Durability is a key asset in any manufacturer's roofing product. Few materials that are made into roofs are designed to be only temporary measures but some offer a greater longevity than others. In most places around the world, roofs are exposed to a great deal of sunlight and rainfall. UV light, snow, ice, high temperatures and low ones can all have an impact on how long a roofing system will survive before it needs to be replaced. In temporary structures, like sheds, durability of the roof material is not such an issue. For most buildings, however, it certainly is. Read on to discover which of these common roofing products will suit your construction project the best.
Asphalt Roll-Out Roofs
These roofs offer a lifespan of about 10 years when they have been professionally fitted. They are common for flat roofs where there is not a great deal of water run-off to deal with. As such, they tend to be fitted on school hall roofs or on structures like car ports. The expected lifespan can be less if asphalt is installed in an exposed area.
Composite Shingle Roofs
These roofs have a distinctive look and are used on anything from houses to garden offices. At least 15 years of life can be expected from a composite shingle roof but much longer is often realistic. Depending on the type of composite used, half a century of constant use can be expected before any shingles need to be replaced. Some makers provide long-term warranties on these sorts of roofing products due to their proven reliability in the field.
Standing Seam Metal Roofs
These types of roofs are often used for warehouses and agricultural sheds. In addition, some architects specify it for certain dwellings because of its uniform look. When the preformed roofing product is sealed together properly by experts on site, it can easily last for up to 40 years, or even more. Maintenance is required but this is minimal – it essentially comes down to looking out for bent seams which have become misshapen due to impact.
Concrete Tiled Roofs
Common over much of North America and Europe, concrete roof tiles are a relatively cheap roofing product. Once fitted, a lifespan of 50 years is common and many tiles will exceed this. However, cracked tiles tend to occur if they are walked over or are impacted by things like hailstorms. In addition, tiles can slip on inclined roofs over time and they need to be refitted if this happens. When looked after properly, a concrete tiled roof will last a very long time indeed.