTeed installations to add to your peace of mind in your roof’s lasting durability.
Metal Shakes and Slate-Like Shingles
When your goal is to install a roof that is environmentally sustainable as well as attractive and durable, metal is a winning material. Once a staple for commercial uses, metal roofs today are highly sophisticated and customizable—ideal for residential homes.
EDCO metal roofing stands out as a top performer, which is why we install it. This premium material comes in both shake and slate-like styles, and you’ll appreciate its many advantages:
- Lasting performance. Metal roofs like this last at least 50 years, and often longer—so it’ll very likely be the last roof replacement you ever have to make.
- Lightweight design. While metal might sound like it’s heavy—it’s not. It is light enough to put no structural pressure on your house, but still sturdy enough to resist wear and weather.
- Storm and fire resistance. Metal roofing stands up beautifully against high winds, heavy rain, ice, hail, and UV rays. And it doesn’t combust, so it helps protect your house in case of a fire.
- Comprehensive warranty. EDCO comes with a lifetime, non-prorated, limited warranty—the best in the industry—providing peace of mind.
If you have questions about roofing options other than asphalt and metal, we’d be happy to provide answers as we learn about your unique needs.
Enjoy Peace of Mind with a Beautiful, Durable Roof from Iron River Construction
Investing in a long-lasting, attractive roofing material is only one side of the coin. To ensure your home’s roof gives you enduring value and performance, you’ll want to choose the right roofer too.
At Iron River Construction, our team is dedicated to installing roofs with precision and careful attention to detail, so you can be sure you get the most out of your new roofing for years to come. We’ll educate you on your options, so you can relax and enjoy your home.
Discover our full range of roofing services for the Minneapolis area, and let us know how we can serve you!
