Shingles are the first line of defense against Mother Nature’s wrath, so you always want to stay on your toes and keep them in top shape! They act as a waterproof barrier as well as an insulator for your home, and a good shingle roof can go a long way for the safety and comfort of you and yours.
How long do shingles last? As a rule of thumb, most asphalt shingles last between 15 to 30 years. However, there are many factors that can influence this–both positively and negatively.
How Long Does a Roof Last
When conducting your annual roof check-up, here are a few things you should take into consideration–especially if this is your first rodeo as a hobbyist roof inspector! As always, some of these items can be hard to notice from the ground, especially if you’re inexperienced. Professional roofers can check out your roof for a more accurate assessment.
Signs of Wear and Tear
Installing a shingle roof can be a great choice for your home. If this is your first time as a homeowner with a shingle roof, you should be familiar with the signs that show up when roof shingles reach the end of their lifespan. These include:
- Shingles are curling, cupping, or buckling: This can happen due to excessive heat damage, poor installation, or old age. Shingles in this condition can easily be blown off during bad weather.
- Shingles are cracked or split: This can happen from heat damage and from a process called “thermal stress” (shingles expanding when exposed to the sun’s heat, then contracting when the temperature drops at night).
- Shingles are losing granules/balding: The asphalt granules on your shingles can be washed away, leaving the shingle brittle and prone to breakage.
- Moss or algae growth: Moss or algae can happen if there is no proper water drainage on your roof, and if your home is located under too much shade. They can cause stains and growths on your roof, and can even spread to the inside of your home, leading to wood rot.
Be proactive–detecting these issues early can prevent major (and costly!) headaches in the future!
Type and Quality of Shingles
Shingles come in two forms: three-tab and architectural roof shingles. The three-tab is usually more affordable than the architectural (also known as dimensional), but they also last less, usually from 15 to 20 years. Architectural roof shingles are sturdier, and–with the proper care–can take a beating for up to 30 years!
Installation
When were your shingles last installed? Who was responsible for installing them? Make sure you hire trusted and reliable contractors who know how to shingle a roof, such as Qualis Roofing & Construction. To quickly check the quality of your roof’s installation, check the flashing (the material found around the vents, skylights, and chimneys of your roof). If you notice it’s lifting or pulling up in any way, you may need to get it repaired or replaced. You should also check to see if all shingles are properly nailed down, aren’t overhanging, and that they all have a uniform appearance and are neatly set. All of this can be checked from the ground, by the way–although we advise hiring an expert roofer for the most accurate results!
Maintenance
The duration of your shingles also depends on how often you have the maintenance man out. Although it’s always great to be able to do your own DIY fixes, nothing beats a pro at their job; hire a professional roofer to check up on your roof, gutters, and even attic. Their trained eye can spot stains or damages that you may have never noticed, especially if you’re a first-time homeowner. Setting up a maintenance schedule and staying consistent with your roofer will do wonders for your roof in the long run.
Climate and Weather Conditions
Where you live can greatly impact the durability of your roof shingles. Harsher weather, such as high winds and heavy rain, can be a negative influence no matter if they’re three-tab or architectural. Always inspect the condition of your roof after a storm from the ground and call a contractor if you feel something is amiss.
The Top Contractor in Shingle Roofing Serving Dallas-Fort Worth & All Surrounding Areas
How long should a roof last? How long does it take to replace a roof? All these questions and more can be answered by the pros at Qualis Roofing & Construction. Our team’s successfully completed over 400+ projects, and with our combined experience of 75+ years in the roofing industry, there’s nothing we haven’t seen.
For quality roofs, there’s no one to call but Qualis!
