Living in New England, it is critical to have exterior components that withstand all the elements of our region. When it comes to your roof, its job is to protect against those elements while keeping your home dry and comfortable. So, what roofing materials last longest? And what are the best roofing materials for a new roof?
In terms of durability and longevity, there is almost no comparison to asphalt roofs and metal roofs.
New quality asphalt shingles along with an energy-efficient roof can last for life! Not to mention, a metal roof can last as long as 70 years.
Here is a breakdown of what to consider with asphalt and metal roof replacement, and why they are the top choice for roofing in Massachusetts and beyond.
The Engineering of an Asphalt Shingle
Sometimes known as composite shingles, quality asphalt shingles have a fiberglass base. Asphalt roof shingles are made from a mixture of asphalt, sand, and mineral granules.
The mineral granules are used to protect your home from the elements, ranging from rain to sleet and intense heat. The asphalt and mineral granules are mixed together and go through a manufacturing process consisting of the following:
- Dry looping
- Saturation
- Wet looping
- Coating
- Mineral surfacing
- Finishing
- Cutting
- Packaging
During this process, the shingles are cut to the appropriate size and shape.
In terms of a long lifespan, the quality of an asphalt shingle must be considered.
The quality of asphalt shingles is measured by class category. Class 4 shingles are considered to be the best quality you can get. It means that a 2” steel ball can be dropped twice on a shingle in the same spot from 20 feet high without getting damaged.
What Are The Benefits Of Asphalt Roofing?
When homeowners ask what roofing material lasts the longest, they are looking for products that last but also offer value in other areas.
Longevity is only one of the reasons why asphalt roofing is so popular in New England.
When it comes to roof replacement, there are plenty of benefits of asphalt roofing which include:
- Incredible protection from the elements including rain storms and snow
- Asphalt shingles are a maintenance free material
- A variety of color selections and blends are available to complement your curb appeal
- They look attractive on nearly all home styles here in New England
- Our GAF roofing systems come with an unlimited wind speed warranty. This means that the shingles are guaranteed to stay in place no matter how intense of a windstorm that we receive.
- Quality shingles can help prevent costly water damage that downgrades the performance of your home
- Thanks to the exceptionally durable construction of asphalt shingles, asphalt shingles are designed to last for life!
Best Roofing Materials for a New Roof: Consider Metal Roofing
You already know about all the great qualifities of asphalt roofing. But now let’s talk about another great roofing material: metal.
Thanks to their durability and plenty of color options, metal is now the second most popular roofing material next to asphalt. About 13% of homes in New England have metal roofs, and this number continues to grow.
What Makes Metal Roofing So Durable?
Metal roofing is made from different materials. This includes copper, aluminum, steel, or tin. Corrugated metal pans are crafted from rolled steel. This gives you the popular wavy or boxy-looking panels that many New England homeowners love.
But why are metal roofs so durable, anyway? It all comes down to the fact that it withstands extreme weather. Whether it’s another snowmageddon or a heat wave, you can count on your metal roof to protect your home.
Best of all, metal roofs can withstand winds of up to 140 MPH. If you live along the coast, this is great news for you!
Why Consider a Metal Roof?
When you stop to think about the engineering and protection from a metal roof, it’s no wonder why they are so popular. If you are looking for roofing materials that last the longest, try a metal roof for its:
- Ability to reduce landfill waste thanks to its long lifespan
- Lower lifecycle cost in comparison to life cycles. You’ll save money!
- Recyclability: metal roofs prevent up to 11 million tons of asphalt from going into landfill each year (Source: True Nature)
- Great resale value of almost 50% (Cost vs Value 2023)
- Lower energy bills by an estimated 15% each year
- Assortment of profiles that look like shake from a cedar tree, slate quarried from a mountainside or terracotta molded from clay
Solar Shingles: The Gamer Changer for Roofing in New England
Transform your home on every level with solar roof installation. Many homeowners are familiar with the bulky panels, which save energy but don’t do any favors for your curb appeal. With solar roof shingle installation, you get the best of both worlds.
New England homeowners can enjoy an entire roofing system with all the benefits you love, including better ventilation to prevent mold and ice dams. On top of this, we install solar roof shingles that can save up to 100% of your energy bills. This is the leading technology for roofing in our region and certainly one of the best materials for roofing in New England!
Get Asphalt,Metal, or Solar Roofing Shingles that Last for Life
No matter if you are looking for asphalt shingle or metal roof replacement, you can count on Coastal as your local roofers. Homeowners recognize the benefits of asphalt roofing with our GAF roofing systems. We are GAF Master Elite Certified contractors, with less than 2% of contractors earning this certification. This means you can expect top-tier installation and roofing systems that last for life.
Our metal roofing is just as beneficial, lasting for decades while protecting your home from leaks, ice dams, energy loss, and much more.
