Remember the old days when literally everything was built to last? There’s a reason why, somewhere in your family, there’s a 1970s Simpson washing machine which refuses to call it a day. Sadly, there aren’t many things that are built to last anymore but, luckily, roof tiles are one of them. With a range of different materials for roof tiles available, they all have their pros and cons. We understand that durability is an important quality to have in a roof tile, so here we’ve outlined what type of roof tiles last the longest.
It’s important to remember that these are general lifespans, and they are determined by different factors. For example, how regularly are they maintained? What are the weather conditions in your area? Do you and your mates often climb the roof to watch the sunset and sink a few beers? We hope the answer to that last one is “No.”
Concrete
Concrete tiles are a popular option for roofing all around the world. Concrete is a strong and durable material but it’s also affordable and accessible, leading many home builders to choose concrete as their roof tile material. With the proper maintenance and care, concrete roof tiles can last upwards of 50 years, with many reporting that they can even last up to 100 years.
Terracotta
Terracotta roof tiles are popular for many different reasons. Not only are they a strong and durable option for roofing, but they’re also very aesthetically pleasing depending on your style of home. The heavy weight of terracotta means that they’re less likely to give way to strong winds and they’re also suitable for coastal environments. Depending on maintenance and the conditions of your environment, terracotta roof tiles can easily last upwards of 50 years and are commonly found to last much longer – 100-year-old terracotta tiles aren’t necessarily out of the ordinary.
Slate
And here we have our champion. Possibly the longest lasting of all roof tiles are ones made from slate. Slate has always been a sought-after material for roofing and its durability is the key to that. As a natural stone, slate is much more resistant to deterioration, corrosion and the extreme weather conditions which many of us have in Australia. Its durability also means that it will require little maintenance in the long run. Slate roof tiles are able to last 100 years or more.
The longest-lasting roof tile is often said to be slate, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the right roof tile choice for you. You may be after a more affordable roofing material or one that more appropriately suits the vibe of your home. Deciding which roof material to use can be a difficult task, so it always helps to consult an expert. When you combine the experience of the Royce Roofing team, they have been installing, repairing and maintaining roofs for a total of 300+ years… longer than the lifespan of any roof tile! Contact the team at Royce Roofing for expert advice on which roof tile to use on your home.
