As a homeowner, you have probably wondered once or twice, “What is the average lifespan of a shingle roof?” Understanding the lifespan of your roof is crucial to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. Factors such as climate, installation quality, and ongoing maintenance play a significant role in determining how long your shingles will last. More importantly, the lifespan of a shingle roof is greatly affected by the overall materials used. Let’s take a closer look at the details to shed light on this critical aspect of roof care.

Key Takeaways

1. Factors Affecting Lifespan: Consider climate, installation quality, and maintenance for optimal roof longevity. Different materials have varied lifespans, so choose wisely based on your specific needs.
2. Temperature Impact: Extreme temperature changes, especially in warmer climates, can cause shingle damage and reduced durability.
3. Key Longevity Factors: Roof color, slope, material quality, installation, attic ventilation, nearby trees, and regional climate impact roof lifespan. Regular maintenance is crucial for extending roof life.
4. Importance of Maintenance and Warranties: Regular upkeep and understanding warranty coverage are essential for maximizing roof durability.
5. Seek Professional Assistance: Contact 856-264-9093 for expert guidance and support, especially if you’re in South Jersey and concerned about your roof’s condition.

Average Lifespan of Common Roofing Materials

What is the average lifespan of a shingle roof? Well, it depends. Not all shingles are made equally! Below you’ll find the average of each of the most commonly used materials:

1. Asphalt Shingles (3-tab): 15 to 18 years

2. Asphalt Shingles (Architectural): 24 to 30 years

3. Metal: 30 to 45 years

4. Concrete Tile: 35 to 50 years

5. Built-Up or Modified Bitumen: 10 to 16 years

6. EPDM (rubber) : 10 to 16 years

 

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common of roof shingles, and they have been around since the 1920s, so they are an enduring roofing material. They are used on the majority of homes today and are usually the option that most homeowners choose. The average lifespan of asphalt shingles ranges from 20 to 40 years depending on the manufacturer.

 

Organic Shingles

The materials that comprise shingles consist of asphalt compositions, which are either glass fiber (fiberglass) or organic. Organic shingles are made of felt-like material, which is drenched or saturated with asphalt to make the shingles water-resistant. They are then coated with adhesive asphalt and ceramic or stone-like granules that are ingrained within the final shingle product.

Organic shingles contain at least 40% more asphalt than fiberglass shingles, which gives them more weight, durability, and resistance to wind.

 

Glass Fiber/Fiberglass Shingles

Fiberglass or glass fiber shingles contain a reinforced glass fiber mat that is made in the shape of the roof shingle. The mat is coated with mineral filler asphalt, which adheres to the glass in the mat and helps to make it waterproof. A final adhesive coating is utilized to cover the entire mat with the addition of ceramic granules that are embedded in the mat. The granules are there to protect the shingles from the sun’s UV rays, which can damage and prematurely age shingles.

Fiberglass or glass fiber shingles are the more popular of the two as they are far less expensive, easier to produce, and more cost-effective. They are also easier to work with, which is the likely reason why homeowners and roofing contractors choose them over organic shingles.

 

Lifespan of Asphalt Shingles

The longevity of asphalt shingles almost totally depends on where they have been installed and if they have been installed properly. Shingles found in cooler places in the United States last longer than those in warmer climates. The average lifespan for shingles, which is normally around 20 years, is determined to be about 14 years for the warmer environments, such as the Southwest; whereas, in the North and Northeastern regions of the United States, asphalt shingles last anywhere from 19 to more than 20 years.

 

Temperature Extremes

Extremes in temperature are what affect the life of shingles and roofing materials. Obviously, warmer environments are going to limit shingle life. Shingles that experience abnormal temperature changes within short periods of time are not able to expand and contract as they should when wide temperature variations occur, such as 100 degrees during the day and considerably lower temperatures of below 50 at night.

Shingles don’t necessarily adapt to such intense variations in temperature. Splits, cracks, and other damage appear with shingles that have been exposed to temperature extremes and water can get into those areas and create further damage.

 

Factors That Effect The Life Expectancy Of Your Shingles

Other damages that occur because of continuous water accumulation are algae and fungus growth as well as freezing and thawing cycles during colder months. With the expansion of water in cracks and slits due to freezing, the larger the openings will become and the more damage that will occur. Yet even further damage to shingles can happen with insufficient or poor attic ventilation. Proper ventilation will increase the life of shingles and other parts of a roof.

All of these various and possible damages with shingles and other parts of a roof are reasons why roofing experts recommend sloped or pitched (steep) roofs as they shed water better and cause fewer problems concerning accumulated water. Professionals also suggest utilizing lighter colored shingles in warmer climates as they absorb less heat and prolong the life of shingles.

Here’s a list of conditions that affect roof longevity:

• Color of the roof: A dark roof absorbs more heat, which shortens the lifespan.
• Angle of roof slope: Higher pitch roofs tend to last longer.
• Orientation of roof surface: A roof slope facing south will get more sunlight, and have a shorter life.
• Multiple-layer roof: A roof installed over an existing roof will have a shorter life.
• Quality of roof material: “Economy” roof materials have a shorter life.
• Installation: Sloppy or improper installation shortens roof life.
• Attic ventilation: An unventilated or poorly ventilated attic reduces roof lifespan.
• Trees near roof: Tree branches rubbing on a roof or the acidity from the accumulation of leaf debris on a roof shortens its life.
• Harsh climate: Severe weather, both harsh winters, and hot summers, along with big temperature swings within a 24-hour period, also shorten lifespan because of the expansion and contraction of roof materials.

Maintenance and Warranties

Two important things that prolong the average lifespan of a shingle roof are maintenance and a watchful eye. Keep a lookout for any curling or other problems that might occur with shingles and related roofing issues. When it comes to warranties and your shingles, they can be of help with manufacturing defects but always ask for a copy of a material warranty and read through the particulars for coverage, costs, installation requirements, and other particulars before making any final decisions. Most warranty programs through a shingle manufacturer range from 20 to 40 years and beyond.

If you want to protect your roof even more, consider having your roof installed by a certified roofer, as a GAF Master Elite certified roofer. These individuals can offer you a more comprehensive warranty to ensure your roof lasts for as long as possible.

Looking for South Jersey Roofers to Repair or Replace Your Roof?

The average lifespan of a roof can be extended with the right information and precautions but if you are concerned about the life of your shingles, live in South Jersey, and want to know more about their condition, give our experts a call at 856-264-9093 or fill out the contact form. A representative will get back to you with the necessary information concerning an inspection or other issues that might be occurring.