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Longest Lasting Roofing Materials for Minneapolis Roof Installation

Here is a summary of the most durable residential roofing options currently on the market from Minneapolis roofing companies. Please note that these roof materials are only recommended for pitched roofs, if you need a flat roof installation in Minneapolis refer to this blog, What is the life span of a flat roof in Minneapolis.

Architectural asphalt shingle roofs

24 to 30 years for architectural asphalt shingles

High-end cedar and slate roofing are imitated by architectural or dimensional shingles. They are significantly thicker, heavier, and therefore more durable than standard three-tab asphalt shingle roofs as a result. Three tab asphalt shingle roofs have mostly been phased out for architectural asphalt shingle roofs due to their durability and style.

These roofs made from architectural asphalt shingles are typically composed of three overlapping layers to create a less uniform and more interesting look than the standard three tab roofing shingle. The base is a fiberglass mat. Granules of mineral coated with ceramic are in the center. On the outside is water-resistant asphalt. In the conventional manufacturing process, two shingles are laminated together to produce a product that is even thicker.

Architectural shingles have a longer lifespan than standard asphalt shingles because of their multiple layers of premium material.

Homeowners can anticipate a reasonable lifespan of at least 24 to 30 years if properly maintained.

Premium Asphalt Shingle Roof

Premium Shingle Roofing Materials: 25 to 40 years

Multi-dimensional asphalt shingles with a high-end appearance that can resemble slate and other natural materials are known as luxury or premium asphalt shingles.

Instead of being double-laminate like architectural shingle roofs, these products are triple-laminate. The largest, thickest, and most resilient type of asphalt shingles are called premium shingles.

Luxury asphalt shingles with proper maintenance ought to last up to 40 years without any major weather event, like hail damage or wind damage to your roof.

Composite shingle roofs

40 to 50 years for composite shingles

Along with laminate, wood, or slate, composite shingles can also be made of synthetic polymers and/or recycled rubber and plastics. These composite shingle roofs can look just like cedar shake shingle roofs or even slate tile roofs. Composite synthetic shingles, like architectural and premium shingles, are created to look like real slate or cedar. However, compared to any other type of asphalt shingle, composite shingles appear more authentic. Composite shingle roofs are also much cheaper than natural slate tile roofs, making them a good alternative for that slate roof look.

These roofing shingles closely resemble the natural slate roofs and cedar roof shingles and even accurately reproduce the graining, stone patterns, and even tool marks.

Composite shingle roofs have a nice appearance. But the real allure is that these items are performance-oriented. These shingles do a great job of resisting strong winds, collisions, UV rays, leaks, and algae growth, in other words, typical wear and tear that roofs face day to day.

Composite shingle roofs  have a lifespan of 40 to 50 years with proper maintenance and again, no major weather events.

Cedar Wood Shake Shingle Roofs

Wood shake roofs:  30 – 40 years or more

As a roofing material, natural wood is incredibly long-lasting and can be used for many years. There are some drawbacks to wood, namely its innate susceptibility to fire, direct moisture, and extreme dryness.

However, properly maintained and treated wood does make a great and durable roofing product. There are also some areas that don’t allow these roofs to be installed due to fire hazard, if you have an HOA in your Minneapolis neighborhood, be sure to check with them before installing any new roof.

For roofing, a variety of woods are used. Due to its inherent ability to repel insects, cedar is the most popular. Teak and wallaba are two additional preferred options. 

As long as they receive seasonal cleanings, inspections, and maintenance, cedar, teak, and wallaba roofs should last for several decades.

Metal Roof

30 to 200 years for metal roofs

Another durable roofing material is metal. Metal that has been finished, treated, and installed resists rusting, moisture infiltration, impact, UV radiation, fires, and strong winds. It’s a long-lasting, environmentally friendly option that uses little energy.

Not all metal roofing is created equal like all other roofing materials there is a spectrum of price and durability.. The lifespan of metal roofs is affected by various metal, compositions, roof coatings, and metal roof installation techniques. If you want a metal roof installed, make sure you work with a roofing company that has experience installing metal roofs in Minneapolis, as climate changes area to area.

Different Metal Roof Materials:

  • Tin Metal Roofs: 50-75+ years
  • Galvanized Steel Roofs: 30-50+ years
  • Corrugated Iron Metal Roofs: 60+ years
  • Copper Metal Roofs: 70-150+ years

Concrete Roofs

50 to 100+ for concrete roof installation

Concrete roofing is low-maintenance, strong, and long-lasting. As it ages and dries out, it can become even stronger. It gives homes a contemporary, modern appearance and is growing in popularity for residential use.

Despite its porous surface and inherent resistance to fire, concrete must be shielded from moisture, carbon dioxide, and impact damage.

Concrete roofs that have been weatherproofed and maintained ought to last at least 50 years and possibly even 100 years or more.

Clay Tile Roofs

75 to 150+ for clay tile roofs

One of the roofing materials with the longest lifespan is clay or terracotta tile. It is a material that is naturally resistant to fire, insects, and the sun. It also ages well and keeps its beauty over time.

Warm, dry climates have traditionally used terracotta. Clay tile roofing products are being developed by manufacturers to overcome its weather-related limitations and make these tiles suitable for use in a variety of climates. It is not typical that clay tiles are used for Minneapolis roof, due to the climate, however clay tiles roofs are still durable even for the weather a Minneapolis roof will endure.

These tiles must be regularly inspected, maintained, and cared for in order to avoid deterioration brought on by the elements.

If that is done, homeowners who value the distinctive appearance of natural clay can purchase this roofing with confidence knowing that it will last for decades.

Natural Slate Roofs

Hard Slate Roofs: 75-150+ Years

Soft Slate roofs: 50-100+ years

Slate is a long-lasting stone with a sophisticated, elegant appearance. It is a very well-liked premium roofing material as a result.

Slate is durable and requires little upkeep, but it can break easily and sustain damage from hail, falling objects, and even inexperienced foot traffic.

With the exception of harsh environments, slate does hold up well over time. A well-maintained slate should last for at least 50 to 75 years. Slate roofs are actually expected to last longer than the person who installs them.

This roofing option is worth thinking about if you like the way natural stone looks and don’t want to replace your home’s roof again anytime soon.

Which roof installation will last the longest in Minneapolis?

The Most Protracted Roofs Have a Good Installation and Continued Maintenance

Well made roofing products can’t fulfill there life expectancy on their own, proper installation from an experienced local roofing company is vital to the longevity of your new Minneapolis roof. If the roofers do a poor job, even the most resilient and low-maintenance roofing materials, like concrete roofs or even metal roofs, will be susceptible to leaks and less resistant to the elements.

Furthermore, installing these more expensive specialty roofing products frequently requires more knowledge and expertise. Compared to standard three-tab shingle roofs, architectural and premium asphalt shingle roofs require more knowledge for proper installation. Compared to premium or architectural shingle roofs, composite shingle roofs demand more skill for the roofing company to install.

Metal roofs may be simple to maintain once installed, but it is installed very differently from conventional shingle roofs, working with a roofing company that has experience installing metal roof sin vital for the longevity of your new roof. Slate, clay, wood, and concrete all have unique requirements.

Make sure to hire an experienced Minneapolis roofing company with a proven track record if you want to invest in a roof that will last for a long time after the installation. 

In This Article...

Key Takeaways

Lifespans of different roofing materials

  • Architectural asphalt shingle roofs: 24-30 years due to their thickness and durability.
  • Premium asphalt shingle roofs: 25-40 years with a high-end appearance.
  • Composite shingle roofs: 40-50 years, offering an authentic look and durability.
  • Cedar wood shake shingle roofs: 30-40 years if properly maintained.
  • Metal roofs: 30-200 years depending on materials and installation.
  • Concrete roofs: 50-100+ years with low maintenance.
  • Clay tile roofs: 75-150+ years when well cared for.
  • Natural slate roofs: 50-150+ years with a sophisticated appearance.

Proper installation by an experienced roofing company is essential for maximizing the longevity of these roofing materials, and maintenance is key for their durability.

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