How long will your shingle roof last?
- By Jason
- November 1st, 2023
Are you contemplating a new asphalt shingle roof and wondering about its durability? It’s a common concern for homeowners aiming to get the most out of their roofing investment. While a roofing professional might give an estimate of 25 to 30 years, various factors can influence how long your roof will actually last.
Legacy Renovations, serving Northern Kentucky For Decades, and specializes in installing asphalt roofs with precision and care. Our commitment to quality ensures the durability of your roof. In this guide, we combine our extensive experience with necessary research to address a frequent question from homeowners: “How long does a shingle roof last?”
Roof shingles come in diverse shapes and sizes, and their material composition significantly affects their longevity, maintenance costs, and the added value to your home. It’s essential to understand these aspects, as they collectively determine the real-time performance and lifespan of your asphalt shingle roof.
How long can you expect your asphalt roof to last?
Navigating roofing complexities can be a challenging and costly endeavor, whether you’re buying or constructing a home. It’s essential to understand the roof’s age, its current state, and any specific needs related to materials and design.
Being aware of the average lifespan of roofs in your region, considering the usual weather patterns, is also vital. Regular roof inspections are key, starting before you finalize a home purchase and continuing consistently over time.
With all this in mind, you might be pondering the potential longevity of a new asphalt roof, desiring it to serve you well for many years, given its substantial investment.
Here are five factors that could potentially extend or reduce the lifespan of your asphalt roofing.
5 factors that determine how long your asphalt roof lasts
Understanding the anticipated longevity of your asphalt roof enables you to explore the factors influencing its lifespan. By doing so, you can proactively implement measures to ensure the enduring performance of your asphalt roofing over time.
With correct installation and adequate ventilation, the three primary varieties of asphalt shingles—3-tab, dimensional, and premium—can each reach approximately 80-85% of their specified lifespan.
To put it into perspective, a 3-tab shingle roof can last between 20 and 22 years, and a dimensional shingle roof can endure for 25 to 28 years. It’s important to note that these life expectancies are contingent upon the quality of the installation and the proper ventilation of your roof.
3 Tab Shingles
Each 3-tab shingle features three asphalt tabs and is constructed in a singular, flat layer. These shingles have a fiberglass base and are coated with mineral granules to deflect and absorb solar radiation.
3-tab shingles are a popular choice for sloped roofs due to their wide availability, cost-effectiveness, and durability—they typically last between 10 and 20 years and come with a standard manufacturer warranty of 25 years. Their affordability, ease of transport and installation, and sleek design make them an ideal option for budget-conscious homeowners.
While 3-tab shingle roofs are well-suited for milder climates, such as those found on the East Coast and Midwest, they may not be the best choice in regions that experience extremely cold temperatures, frequent storms, or blizzard conditions. In such areas, alternative roofing options might be more appropriate.
Dimensional shingles
Constructed from fiberglass and topped with a layer of asphalt to create a textured, three-dimensional look and feel, dimensional shingles—also known as architectural shingles—boast remarkable durability, with a potential lifespan of up to 25 years.
Most manufacturers provide warranties of around 30 years for dimensional shingles, which are reinforced with multiple layers for added strength and longevity. Consequently, they tend to be a pricier option compared to 3-tab shingles, so you might want to allocate a larger budget if you choose this roofing material.
Premium Shingles
Premium asphalt shingles boast a more pronounced profile compared to 3-tab shingles, enhancing the roof’s visual depth and providing an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Typically found on upscale residences, these shingles exude a luxurious appeal.
A notable benefit of premium shingles is their ability to mimic the appearance of more costly roofing materials, such as genuine slate or cedar shake, while being significantly more affordable.
For those residing in regions vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, including tornadoes, hurricanes, or frequent substantial hail, premium asphalt shingles are a practical choice. They offer resistance to wind uplifts ranging from 110 MPH to 130 MPH, with performance depending on the installation method.
Premium asphalt shingles boast a more pronounced profile compared to 3-tab shingles, enhancing the roof’s visual depth and providing an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Typically found on upscale residences, these shingles exude a luxurious appeal.
A notable benefit of premium shingles is their ability to mimic the appearance of more costly roofing materials, such as genuine slate or cedar shake, while being significantly more affordable.
For those residing in regions vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, including tornadoes, hurricanes, or frequent substantial hail, premium asphalt shingles are a practical choice. They offer resistance to wind uplifts ranging from 110 MPH to 130 MPH, with performance depending on the installation method.
The quality of the roofer’s workmanship
The longevity of your asphalt roof, whether it requires minor repairs or a complete overhaul, largely depends on the contractor you choose. Opting for a well-regarded roofing company ensures access to top-notch services and materials, backed by both manufacturer and workmanship warranties.
To safeguard your investment in your roof, it is imperative to enlist the services of a reliable roofing contractor. With high-quality materials expertly fitted, your roof’s lifespan can be maximized.
Hence, it is vital to select a roofing contractor with a solid reputation for quality work. Shoddy installation practices can drastically reduce a roof’s longevity, potentially resulting in premature replacement.
When in search of a local roofing contractor, relying solely on references from past projects they have undertaken is insufficient.
Weather Conditions
Every roof will inevitably face wear and tear due to weather conditions over its lifespan, and the rate at which your asphalt roof ages depends largely on your local climate.
In areas with intense sunlight, such as southern California, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, or Arizona, asphalt shingle roofs may not endure as long as they might in the cooler climates of the Midwest or Northeast. Asphalt roofs in hotter regions are more susceptible to thermal shock and heat-related damages, resulting in cracks and potentially leading to premature roof failure.
Furthermore, living in regions frequently hit by small hail could lead to rapid granular loss on your shingles, diminishing the lifespan of your asphalt roof. Unfortunately, such damage might not qualify for insurance claims.
For these reasons, if your home in a warmer area has an asphalt shingle roof, regular inspections are crucial. And if you are considering installing an asphalt shingle roof in such a climate, seeking advice from a roofing expert is highly recommended. While you can’t change the weather, understanding its impact is key to maximizing the lifespan of your roof.
Proper Attic Ventilaion
The condition of your roof is largely dependent on the quality of ventilation in your attic. Proper attic ventilation ensures a balanced temperature throughout the year, mitigating the accumulation of heat and humidity in varying seasons.
Roof vents play a crucial role in promoting adequate air flow, helping to expel excess heat and moisture that could otherwise compromise your property. By preventing the attic from overheating, you not only save on energy costs but also reduce the risk of ice dams forming on your roof.
Regions that experience both scorching summers and freezing winters are particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of heat and moisture in an inadequately ventilated attic. This can lead to severe damage and notably shorten the lifespan of an asphalt roof.
Moreover, moisture accumulation in the attic can potentially result in roof leaks if left unaddressed. Additionally, a lack of proper ventilation can void the manufacturer’s warranty for your roofing materials.
Your Roof's Asphalt Shingle Maintenance
Can you recall your last visit to inspect your roof? Did you spot any damages, tears, or perhaps even some charming moss growth? If concerns about your roof’s state are on your mind, ensuring regular inspections and maintenance is key.
Leaving debris to gather on your roof can result in constant dampness, promoting moss proliferation. Shingles that remain persistently damp lose their efficacy in shielding your home from various weather conditions.
As such, engaging in annual preventative maintenance is crucial for prolonging your roof’s lifespan. It’s important to keep the roof, valleys, and the areas around gutters and downspouts clear of debris to prevent potential leaks.
Regularly maintaining your roof ensures that common roofing issues are identified and addressed promptly, preventing them from escalating into more severe problems.
When To Replace Your Asphalt Shingle Roof
Upon reading this article, you should have a clear understanding of the expected lifespan of your asphalt roof and the five key factors that influence it. This knowledge is crucial, particularly if you’re contemplating a roof replacement.
We’ve proactively thought about this for you. Just like any significant investment, recognizing the right time to repair your asphalt roof is crucial, and it’s all about identifying the indicators.
Consider the following scenarios:
- Your roof sustained damage during the previous night’s storm.
- There are shingles missing from your roof.
- It has been two decades since your roof was last asphalted.
- The damage on your roof is evident and cannot be ignored.
The top layer of asphalt shingles, made from black asphalt, provides a resilient cover that is waterproof, UV-resistant, and wind-resistant, all thanks to a base of organic material and cement fibers activated by sunlight. If you notice your asphalt shingles showing signs of cracking, curling, or losing granules, it’s time to consider repairs or replacement.
It’s advisable to have a professional evaluate your roof once it hits the 15-year mark, particularly if your area is prone to severe weather events. Incidents such as hailstorms, blizzards, or tornadoes could dramatically shorten your roof’s expected lifespan, potentially necessitating major repairs or a complete replacement.