If you’re on the market for a new roof, you’ve likely had this dilemma: trying to find a long-lasting roof that fits your budget and offers superior performance. But with so many new roofing types on the market, it can be difficult to narrow down an option. And you’ve likely asked yourself, how long do different roof types last? Followed by, which option is best for me?
In this post, we’ll outline the most common roofing types and how long they last. We’ll also include the average price, advantages and disadvantages, and other important information you’ll need to make your decision. From there, you’ll have all the insight you need to finally choose the right roofing type for your property.
What are the different roofing types?
If you search ‘what are the different roofing types’ on Google, you’ll find dozens of options. For the sake of simplicity, we’re including the top 5 roofing types that are commonly available (and perform well) in Edmonton, Alberta.
01. Asphalt
Chances are if you drive through almost any community in Edmonton or surrounding areas, you’ll find asphalt roofs on most of the homes and properties. Why? Because asphalt performs incredibly well in our cold climate and it’s a more affordable option. Before we go any further, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of asphalt.
Pros of Asphalt roofing
- Budget-friendly
- Plenty of colour options
- Durable
- Easier to install & replace than some other types
- Long-lasting
- A new asphalt roof can increase your home’s value
Cons of Asphalt roofing
- Can shed granules
- Must be installed in warm weather
- Low quality shingles can crack in weather fluctuations
- Lower insulation value than some other options
- Can contribute to a cookie-cutter look
With these benefits, it’s easy to see why asphalt roofing in Edmonton is so popular. But there are some other options that are steadily growing in popularity.
02. Metal
Over the past decade, metal roofing has become more and more popular throughout Alberta. In the past, metal roofs were criticized for their aesthetic. However, advances have been made and new technology has been established. In many cases, some metal roofs are almost indistinguishable from architecture shingles and other high-end styles, like slate, wood shake, and clay.
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of metal roofing:
Pros of metal roofing:
- Most brands are fire resistant with a high fire rating
- Long-lasting
- Durable
- Environmentally friendly
- Mold & algae resistant
- Sheds snow & rain better than other roofing materials
- Can reflect the sun’s rays and contribute to lower cooling costs
- Most have a higher wind resistance
Cons of metal roofing:
- More expensive
- Lower quality options can dent during hail storms
- Can be noisy during rain
- Can be difficult to match panels in the event of future repair work
- Some types expand & contract in cold and warm weather fluctuations
If you have the budget for metal roofing, it’s a great option for Edmonton properties. To learn more about the cost of metal roofing, check out this past blog post.
03. Wood Shingles
Wood shingles or wood shake roofing has a rustic, unique appearance. And it can greatly improve your curb appeal. In addition, it also has other benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of wood shingles.
Pros of wood shingles
- Heightened curb appeal
- Environmentally friendly
- Can have superior wind resistance
- Higher impact resistance
- Long lasting
- Wood ages better than other materials
- Easy to repair
- Durable
- Can insulate better
Cons of wood shingles:
- Not fire resistant
- Depending on the wood treatment, insects can pose a problem
- Can rot or warp in high moisture climates
- Higher maintenance requirements
While wood shingles may not be the best roofing type for Edmonton, there are alternatives. Many metal roofing manufacturers design shingles that look remarkably similar to wood shake. Plus, they come with all the other benefits of metal roofing.
04. Slate
Slate roofing is one of the longest lasting roofing types on the market. That, along with its curb appeal, is the main reason home and property owners opt for this roofing type. However, despite its durability, it has other benefits and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Pros of slate roofing
- Extremely long lasting
- Unmatched beauty & curb appeal
- Very durable
- Water resistant
- Resistant to mold and algae
- Environmentally friendly
Cons of slate roofing
- It’s very expensive
- Heavy
- Difficult to install
Unless you have a healthy budget, chances are slate roofing won’t be for you. However, similar to wood shake shingles, some metal roofing manufacturers design shingle types to have the slate look. While you’ll still pay more for asphalt, it’s worth exploring if you love the look of slate but can’t cough up the extra money.
05. Synthetic
Synthetic roofing is a relatively new roofing type. It’s generally made of recycled and inorganic materials, including plastics or polymers. As synthetic roofing gains more popularity, it’s becoming a cost-effective alternative to some expensive or under-perfoming roofing types, like slate or wood.
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of synthetic roofing:
Pros of synthetic roofing:
- Can mimic the look of slate, wood, and even clay
- Durable
- Long lasting
- Most are fully recyclable
- Lightweight and easier to install
Cons of synthetic roofing:
- Most manufacturers are newer, so there’s less testing on the roof’s performance
- Cost variations
- Less contractors that carry this option
While synthetic roofing presents an alternative to some more traditional materials, it’s not as well tested as asphalt and metal roofing. If you do decide to explore this option, make sure it’s from a roofing company you trust with a proven track record of honesty and transparency.
Check out this past post on choosing a roofing company for tips on what to look for when making your decision!
How long do the different roof types last?
01. Asphalt
The lifespan of an asphalt roof will vary depending on the quality of the shingle and the granules. But generally speaking, most asphalt roofs last between 15 to 30 years.
At Knights Roofing, we use only the best shingles on the market from top manufacturers in North America. All of the brands we carry are backed by experience. We never experiment with new suppliers, because we firmly believe quality and honesty are the most important facets of a roof you can rely on.
Check out our Edmonton residential roofing services!
02. Metal
Metal roofing is often praised for its long lifespan. In most cases, metal roofs can last for 50 or more years (some have a projected lifespan of around 80!). In fact, most metal roofing manufacturers offer 50-year warranties. If your budget permits it, metal roofing often pays for itself in the long run. Plus, you won’t have to worry about replacing your roof.
If you’re looking for reliable, trusted, and experienced metal roofing in Edmonton, Knights Roofing has you covered! We’re Edmonton’s only certified Platinum Installer of Wakefield Bridge Steel Shingles. Visit our Residential Roofing page to learn more!
03. Wood Shingles
If maintained properly, wood shingles last around 20 to 30 years. While many homeowners like its rustic appearance, it doesn’t provide the same level of protection and performance as asphalt and metal, especially with the extreme weather patterns in Alberta.
04. Slate
Slate roofing can last up to 100 years if installed and maintained properly. That is an extremely long lifespan that you won’t find with other roofing materials. And while you won’t have to worry about re-roofing, slate roofing can cost up to $28 per square foot (an amount that’s out of budget for most Edmontonians). Meanwhile, asphalt shingles cost roughly $5.50 per square foot, depending on the type and style.
05. Synthetic
On average synthetic roofs can last between 40 to 60 years. But it’s important to note that these are largely projections. Since most synthetic roofing materials haven’t been around for this amount of time, these numbers are based on engineer reports and simulations.
Which of these roofing types is best for me?
If you’re asking yourself, “how long do different roof types last,” you probably want to opt for the longest lasting option. However, it’s important to consider a few factors, including:
- Your budget
- The environment you live in
- Any architectural guidelines in your community
- The shingle quality
- And the reputation of the roofing company
There’s a reason why asphalt is so popular in Alberta. It lasts a fair amount of time; it’s budget friendly; and it provides outstanding performance in our cold weather. Meanwhile, metal roofing also has some noteworthy advantages. If it’s within your budget, it’s certainly worth exploring.
If you have any questions about replacing your roof in Edmonton or surrounding areas, contact Knights roofing for a free consultation!
Asphalt & Metal roofing installation in Edmonton
For the past 15 years, we’ve provided trusted and experienced asphalt roofing services in Edmonton. We provide a 15-year workmanship warranty, and our manufacturers carry industry-leading warranties of up to 50 years.
If you’re looking for a roofing company you can trust and rely on, look no further. Knights Roofing offers unmatched protection from above, incredible customer service, and free quotes. Contact us today to learn more!
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