Is there a worry-free roof? While every roof requires some degree of care, some have significantly lower maintenance needs. If you don’t have the time, energy, or home improvement budget to constantly care for your roof, take a look at what you need to know about the low maintenance options.

Does Every Roof Require Maintenance?

Before you start a low-maintenance roof search, you need to understand the difference between low and no care. A 100 percent worry-free, no-care roof doesn’t exist. Simply stated — every roof requires some degree of maintenance.

The amount of maintenance your roof will need depends on several factors, such as:

• The surrounding area. Is your yard filled with trees or other debris? The leaves, twigs, pinecones, and other plant-life around your home can land on your roof. While some types of materials are highly durable, your roof can’t escape flying or falling debris.
• Previous care. Does your home have an older roof? If the previous owner didn’t care for the roof, you may need to make up for lost time with repairs.
• The weather. Rain and snow won’t necessarily wash away dirt and debris. Instead, the rain (or melting snow) can move dirt and debris across your roof.
• The wildlife. Squirrels, raccoons, birds, and other types of wildlife can leave behind debris or claw and peck at shingles.

Even though every rood requires some care, lower maintenance materials won’t need constant upkeep. These options are ideal for homeowners who are on a budget, live in the home part of the year, or can’t keep up with routine home maintenance for any other reason.

What Type of Roof Is the Lowest Maintenance?

If you want a low-maintenance roof, metal is a top choice. This durable roofing material is easy to care for, won’t require extra attention, and is:

• Long-lasting. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), metal has a 40- to 80-year lifespan.
• Cost effective. Combine the longer lifespan and low maintenance factors and metal becomes one of the most cost effective roofing options.
• Stylish. The sleek contemporary look of metal roofing perfectly complements a variety of types of homes. Whether your home is modern or eclectic, this material adds curb appeal.
• Rot-resistant. Wood shingles can rot over time. Unlike this type of material, a metal roof will resist the ravages of the elements.
• Insect-resistant. Not only is metal rot-resistant, but this roofing material will also keep some types of pests away. Termites and other wood-destroying pests aren’t likely to make a meal (or a nest) from your metal roof.
• Energy efficient. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, metal roofing can save homeowners up to 40 percent in energy-related costs (from heating/cooling). This option can also reflect a high degree of solar radiation, decreasing energy costs even more.

Unlike asphalt or other roofing materials, metal isn’t likely to crack easily. This lowers maintenance needs and reduces the need for repairs. This can save you money over time in service calls.

Are There Other Low-Maintenance Roofing Materials?

While metal is one of the lowest-maintenance options, it isn’t the only choice. Other roofing materials that won’t require a high degree of care include:

• Slate. Even though slate is at the higher end of the price spectrum, it’s highly durable and low maintenance. According to InterNACHI, a slate roof can last for between 60 and 150 years.
• Concrete. Concrete roofing tiles can last for over a century — with very little maintenance.
• Clay. Clay tiles also are also long-lasting, durable, and lower maintenance.

To learn more about the individual maintenance needs of each type of material, discuss the options with a professional. A roofing contractor can help you to make the best selection for your needs.

Do you need a new roof? Contact D.S. Bahr Construction, Inc., for more information.