The Lifespan of Roofing Materials

Roofs are an essential part of your home. Thus, whether you are re-roofing it or installing a new roof altogether, your investment in the roofing materials has a direct correlation to the life of your roof. You may choose from a variety of roofing materials, varying from terracotta, cement, tile or metal roofs. The extremely durable and long-lasting materials include concrete, clay or slate tiles, which outperforms other natural products like wood shakes. Metal roofs, another kind of roofing material, have a good lifespan. 

The other key aspects that must be kept in mind while finalising the roofing material are:

• Regional weather conditions
• Design of the building
• Amount of routine maintenance
• Quality of the roofing materials.

Conditions like these signify the lifespan of the roofing materials.  

Our roof restoration Melbourne experts listed out some of the popular roofing materials and their longevity in Australia today.

• Clay or Cement Tile Roofs

Clay/Cement tile roofs are quite popular in Southwest Australia but can be found around the country. They have incredible strength and durability. In tile roofs as well, there are various roofing materials such as terracotta clay, ceramic tile roofs (made from fired clay) and concrete tile roofs. 

The tiled roof consists of individual tiles in an overlapping pattern over the roof surface. The different materials have roughly the same degree of strength and durability. However, they require a sturdy frame, which is able to hold the weights of the tiles. For proper installation, you should take the help of roof restoration experts. 

Post-installation, clay tile roofs last almost 100 years or at times even more. However, it does require maintenance for replacing the broken or missing tiles. Also, the roof needs to be cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of dirt or mould and moss.

• Metal Roofs

Metals roofs have experienced increasing popularity amongst the residents in Australia. Standing seam metal roofs are made of large steel panels that are laid on the roof deck, with overlapping seams. These seams overlap in raised ridges that run vertically all along the slope. 

Metal roofs comprise various roofing materials such as aluminium and steel. Copper and zinc are also used as roofing material, with copper being the most expensive metal. Such roofs are very durable with few maintenance requirements over time.   

The average lifespan of metal roofs is 30 to 50 years. However, if it’s well maintained, it can last for almost 75 years. It might look expensive at the time of installation, but in the long run, it will provide low maintenance costs.  

• Slate Tile Roof

Popular for its beauty, slate tile roofing is one of the quality roofings in Australia. They are completely fire-proof and quite weather-resistant to temperature severities. Additionally, slate tiles are not affected by fungus and mould. 

However, if it isn’t installed appropriately, it may cost you a significant amount. It can last five times more than ordinary roofing materials, but great care needs to be taken as they are known to be fragile and difficult to install. They are also one of the most expensive roofing solutions.