One of the most important aspects of homeownership is the ongoing roof maintenance and repairs of materials that protect your home. Having a durable, reliable, and sturdy roof is essential to protecting your house, family, and possessions.
With roofing materials that can last anywhere between ten to sixty years, there is a lot of room for some roofing materials to perform better or worse than others. Artisan Quality Roofing has everything you need to know about maintenance for the lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof.
How Long You Can Expect Your Asphalt Roof Shingles to Last
Dating back to the 1920s, asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing materials used throughout the past century for residential roofs. The expected asphalt roof life will last anywhere from fifteen to thirty years. Achieving the outcome of a longer roof lifespan is made possible by taking preventative measures of roof repairs performed by a professional contractor.
Warm climate and weather conditions tend to make a harsher impact on asphalt shingles. For homeowners in colder, northern, and northeastern regions asphalt roofing lasts longer. However, no matter where you live, if you see signs of deterioration, missing shingles, or experiencing roof damage, it is important to schedule repairs so that you can get the most out of the lifespan of your asphalt roof.
The Lifespan of Different Asphalt Shingle Types
Not all asphalt shingles last the same number of years. Although they fall within a certain timeframe, different asphalt roof types have features that affect their life expectancy.
The different asphalt shingle roof types and their expected lifespans are:
- 3-tab shingles: The cheapest asphalt shingle type lasting between 15-30 years.
- Architectural shingles: Also called dimensional shingles, these asphalt shingles are mid-range priced and last between 20-30 years.
- Premium shingles: The highest price tag when it comes to asphalt shingle materials, these last between 25-40 years.
With proper care and maintenance, your asphalt roof can get the most out of its performance. However, if you do not observe the existence of deterioration, missing shingles, roof leaks, storm damage, or other issues taking place on your roof, you may have to opt for a full roof replacement for your home.
Asphalt Shingle Roof vs Other Roof Types
It is always a good idea to compare roof types so that you can see the complete picture of what type of roof replacement is best for your house. Although asphalt shingles are one of the most common choices for homeowners, it’s always smart to consider your roof choice in comparison to other roofing materials on the market.
Other roof life expectancy ranges, when continued maintenance is performed:
- Metal roofs: 40-70 years.
- Wood shingles: 30 years, give or take.
- Clay tile roofs: 50-100 years.
- Slate tile roofs: 75-200 years.
Although on appearance it seems like asphalt shingle roofs do not last as long as these other roof types, it is important to remember that metal, clay, slate, and wood materials offer greater challenges in terms of upkeep and maintenance. This results in a greater cost over time. Talk to your roofing contractors for the best roofing replacement solutions for your home, climate, and budget.
Factors that Affect the Lifespan of Asphalt Shingle Roofs
To determine the lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof, one must consider the many factors that can affect whether or not you will need a roof replacement or roof repairs.
Quality of Roof Materials
While Asphalt materials are a popular roofing material that provides a durable layer of protection from the sun and other environmental and weather conditions, there are other types of shingles that offer longer-lasting protection for your home.
Asphalt shingles last typically close to twenty years, whereas a metal roof, a slate roof, wood shingles, and clay tile roofs last significantly longer. Additionally, choosing asphalt materials in the form of architectural shingles or other premium shingles affects how long your roof lasts.
Some roof shingles can fall victim to manufacturing defects, ultimately making them difficult to withstand a severe storm or other extreme weather or extreme temperatures.
Installation Procedure Used
In order to get an extremely durable, long-lasting roof it is essential to have the professional installation performed by a reputable roof installation and roof maintenance company. Unfortunately, mistakes made by novice roofers, DIY efforts, or inexperienced roofing contractors can negatively impact the life expectancy of your roof.
It’s important to always do research on the roofing company, to interview and receive quotes from multiple roofers, and to ask your roofing contractor about similar projects they have performed to repair or replace asphalt shingles in the area to find a professional you can trust.
Weather and Temperature
Both outdoor and indoor elements can affect the life expectancy of your roof.
Warmer climates in the south and out west can negatively impact your existing roof, which is why homes that reach high temperatures year-round have a shorter lifespan of asphalt shingles. North Carolina and other eastern and northern state residents will find that they can usually see an asphalt roof last closer to twenty years with ongoing roof maintenance.
Although any drastic changes in temperatures can impact the roof, if shingles are cracked, chipped, or split or if shingles are missing and it causes roof leaks or algae or fungal growth, the roof will not withstand wind speeds, the weight of snow, excess rain, or other environmental factors caused by mother nature.
If the temperatures inside your house are excessively warm, particularly caused by poor attic ventilation, this will also affect the integrity of the roof, making an entire roof replacement a possibility.
Maintenance Schedule
Scheduling an annual roof inspection with a reputable roofing contractor is one of the best ways to ensure you maintain a resilient roof. Your roofing system can be maintained with small, inexpensive repairs throughout its lifespan, making the probability of needing a new roof replacement less likely.
How to Tell if Your Asphalt Shingles are Damaged
Are you unsure if you need a roof repair or roof replacement? Let’s review some of the signs that your roof is due for repairs.
Asphalt roofs will show signs of deterioration in the following ways:
- Cracked shingles: cracks in shingles leave your home vulnerable to leaks that can cause interior damage to your home.
- Curled shingles: shingles that curl at the edges are usually a sign of poor attic ventilation or environmental factors.
- Missing shingles: a missing shingle exposes your home to the potential danger of water, dirt, and debris penetrating the roof deck.
- Lifted shingles: shingles that begin lifting at the bottom are more prone to issues caused by high winds, snow, and rain.
- A sagging roof: oftentimes, a sagging roof is the result of faulty installation practices where new shingles were placed over your old shingle roof, placing excess weight on your roof system.
It is vital to schedule an annual roof inspection and roof maintenance service for your roof to last. Whether you opt for standard asphalt shingles or more expensive roofing materials of premium or architectural shingles, if your roof’s asphalt coating is showing any signs of deterioration or disarray, taking preventative measures is key to getting the most out of your roof’s lifespan.
Worried Your Asphalt Roof Needs Repairs? Call Artisan Quality Roofing Today!
Have you seen signs of damage to your asphalt roof and suspect it might be time to schedule a roof replacement or roof repair service? For Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas, Artisan Quality Roofing can have your new roof installed quickly, affordably, and by trusted, top-performing roofing contractors.
Call us today at 919-906-3791 to request a free estimate on your new roof.
