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Stone tiles are typically made of slate, clay or terra cotta, and
concrete. This type of roofing resists fading and can withstand strong
winds and heavy rain, but they’re extremely heavy and require
professional installation. However, stone tile roofing is long lasting
because of its durability. Clay tile typically lasts 40 to 60 years, while
slate and concrete tiles have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years.
Flat Roofs
The lifespan of a flat roof depends on the material covering it.
Asphalt coverings use layers of felt combined with molten asphalt and
topped with a coating of gravel. This is an inexpensive flat roofing
option, but typically only lasts about 10 years. Rubber roofing, which
may be EPDM or elastomeric membrane, is a synthetic rubber roofing
membrane that is not covered with gravel. This roofing is more
expensive than asphalt coatings, but offers excellent UV resistance
and durability. It typically has a lifespan of 40 to 50 years, although
most manufacturer warranties only guarantee a lifespan of 10 to 15
years. Thermoplastic olefin membrane is another flat roof option made
from ethylene propylene rubber and filler materials. It typically lasts
between 40 and 50 years, and is resistant to tears, punctures and UV
rays.

Color Resistance
As you drive through your neighborhood, you may not pay much
attention to roof color. You know your own home has dark brown shingles, but
you couldn’t name the colors that top your neighbor’s homes with the same
confidence.
Roof color tends to blend into the background and earn very little of our
attention but it actually affects our home. Of course, color isn’t the only aspect
of your roof that affects home temperature. The roofing material also affects
how reflective your roof is. For example, asphalt shingles are less reflective
than metal or rubber roofing materials. This quality means even tan asphalt
shingles may welcome more heat into your home than a dark brown metal
roof. But back to roof color. If you have a light colored roof, your home
absorbs less heat through the roof during summertime. As a result, your air
conditioner operates more efficiently, uses less energy, and leads to lower
utility bills. In contrast, a dark colored roof likely raises the temperature inside
your home’s highest rooms. Your cooling system works harder to compensate
for the extra heat, and your bills slowly rise. But during the winter, the
opposite conditions hold true. A dark roof brings in more desired heat from the
sun than a light roof. This feature makes dark roofs advantageous in colder
climates with long winters and short summers.

Fungus Resistance
Regardless of the color of your roof, algae will appear black on your
shingles. An algae infestation usually starts at the top of the roof and works its
way down to the bottom edge. Naturally, the black streaks trailing down your
roof will detract from your home’s overall appearance. Algae on your home’s
roof can lower the value of the house and the property. In addition to its effect

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