Most roofing experts agree that roofing materials should be picked based on their performance and durability rather than other factors like aesthetics or cost. However, even the best materials might not perform as expected due to certain circumstances. House and Home Tips, a home development blog, gives an example:
[A]sphalt shingles, the dominant roofing material, have an average life span of 15 to 30 years depending on climate, exposure, and shingle quality. Because roof longevity can vary significantly even between homes that were roofed at the same time, it’s critical to inspect your roof every few months.
Fortunately, most Northern Virginia roofing contractors, like Roof Masters, which also serves clients in Maryland (MD), already know this fact. They therefore strive to give their customers the best shingles and tiles by partnering with reputable roofing manufacturers. They understand that even a well-designed and well-constructed roofing system can fall apart if it is not made with high-quality materials like slate or metal. Manufacturers, meanwhile, also play a role by improving upon “basic” materials and creating more reliable versions of them. CertainTeed, for example, offers various Premium Designer composite shingles.
This is to address the notion that some materials are, by default, “weak” and “fragile” compared to other products. In fact, even the popular asphalt shingles can be made to resist strong winds, fire outbreaks, and flying debris. Nowadays, most newer asphalt shingles are treated to have Class A flame resistance, UL 2218 Class 3 or 4 impact resistance, and protection against 130-mph gales. Their affordability and simplicity make them one of the most practical options for roofing in Silver Spring, MD, or anywhere else for that matter.
However, this doesn’t discount the value of installing more durable materials like slate tiles, which are mined from quarries in the Northeastern Seaboard. While they are heavier and more expensive, slate tiles can last 50 years or more and are generally considered the best options for long-term residential properties. Their longevity means that they require fairly little maintenance compared to asphalt shingles, lessening the need for regular inspections recommended by House and Home Tips.
Ultimately, what can be considered as the “best” material largely depends on the preference of the homeowner. Ultimately, price and beauty may take precedence over performance and durability, and vice versa.
(Article Excerpt and Image from Problem: roof, House and Home Tips, November 2, 2013)
