6 Longest-Lasting Roof Materials

A sturdy roof signifies far more than a well-built home; it means protection from the elements. Your home is safe with the right roof, no matter the weather. However, what is the “right roof”? There are countless roofing materials on the market, and they all have advantages and disadvantages—and a climate that suits them best. Choosing the right roof means choosing the most durable roof for your climate, a long-lasting roofing material that will protect your home for decades. 

This is especially true when you live in a place like Florida, where choosing a roof isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about choosing the most durable roofing material that can stand up to Florida’s climate.

Importance of Durable Roofing in Florida

Florida’s weather is unpredictable. This is mainly due to its geographical location close to warm ocean waters. These warm waters make the state susceptible to constantly changing weather patterns. 

One moment, the sun can be out in full force, beating down on the ground below, and the next, a thunderstorm can be rolling through. This is what makes having a strong roof so crucial in Florida. A roof needs to be able to withstand all of Florida’s potential weather: blazing hot days, thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes are all common weather that a roof needs to survive without damage, and for that, you need the strongest roof material possible. 

What is the Most Durable Roofing Material?

There is no shortage of popular roofing materials. However, popularity does not automatically equal durability. For Florida homeowners, choosing the most durable, longest lasting roofing material should be the top priority. Still, this leaves you with a fundamental question: what is the most durable roofing material?

Here is a breakdown of some of the different roofing materials.

1. Premium Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material throughout the country and have been for a long time. They consist of a fiberglass base covered in a thick asphalt layer and topped with a protective layer of stone granules. This popularity is due to two reasons: their availability and their low cost.

Other benefits of asphalt shingles include the variety of colors and styles, ease of installation and repairs, and fire resistance of high-quality premium asphalt shingles. 

However, they aren’t the strongest roofing material on the market, as they are vulnerable to Florida’s extreme weather. This tends to shorten their already short lifespan—while premium asphalt shingles can typically last up to 25 years, or a little longer, in the right conditions, Florida’s weather cuts their lifespan down to 15 to 20 years, far from the longest lasting roof material. 

They also lack energy efficiency, absorbing heat rather than reflecting and raising cooling costs, something no Floridan wants. 

2. Synthetic or Composite Materials

Synthetic or composite roofing has been around for a while but has become an increasingly popular choice for those looking for other sustainable materials. It is typically made from recycled plastics and rubber, though it can also be made of polymers and other sustainable materials. This means the materials can be recycled at the end of their lifespan, making them a sustainable option. 

These materials mimic traditional materials, like wood, slate, and tile roofing, without the weight, fragility, or maintenance requirements. This is a large part of why they have become so popular—high-quality brands offer an incredibly realistic appearance with beautiful color options. Aside from their appearance, these products offer high levels of durability: fire resistance, impact resistance, wind resistance, and even hurricane-force winds, making them one of the most durable roof options. 

The lifespan of synthetic roofing materials can vary depending on the quality of the roofing, but many brands can last 50 years or more with virtually no need for maintenance.

3. Clay/Concrete

Clay is undoubtedly one of the longest-lasting roofing materials, with concrete not far behind. A well-installed and maintained clay or concrete roof can last a century or more, though Florida’s weather may shorten that lifespan by a few decades. These beautiful materials are extremely durable once installed, offering fire, heat, and wind resistance. They are also highly insulated, making them an energy-efficient roofing option, and are environmentally friendly and sustainable. 

The downside is that clay and concrete tiles are extremely heavy, and roofs must have the appropriate structural support to handle that weight. They are also costly and require an expert, as individual tiles can be fragile.

4. Metal

Metal roofing started as a primarily industrial product but has become increasingly popular with residential homes, especially in Florida. This popularity is due to its modern industrial aesthetic, durability, energy efficiency, and various style options. It is also environmentally friendly and can be recycled at the end of its lifespan. 

Metal roofing is resistant to fire, wind, and impacts, the same as the other materials, which makes it perfect for Florida homes. This durability makes metal roofing one of the longest lasting roof options, with a lifespan that ranges from 30 to 70 years, depending on the style. Hidden fastener roofs or standing seam roofing offer the longest lifespan, lasting between 50 and 70 years. 

Metal roofing is another material with a higher initial cost, particularly compared to asphalt shingles, and requires a metal roofing expert to install. It can also be noisy when it rains or hails, though this can be lessened with sufficient insulation. Metal is also prone to rusting, especially when exposed to environments with saltwater. 

5. Slate

Slate, like clay tiles, is one of the longest lasting roof material choices, lasting 75 to 100 years. It is also one of the most beautiful natural materials. It is naturally fire and weather-resistant, making it one of the strongest roof material options and ideal for Florida’s unpredictable weather. Another benefit is that it is resistant to mold, mildew, and insects, making it a low-maintenance choice.

All of this doesn’t come without drawbacks. Slate is an expensive, heavy material that requires an expert installer and a sturdy roof to support the weight. Individual tiles are also fragile, which can make installation and repairs difficult.

6. Wood

Wood shakes and shingles have existed since colonial times and remain popular today. While they offer a certain level of durability, they are not the most durable roofing material available, especially for homes in Florida.

They are an attractive, environmentally friendly option that can add a natural, rustic look to a home and add insulation. However, they are susceptible to moisture damage, and Florida’s high humidity levels would lead to warping, cracking, and rot, drastically shortening their lifespan. They can last anywhere from 10 to 40 years, depending on factors like maintenance, treatments, and proximity to the coast. They are also a fire risk, even with special treatments. 

Getting Long Lasting Roofing in Florida

For Floridians, choosing the right roof isn’t just a matter of creating a cohesive design and protection from sun and rain but protecting their home from Florida’s unpredictable, sometimes destructive weather. You don’t want to choose just any material; you want something extremely durable and long-lasting. Florida Speciality Roofing specializes in high-quality roofing that is perfect for Florida, offering every material on this list from the top brands on the market. Their expert team can help you determine the perfect roof for your home—and have it installed in no time, ensuring you’re ready for whatever Florida’s weather throws at you. 

Contact Florida Specialty Roofing today to learn more about the long lasting roof options they offer and find the best option for your home.