So how long do architectural shingles last? If a roof is well cared for, installed properly, has no significant risks from tree overhangs, and has not been battered by extreme weather conditions, it’s lifespan can exceed the 30-year expected lifespan with tiles that say they offer a 30-year life. Neither question has an easy answer because both depend on a number of variables. Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement This can include weather conditions, tree overhang damage, proper care, and maintenance and how well it was installed. While the home inspector didn’t find any specific problems, I wonder how much longer the roof might hold up. However, it comes in different profiles for different weather conditions. The good news is that you, as a homeowner, can be proactive in defense of your roof system and ensure it has a longer life span. I don’t want to invest in a new one before it’s necessary, but I don’t want to put it off too long and have to contend with leaks. Slate shingles last the longest from 50 to 100 years and are the most costly. how-long-does-a-30-year-roof-really-last By rooflast Posted on May 15, 2019. With an older asphalt-type shingle, a roof would be expected to last about 20 years. Costing between $250 to $400 per square, architectural shingles are considered more attractive than their standard counterparts, with homeowners able to choose from styles that mimic even more expensive roofing, such as wood, slate, and tile. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. A premium brand can last up to 50 years. Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila, 6 Types of Shingles to Consider, and the Pros and Cons of Each, 3-D TVs and 10 Other Home Tech Fads That Didn’t Last Long, Roofing Roundup: 7 of Today's Most Popular Choices, Asphalt Shingles: A Showcase of Roofing Styles, Colors and Options. How Long do Architectural Shingles Last - Does Color Make a Difference? These last about 20 years, but the premium brands can go up to 50. How do I stop my roof from leaking inside? A regular composite shingle can last 20 years, fiber cement about 25 years, and architectural asphalt about 30 years. RELATED: 6 Types of Shingles to Consider, and the Pros and Cons of Each. How long a composition roof lasts depends on the type of composite shingles chosen. 3 Simple Methods on How to Cut Shingles. And of course, having a 20-year warranty for your roof is not precisely an assurance on your part that that’s how your roof is going to last. These shingles are easy to maintain, and often can easily be patched by the homeowner. Get free, no-commitment estimates from professional roofing contractors near you. For people who own a home, some significant concerns can arise. Laminated or architectural shingles used to be rated as 30 year, 40 year 50 year or Lifetime. A shingle roof generally lasts twenty to fifty years. 25 – year roofs lasting 9-12 years on average. Slate tile manufacturers offer warranties ranging anywhere from 50 years to a lifetime, and should a slate tile ever break, it can easily be replaced. Shingle roof life is based upon the material and quality. Asphalt shingles are great because they are cost-efficient and most brands include a 15-30 year warranty. This is one of the most common questions we get asked by clients, as well as how much does it cost to replace a roof. This can include weather conditions, tree overhang damage, proper care, and maintenance and how well it was installed. If a shingle roof lasts 30 years, we tell the homeowners that they really got their money’s worth! And architectural asphalt, which is thicker, holds for about 30 years, as does cedar shake. When roof tiles begin to breakdown, water can infiltrate a home’s structure through the sub-roofing wood and create leaks, mold, and water damage. Carsa Construction & … While many types of roofs last longer than 15 years, some can hold up well for 50 years or longer, barring a serious storm or a large fallen tree. By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila. What makes these roofs stand out is the fact that minor imperfections in the roof deck are usually concealed by the texture. Like all home and building materials, roof lifespans depend on a wide variety of things. Why does a “30-Year Shingle” Not Last 30-Years? Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Well, according to roofing experts, architectural shingles have an average lifespan of 30 years. Tab single roofs may only last 10 years, whereas premium shingles can last up to 30. When it comes to metal roofing, quality also relates to thickness; the thicker the gauge (lower in number), the more durable the roof will be. However, if you invest in a premium metal like stainless steel, titanium, zinc or copper, your roof can last more than 100 years. A 30 year roof will on average last between 12-15 years and that will depend on the climate in the region where the shingles are being used or will be installed. The contractor with the 30 year shingle quote says that he does not know of a house where shingles have lasted more that 25 years so paying the extra money to go to the 50 year is a waste. High-end metal roofing (22 to 24 gauge) is popular in northern regions due to its ability to send snow sliding from the roof, and it’s durable enough that it can easily last more than half a century. The lifespan of a 30 year roof can be 30 years or 3 decades, or it can last for significantly less time if you experience a disaster like a fire, major hailstorm, tornado, or a hurricane. Because wood is a natural product, it’s not uncommon to occasionally find a few warped or split shingles. Cedar is the preferred choice for wood shingles (also called “shakes”) because it’s rot- and insect-resistant. While clay tiles are available in a host of earthy colors, this roofing is best known for its bold terracotta tones extremely popular in the southwest region of the United States. You’ll pay $250 to $600 per square for a wood shingle roof and warranties run up to 30 years. One popular type of residential metal roofing, the standing seam metal roof, can typically last 30 to 50 years. To give the quickest answer possible, a 30 year roof will in theory last 30 years. Some roof tile manufacturers state their product offers a 30-year home roof lifespan, the roof materials’ actual longevity and durability will depend on several factors. How Long Does a 30 Year Roof Really Last. Q: We recently bought a house and its roof is 15 years old. Comprised of a variety of ingredients, including organic materials and cement fibers, they provide a durable layer of protection from UV rays, wind, and rain. I left them open, installed a ridge vent, and installed round soffit vents on one side of the house. What is a limited lifetime warranty on shingles and what does it cover? Top Rated Company; Excellent Customer Service; Financing Available; (336) 551-8197. This investment that caps your home can add character, insulation and cover from harsh weather. There are several factors that determine how long a 30 year roof of asphalt will last. How long does a shingle roof last? Some roof tile manufacturers state their product offers a 30-year home roof lifespan, the roof materials’ actual longevity and durability will depend on several factors. But, how can this be, you say. Residential Roofing. You do want to keep an eye out for roof leaks when you have composite roofing, as they can be tricky to fix. In our environment, a typical 30-year shingle can be expected to last approximately 15-20 years. How Long Does A 30 Year Roof Really Last? When installed correctly, a typical standing seam metal roof will last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Most homes have asphalt or composite shingles. The IACHI estimates that metal roofs in Florida typically last 17 to 20 years, but a website called Roofing Calculator says 50 years isn’t out of the question. Homepage / How Long Should a Roof Last and What Makes Them Last Longer or Shorter / how-long-does-a-30-year-roof-really-last. This means that a 30 year roof in NJ may noly last 27 years had the same roof been installed in a place which has a mild climate. Cedar is the preferred choice for wood shingles (also called “shakes”) because it’s rot- and insect-resistant. As of January 1, 2011 most of these shingles carry a limited lifetime warranty … Asphalt Roofs. Asphalt shingle roofing is designed to last about 20 years, with a few surviving beyond that. That includes ensuring proper maintenance is done on the home when needed. Longer-lasting options like metal and clay can last up to 50 years. While you cannot change adverse weather patterns, you can protect your roof by repairing any damaged roof tiles, power wash, and clean off any sap or mold growth on roof tiles and cut back any branches that overhang your roof. This was 19 years ago. Warranties vary by manufacturer, with some as long as 30 years. Four out of five homes are topped with asphalt shingles because they are affordable, look good and get the job done.Read: The three main types of asphalt shingles (and how to spot them)“Shingles are one part of a whole roof system,” Jeff Frantz, CertainTeed Products Territory Manager for the Washington, D.C. metro area, says. Premium metals such as stainless steel, titanium, zinc, and copper can last well over 100 years. And How Long Does A 30 Year Roof Really Last? 20 – 30 years is the typical shingle roof life expectancy. Metal roofing will last 30 to 50 years and is slightly more expensive. Statistically speaking, a tile roof in Florida is going to last 30 years. The house had gable-end vents. The biggest downside to slate tile roofs (besides the cost) is weight. You can expect for composite roofing to last between 30 and 50 years. Just to let you know about the area, in the winter the temp. Asphalt tile roofs tend to last anywhere from 15 to 25 years. Wood shingles look great on just about any house, weathering over time to a soft silvery gray, but they’re especially well-suited to Tudor and cottage-style homes. This covers a number of types of material including composition shingle, asphalt shingle, dimensional shingle, 3-tab shingle and more. Finding the right roof shingles to last can be confusing, and 30-year and 50-year shingles are not equal. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. Fiber cement will give you about 25 years. Let’s break it down. It can be a very frustrating experience when you purchased a roof 20 years ago, were told the shingles have a 30 year (or sometimes a 50 year) lifespan and are now failing. Vinyl clad aluminum roofing is energy efficient and lasts from 20 to 30 years. Super-luxury options like slate, tile and cedar may outlive several homeowners. Asphalt shingles, the most common type of roofing material sold today, are installed on more than 80 of new homes because they’re affordable (averaging $70 to $150 per square) and include warranties of up to 25 years. There are several factors however that make a roof last longer or shorter which is what we will discuss in this article. I got lazy and didn’t install the round vents on the other side of the house. Manufacturing companies of asphalt shingles understand what a roof goes through in a 30 years period and have placed lifetime expectancies accordingly. After two decades, your roofing materials are simply too aged and deteriorated from Michigan weather to properly protect your home from the elements. A good roof is worth all the money, labor and time spent researching the available materials. Learn more from one of the best Roofing Companies in Glendale AZ. The shingles’ underside features a layer of black asphalt that becomes sticky in the hot sun and seals the roofing in place to form a watertight seal. Though a pricey option, ranging from $600 to $1,500 per square, a slate roof can take just about anything Mother Nature dishes out (except perhaps a powerful tornado), retaining its structural integrity and beauty. Since a home is one of life’s most significant financial investments and often a primary place to live, protecting it is essential. These materials will begin to show wear in as early as 8-10 years in extreme weather environments, and are vulnerable to high winds. However, when a roof system is damaged and left unattended from tree sap, mold growth, wind, hail, or other weather damage, it can significantly deteriorate the lifespan of the roof tiles and the roofing system. At the cheaper end, you’ll find thinner metals (26 to 29 gauge) with a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. Typically, a 30 – year roof will last on average 12-15 years in more extreme climates, such as we have here in Texas. Can you put new roofing shingles over old ones? While many types of roofs can last longer than 15 years, there are several that can last for 50 years or longer, with the exception of a serious storm or a large fallen tree. The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. To understand this we need to first look at how the manufactures define their shingle levels and warranties now versus how they defined them in the past. Standard roof framing is not suitable for supporting these heavy tiles, so the roof’s rafters must be beefed up before they can be installed. can get to be about -35 degrees Celsius and can go to +35 degrees Celsius in the summer. This is because roofs that are not maintained may only last between 12 and 15 years, which is half of a 30-year roof’s expected lifespan. While architectural shingles seal in the same manner as standard asphalt shingles, they’re up to three times thicker to form a denser, more resilient roof. Doing these things can significantly improve the lifespan of your home’s roofing system. Copyright © 2021 | Priority Roofing Company. These signs, however, can show up depending on the type of roof that you have and the kind of lifespan they possess. For more about signs of roof damage, you can check this article. A: Materials and workmanship—as well as the weather elements in your location—determine the lifespan of a roof. A wood shingle roof can last up to 30 years but requires annual upkeep. They’re also known to last for a really long time following proper installation. The shingles on your roof make a big difference. Not surprisingly, cheaper roofing materials won’t last as long as more expensive types, and the price range is quite broad. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Insurance industry data is compiled using millions of data points; millions of roofs in this case. You’ll pay $600 to $800 per square to have a clay tile roof installed, but you won’t be replacing the roof any time soon. How long does a roof last? Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you believe that your roof, once installed, will last 30 years regardless of what you do to it, you may be in for a shock. These are, as you can see, categorized by their life-expectancy. If it’s not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years. Manufacturers offer warranties ranging from 20 years to a lifetime, depending on the quality of the metal. Shingles come in four major varieties: 20, 30, 40 and 50-year. When Lynn Stahl decided to replace her home's roof, she wanted something that would last. At the lower end are shingles costing $70 per square (in roofing terms, a “square” is 100 square feet) and at the higher end you can pay as much as $1,500 per square—with shingles in the top price range potentially lasting longer than the house itself. When a 30-year roof lasts only 7.5 years. Recent Tips. Home; About; Blog; Services. Slate—a natural metamorphic stone with a fine grain appearance— is perfect for being cut into uniform roofing tiles. So read on to learn how long different types of shingles are likely to last so you can judge the lifespan of your roof. A roof will last until it begins to break down, shingles curl or it leaks. What happens if you don’t replace your roof? While some homeowners may believe that a roof plays a minor role in protecting the home, a roof system plays a vital role in ensuring that the interior and the structure of the house stay intact. A wood shingle roof should be inspected annually, and any split shingles should be promptly replaced. That’s one of the big misconceptions in the roofing marketplace. Your roof life expectancy is dependent on what it is made of and where you live. We foolishly spent as much in maintenance and repairs over the last few years of the original roof’s life as we did on a new tile roof. The materials used and quality of workmanship—as well as the climate and weather—determine the lifespan of your roof. In a more severe climate, a 25 year shingle roof will last on average between 9-12 years. Your roof’s life depends on its materials. The most common and cost-efficient roofing product easily available in Florida is asphalt. Manufacturers used to make shingles that would last 40 years, but those shingles were made using asbestos which is not used any longer. If it’s not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years. Standing Seam is the most popular residential metal roofing system featuring concealed fasteners. 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