How Long Does A Shingle Roof Last?

The lifespan of a shingle roof typically ranges from 20 to 30 years, depending on the quality of materials, installation, and maintenance. Factors like climate, weather exposure, and ventilation also play significant roles in determining longevity. Regular inspections and timely repairs can help extend the life of your shingle roof.

Single roofs are the most popular roofing option in the US right now. If you are considering having your roof replaced, then you will want to know how long a brand new shingle roof would last on your home.

Will you get a long life span from your shingle roof installation and investment?

How Long Does A Shingle Roof Last?

On average, you can get between 20 to 30 years from a brand new asphalt shingles roof. The exact lifespan you will get will depend on the source materials used in the roof, the way they are coated, the exact type of shingle used in the roof, and more.

When compared to other roofing materials out there, they aren’t as long lasting. However, they do have a lot of benefits that means it is worth considering them for your roof.

The Benefits Of A Shingle Roof

So why pick a shingle roof? There are lots of reasons why they are so popular in the US right now. These include:

Budget friendly roofing option: Having your roof replaced is one of the most expensive home improvement jobs. Because of this, many homeowners are looking to try and save money while still having a good quality roof installed.

Shingles are a good option for those looking for a budget friendly roof. The materials are cost effective, and the cost of labour is much cheaper compared to other roofing materials. Vast majority of roofers out there will have expertise in installing shingle roofs as well, giving you lots of choice in roofers in your local area. That allows you to compare quotes and get the most for your budget. 

Simple repairs: Another big benefit of picking a shingle roof is the fact quite easy to repair when needed. If there has been damaged to the roof in a localized area, the repairs are often are simple as removing the shingles in that area, and then replacing them. Keep an extra box of shingles when you have the roof replaced, and you can be sure they will match your roof if you do need to make repairs.

Highly versatile: No matter what kind of roof you have, the shape of it, and the angle, asphalt shingles can easily be installed on it. They are a highly versatile roofing material, so you can be sure that they will work with your roof in particular.

Durable roofing material: While shingles are not going to last as long as other roofing materials out there, while they are on your roof they are highly durable, protecting your home from the elements.

This is thanks to many manufacturers making shingles with additional coatings that protect each shingle from water intrusion. They also often come with a granular coating on top, which helps reflect UV rays and stop damage from the sun. This will also help keep heat out of your home, keeping those energy costs down.

The Drawbacks Of A Shingle Roof

Before settling on a shingle roof for your home, you also need to be aware of the drawbacks to them. What are the downsides you should know about? 

Limited lifespan: The biggest downside, and one that you will already be aware of, is the lifespan of shingle roofs, when compared to others on the market. With the right care, a shingle roof will last for up to 30 years, while other materials out there can easily go for up to 100 years. 

For many homeowners though, this is a fair trade when it comes to the ease of installation and budget price that comes with a shingle roof.

Less design options: When you compare shingle roofs to other roofing materials available to you, you will see that there are fewer design options that you can choose from. For example, depending on the shingles you choose, you may simply have the choice of a few different colors. Compare that to metal roofing, which comes in a huge range of different colors, styles, and more.

Again though, for most homeowners they simply want the roofing they choose to be highly efficient first, rather than simply aesthetically pleasing. With modern shingles as well, you will see they are just as aesthetically pleasing as other materials out there right now.

How To Get The Most From Your Shingle Roof

So you will get up to 30 years from a good asphalt shingle roof. Like any roofing material, though, the lifespan of the roof will depend on how well you take care of it. What should you do to ensure you get the full lifespan from your new roof?

It is vital that you carry out regular inspections of your roof, to make sure that there are no issues that need to be addressed. With a shingle roof, it is particularly important to keep an eye out for any missing, broken, or cracked shingles.  If there are issues with any of the shingles, they need to be replaced as soon as possible as they are not providing protection against the elements in a broken state.

The good news is that replacing shingles is often very simple, and by replacing the shingles that are broken, you will then have the roof in a fully working state again.

Conclusion

When inspecting your roof, first take a look from the ground outside to see if you can find any issues. Then, make your way into your attic to inspect your roof from the inside. Look for issues such as light shining through, or water damage in the attic, such as mold or rots in the woodwork.

If you do see any issues, it is always advisable to call upon your local roofer to help you out. They will be able to accurately diagnose the issue, and repair it safely and quickly.

With the right care, an asphalt shingle roof will typically last around 30 years. There are many benefits to having one installed, so if you feel it is right for your home, contact us about having one installed today.