What roofing materials last the longest?

What roofing materials last the longest?

by Roof TypesRoofing

What roofing materials last the longest?

When it comes to fixing your roof or installing a brand new roof, you want to choose materials that are going to last. While some roofing materials may seem like the perfect choice because they’re super affordable, you might have to replace them sooner than you’d think. Other materials on the market can last more than 50 years if maintained properly but could be too pricey for your budget. In this blog post, we will dive into some of the longest lasting roofing materials.

1. Slate

Slate is arguably the longest lasting roofing material you can choose from. Some soft slate materials will last 50 years while other harder slates will last up to 200 years. Slate is a natural substance that comes from clay and volcanic dust, also known as metamorphic rock. Slate roofs have been around for thousands of years, acting as one of the most durable and long lasting materials on the market. Because it is a stone, slate is fire resistant. This makes it a popular choice for people living in climates with harsh weather conditions such as strong winds.

If you’re searching for a sleek and beautiful roof that will last you a very long time, slate could be for you. However, because slate is a premium roofing material, it is very costly. This is because it is hard to install, it is very heavy and it’s fragile. That’s why it is important to hire a knowledgeable professional for the job because not everyone knows how to install slate roofs.

On a positive note, if you can afford the initial installation, you won’t need to worry about too much maintenance. That’s because slate is durable and does not require lots of upkeep, other than regular inspections and cleaning. Slate is available in many different colors and shapes, offering plenty of options for homeowners seeking different appearances. Slate is built to last which is why despite its high cost, it is seen as a valuable investment.

2. Metal

Another great long lasting and low maintenance roofing material is metal. Metal roofs have become increasingly popular among both residential and commercial building owners because of their longevity. They are on the more expensive side but luckily they can last up to 50 years if installed correctly. One of the greatest benefits of a metal roof is their inability to rot and grow mold. This also means insects will not impact the structure, like they sometimes do with typical shingled roofs.

Metal roofs are another great option for homeowners in places with harsh climates and they are fire resistant. Compared to a typical roof, metal does not usually erode and it actually reflects sunlight. What this means is your metal roof will last a long time, even when exposed to plenty of sunlight or other elements such as snow and rain water. Because it reflects sunlight, your metal roof can actually lower your energy costs! And unlike heavy slate tiles, metal roofs are lightweight. If you’re looking for a durable roof that will last you a long time, metal roofing could be the right choice for you! Once installed, it requires little maintenance and no, you won’t have to worry about resealing or repainting! So next time you ask ‘what roofing materials last the longest?’ Remember metal roofs are on the top of the list.

3. Concrete

Concrete is another roofing material with a lifespan that can last more than 50 years if properly maintained. In some cases even 100 years! Concrete is commonly used to achieve Spanish style roofing systems. These types of roofs are timeless and beautiful. Concrete can be more expensive than metal roofs, depending on a variety of factors such as the slope, thickness, design and of course, labor costs. If you haven’t caught on yet, longer lasting roofing materials will always be more costly than materials with short lifespans. You will always get what you pay for!

Concrete is extremely heavy, similar to slate. This means it won’t work for every home and can only be installed if the home’s structure is strong enough. It is imperative that you have a professional inspect your home before agreeing to install a concrete roof. So why are concrete roofs a good choice despite their weight? Their durability and ability to withstand fires are some of the most important aspects. Let’s also talk about environmental impacts. Concrete is sustainably formulated and in some cases can be made of recycled materials. With climate change increasingly becoming a concern, many homeowners seek to use sustainable materials for their projects and this includes concrete.

What about asphalt shingles?

Asphalt shingles are inarguably the most popular choice when it comes to residential roofing systems. However, this is not because they are the longest lasting option on the market. It’s because they are easy to install and in turn, low cost. Many homeowners do not have high budgets which means they must install a cheaper roof that will need to be repaired often and/or replaced sooner. On average, asphalt shingles will last between 12 and 15 years. In some cases, they can last longer but usually not past 20 years. That is still a relatively good lifespan so don’t assume asphalt shingles are bad! They are easy to install and repair, unlike many of the longer lasting materials we listed above. There are pros and cons to all roofing systems. That is why it’s important to consult a professional when wondering what roofing materials last the longest and what materials are best suited for your job. The experts at Cambie Roofing can help. Contact us today for a free estimate.

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2023 Roofing Trends You Don’t Want To Miss

by Roof Types

2023 Roofing Trends You Don’t Want To Miss

Techniques used to shelter and shield against the elements have been around since the beginning of human existence. As humans have evolved, their sheltering methods have also improved drastically. This goes all the way back to when mankind stopped sheltering in caves and began making structured shelters with roofs. Today, we rely heavily on advanced building techniques. Our condos, single-family homes, apartment complexes and townhouses all have something in common – roofs. Over the years, some roofing techniques have failed while others have proven to work. Luckily for home owners today, there are various roofing techniques to choose from based on a person’s budget, taste and geographical location. Cambie Roofing has compiled a list of roofing trends you won’t want to miss in 2023.

Solar Shingles

It’s 2023 which means being environmentally friendly is in style! Solar shingles are gaining popularity quickly among homeowners looking to make less of an environmental impact as well as bring value to their home. This type of shingle is not to be confused with solar panels which are also very popular across North America. Solar shingles are relatively new to the industry which has its ups and downs. They come from photovoltaic sheets which once installed, will collect electricity from sunlight. Solar shingles look relatively similar to normal shingles and based on how they are installed, they can give the outside of your home a modernized feel. While solar shingles are designed to lower electricity bills, the costs of the initial installation can be out of reach for many homeowners. These costs are expected to continue to lower as solar shingles become more available and common.

Synthetic Thatch

If you’re in need of a vacation somewhere warm, you’re not alone! Luckily, there are ways to make your home feel more tropical and you can achieve that through synthetic thatch roofs. While this trend might not be for everyone, it sure does make a statement for those willing to try it out. Originally, thatch roofs consisted of dried straw, reeds, palm tree branches and other types of vegetation. This historic style of roofing has been around since before the 11th Century and remained popular until the Industrial Revolution when it began getting replaced with other techniques that used materials such as slate. Today, thatching remains a low-cost roofing technique in rural areas and third world countries and it is also used in tropical climates and places looking to make less of an environmental impact. As a homeowner, you can achieve the same beautiful and tropical look of a thatch roof using synthetic materials that don’t pose fire threats. Are you adventurous enough to try this rustic yet urban trend out in 2023?

Green Roof Trends

In today’s day and age, being eco-friendly is something many homeowners strive for especially with large issues such as climate change and the rising costs of living looming over their heads. Green roofs which are largely popular in European countries are gaining traction here in North America, especially in condensed urban areas that lack green spaces. Green roofs can be installed on both residential and commercial buildings, offering plenty of social and private benefits to owners and people nearby. The installation process of a green roof will include water-proofing, drainage and a root repellent system, and based on the type of green roof installed, some will incorporate irrigation systems. There are so many benefits to having a green roof including the fact that they actually lower energy costs since they act as insulation which in turn, moderates your home’s temperature. Another great benefit to green roofs is they promote clean air and absorb carbon dioxide. In addition to this, they’re very stylish and can transform boring urban buildings into beautiful green spaces while also offering agricultural opportunities and habitat for native species.

Metal Roof Trends

If you’re not the type of person to invest in a wild trend like synthetic thatch, you might be more interested in a modern metal roof. In recent years, metal roofs have become available in a multitude of colors and styles so there are options for homeowners looking to make a statement or those wishing to keep it simple. One of the biggest benefits of having a metal roof is its durability and long lifespan. Metal roofs don’t curl up and break apart like shingles do over time. They also do exceptionally well in harsh weather conditions which is something that homeowners need to consider living in North America. As they’ve become more popular, manufacturers have discovered ways to keep metal roofs from being overly noisy compared to other roofing materials. Unfortunately, metal roofs can be on the more expensive side which may deter some homeowners from investing in the technology.

Conclusion

The current roofing trends have one thing in common – a focus on the environment. So much so that standard shingles are starting to be manufactured with reflective coating in order to reduce the amount of heat being absorbed by peoples homes. Whether you’re looking to install a new roof on your current home or you’re in the process of choosing a roof for a new build, there are so many 2023 roofing trends you don’t want to miss!

common roofing terms

Roofing Terminology: A Guide to Common Roofing Terms

by Roof RepairRoof SystemsRoof Warranties

Give a step forward learning common roofing terms in advance! Replacing or fixing your roof means that you’re about to hear industry-specific terms from the roofing contractor.
Yes, you’re most probably unfamiliar with most of these terms, but you can always ask the roofer to expound. Nevertheless, it’s helpful to learn some roofing terminologies on your own so that you won’t feel overwhelmed. All it takes is to read this guide.

Common Roofing Terms

There are thousands of roofing terms, and one post isn’t enough to tackle them all. So, we stick to the most common ones for the typical property owner. It makes sense to start with the five popular roofing options in North America:

Asphalt Roof

Shingles made from asphalt are by far the most preferred residential roofing material in this part of the world.
Fiberglass reinforces the new iteration for extended life. Fortunately, the price remains competitive, which is why an asphalt roof never goes out of style.

Wood and Cedar Shake

Wood shingles are as competitive as asphalt in pricing, but its advantage is its aesthetic value. In other words, it looks more pleasing than the conventional asphalt roof, thanks to the rustic and natural appearance.

Metal Roof

Roofs in metal are better to resist extreme weather all year. As metal is resilient and resistant to severe conditions, i.e., snow, strong winds, and torrential rain. Metal roofs in North America come in two styles: shingles and panels. The material composition can be aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc.

Tile and Slate

Tile and slate make for an ideal customized and DIY roof as they’re versatile and come in a handful of colours. Unlike asphalt and metal, tile and slate roofing materials are light enough for a DIY enthusiast or a handyman to install.

Rubber

The purpose of a roof made from rubber material is to mimic the asphalt shingle. It’s the newest roofing material available in North America and is causing quite the stir because of its competitive price and durability.
Aside from the types of roof, there’s a handful of common terms in roofing you should know:

1. Course

Refers to a row of shingles or other roofing materials that run horizontally across the structure’s length.

2. Decking

The roof’s decking is a sheet material usually made from plywood. It is attached to the rafters, which in turn is found in the attic. The decking serves as the host for other roofing materials, i.e., shingles and underlayment.

3. Downspout

This part of the roof comes in the form of a pipe installed to the building’s sides. Its purpose is to direct water from the gutters and away from the structure.

4. Drip Edge

It’s an L-shaped metal strip situated along the edges of the roof. It allows the water to drip, preventing a possible buildup in the eaves, siding, and decking. The drip edge is also responsible for preventing moisture penetration in the fascia boards.

5. Chalk

In roofing, chalk refers to a powdered residue applied on the surface of a material.

6. Chalk Line

It is a line purposely made on the roofing structure by snapping a cord wrapped in coloured chalk. Depending on the roof material, some contractors use a taut string instead. The idea of a chalk line is to provide a guide for alignment purposes.

7. Chalking

The term pertains to the degradation of a chemical ingredient used in roofs, such as coating and paint.

8. Chimney

The chimney is a structure that projects through and above the roof for aesthetic and practical purposes. Wood, stone, metal and masonry are the most common materials to build chimneys.

9. Fascia

Those boards exposed on the roof eaves or overhang’s front edge make up the fascia. The boards are typically made from wood, vinyl, or aluminum. The gutters can’t be adequately installed without the fascia.

10. Flashing

The flashing is a sheet metal material that prevents water from penetrating through the projection and intersections in a roofing system.
Contractors install flashing to protect the chimneys, valleys, joints, vent pipes, and other parts of the roof where water naturally finds its way through.

11. Gutter

The gutters are troughs embedded in the fascia board. Guttering is crucial for collecting water run-off from the roof, leading to the downspouts and the ground.

12. Ice Dam

This describes a condition in which the combination of ice and snow thaws and re-freezes at the roof’s lower edge.
Ice dams cause water to back up and collect under the shingles. The pressure created by the buildup of water causes leaks and extensive water damage if not addressed.

13. Overhang

“Overhang” is the part of the roof which extends beyond the exterior walls of the building or house.

14. Rafters

The rafter provides support to the roof. It is the one you see in an unfinished ceiling of an attic. As raffers are attached to the roof deck, they play a critical role.

15. Ridge

The ridge describes the top edge of a couple of intersecting sloping roof surfaces.

16. Valley

The roof valley is an area where two adjoining sloped planes meet. It’s easy to spot since it creates a “V-shaped” depression on the roof.
Knowledge of common roofing terms comes in handy when you’re venturing on a repair, installation, or replacement project.
It protects you from getting ripped off by a mischievous roofer, and it helps you find the best roofing contractor by sharing educated conversations with them.