How Long Do Asphalt Shingles Last?

Whether you’re determining when to purchase your next roof or you are looking for the best roofing material to use for your new home build, it’s good to know the lifespan of asphalt roofing to factor into your decision.

Here are some of the major things that cause your asphalt shingles to last (or not!).

What Impacts the Lifespan of Asphalt Shingles?

1. Proper Ventilation in Your Attic

If your attic doesn’t have adequate ventilation to relieve it of excessive heat, the heat will build up just under your roofing, and can shorten the life of your asphalt shingles.

2. Weather

The lifespan of asphalt roofing shingles is dramatically impacted by the weather conditions it is subject to. Sun, rain, hail, and rapid temperature shifts can all take a toll on asphalt shingles, causing them to deteriorate faster.

When granules start to loosen and fall off, your asphalt shingles lose their strength and your home’s protective layer becomes compromised, making way for leaks in the future unless it is replaced. Once granules start falling off, UV exposure causes damage to your roof, dramatically shortening its lifespan.

3. Maintenance

Seasonal damage from ice dams, leaf and debris build-up, hail, and high winds can all impact the lifespan of asphalt shingles. These weather-related challenges cause excess moisture, which leads to mold and algae overgrowth. Granule loss and a decreased ability to adequately shed water results, contributing to the reduced lifespan of your asphalt shingles.

4. Installation Quality

The workmanship of the roofing professionals who installed your roof will directly impact its duration. It’s vital to the life of your roof that you hire the right roofing contractor. Your home is likely your biggest investment, and vetting the best contractor for your needs is paramount to its longevity. If the roofer you hire doesn’t use proper installation techniques, it will decrease the lifespan of your asphalt shingles.

5. Roof Pitch

The slope of your asphalt roofing impacts its longevity. Low slope roofing welcomes moisture from snow and rain to sit on the roof for extended periods of time, which can lead to mold growth. In contrast, a high-pitched asphalt roof has excellent runoff and will dry faster than low-pitch roofing. In general, the higher pitched your roofing, the longer it will last.

6. Shingle Type

There are three types of asphalt shingles:

• 3-tab shingles—which are the most cost effective and come with a 25-year warranty.
• Dimensional shingles—which come with a 30-year warranty and also give homeowners the opportunity to upgrade to a 50-year non-prorated warranty.
• Luxury shingles—which come with a 30-year prorated warranty from the manufacturer. You have the opportunity to upgrade to a 50-year non-prorated warranty.

If your roofing is installed correctly, and your attic has adequate ventilation, you’re in the best position to get the full lifespan out of your asphalt shingles.

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What Helps Asphalt Shingles to Last Longer

Take proper care of them

Each spring and fall, take time to do routine maintenance to your asphalt shingles, and they will last longer.

• Remove any debris such as leaves, small branches, or wind-blown leaves that have gathered on your roof. Removing this buildup ensures moisture won’t sit on your roof where it is likely to deteriorate your asphalt shingles.
• Check your roof for algae or moss. If it is found, hire someone to remove it so damage doesn’t occur as a result.
• Check your roof’s flashings, which are made to keep water from penetrating into your home. Look for cracks, gaps, algae, and moss.
• Look carefully at your roofing shingles to spot any missing, loose, or damaged ones. Have them repaired or replaced promptly to ensure your roof doesn’t start to leak.
• Clean your gutters regularly. When they get clogged with leaves, bird nests, or other debris, they are unable to function properly. And since their job is to channel water away from your home, clogged gutters put your home at risk.

Protect Your Biggest Investment with a Quality Roof

You deserve to have a high-performance roof installed with precision by a trusted team. At American Way Exteriors, we ensure your home looks its best with a market leader, Owens-Corning, to provide you the most trusted shingle and color pairing options for your roof.

Learn more about our asphalt shingle roofing service.