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.

Average Lifespan of Common Roofing Materials

What is the average lifespan of a shingle roof? It depends on the kind of shingles you have. Furthermore, the environment where you live may subtract years off your roof’s lifespan.

Here is a chart explaining the average lifespan of shingles as well as a comparison with other common roofing materials:

About 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.

Asphalt shingles that are made with felt and asphalt are water-resistant a durable. Shingles made with fiberglass, however, are more common. These shingles are lightweight and easier to produce.

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

Aside from temperature extremes, asphalt shingles can deteriorate more quickly with insufficient or poor attic ventilation. Proper ventilation will increase the life of shingles and other parts of a roof. Other issues that may impact your asphalt shingles include:

• Color: Dark shingles absorb more heat.
• 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.

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.

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.

Extend the Lifespan of Asphalt Shingles with Roof Maintenance from RGB Construction

What’s the average lifespan of asphalt shingles? Though it depends on maintenance and other environmental factors, most asphalt shingles last between 20-30 years. Make sure you’re taking care of your roof by scheduling routine inspections and maintenance with a trusted roofer like RGB Construction.