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Price vs. Longevity: Which Roofing Material Should I Get?
When it comes to roofing materials, there’s an enormous selection for your consideration. While each type of roofing material provides a number of features, it’s important to decide which qualities are the most crucial for you. Is it the strength to withstand a Colorado hailstorm? Is it a competitive price point? Or, is it the longevity to give you long-term peace of mind?
Regardless of the qualities that are essential for your home, there’s an available roofing material that will fit the bill. But, when it comes to comparing cost with longevity, asphalt and slate roofing are generally the two options that arise. Here, we’ll discuss the contrasting qualities of slate and asphalt roofing and how you can select the best material option for your Denver roof.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are manufactured by combining asphalt, fiberglass, and protective ceramic granules. In some instances, asphalt shingles may replace fiberglass with cellulose, which is more environmentally friendly. Asphalt shingles are the most widely-used roofing material for homes in the United States. So, if you opt for asphalt for your Denver roof, you’re in good company!
Affordability
The main benefit provided by asphalt shingles is affordability. When it comes to cost-efficiency, there are few better choices than asphalt shingles. With this roofing material, it’s possible to complete a full roof replacement at a comparatively low price, making asphalt shingles an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget.
Convenience
Asphalt shingles are more lightweight and easier to install than any other roofing material. This means that selecting asphalt can speed up your Denver roof replacement by a significant margin. Most homeowners would prefer that their homes don’t stay as a construction site for long, so a speedy installation process is a major perk.
Lack of Longevity
The main drawback of asphalt shingles is that they don’t last as long as most other roofing materials. You can expect your asphalt roof to last around 20 years, so long as it’s installed by reliable Denver roofers. Poor installation or extreme weather conditions could cut down the lifespan of your asphalt roof even further.
Slate
Slate, in stark contrast to asphalt roofing, is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials around. Derived from natural stone, slate is a time-tested roofing material that’s been used for roofing in the United States since as long ago as the 1600s.
Specifically, slate comes from sedimentary rock. The rock is made up of volcanic ash and clay. While slate roofing is typically gray, it can naturally vary in color, leading to slate tiles that are green, black, or even purple.
Weather-Resistance
Unlike manmade roofing materials like asphalt, slate can naturally withstand a broad array of weather conditions due to its innate strength. Even in weather extremes, slate is largely unaffected. High winds, intense sunshine, and extreme temperature fluctuations aren’t likely to damage your slate roof. Slate roofing is even waterproof, meaning that you won’t have to worry about it developing mold or rotting due to prolonged water exposure.
Longevity
If you’re looking for a roofing material with exceptional longevity, there’s no better option than slate. Slate can last anywhere from 40 to 150 years, and it can often be repurposed even after it’s reached the end of its lifespan. If you have a slate roof installed now and you remain in the same home, you probably won’t again need a Denver roof replacement.
High Cost
While slate is astoundingly long-lasting, it’s also appropriately pricey. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market today. So, slate isn’t a smart choice for a roofing project on a budget. Plus, since slate is very heavy, it will require more extensive (and expensive) labor to install.
Making The Right Choice For Your Home
The best roofing material for your Denver home will come down to several factors. So, it’s wise to consider your budget, aesthetic tastes, and long-term goals before you start the installation process. Do you plan to stay in the same home and want a roofing material to last through your later years? Or, do you need to replace a damaged roof on a tight budget? No matter your circumstances, you’ll get a roofing system that ticks every box when you work with an experienced Denver roofing contractor like All Seasons Exteriors.