Does your roof currently have architectural asphalt shingles? Are you considering architectural asphalt shingles for your roof replacement?
Architectural asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material used today. So, honestly, it wouldn't be surprising if the majority of homeowners answered yes to one or even both questions.
But no matter which question fits your situation, you're probably wondering how long architectural asphalt shingles last. After all, the lifespan tells you the return on investment and, most importantly, when you’ll have to replace your roof down the road.
So, how long do architectural asphalt shingles last?
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has educated homeowners on everything they need to know about the different types of asphalt shingles. That's why I'll break down how long architectural asphalt shingles last and much more.
By the end of this article, you'll learn:
- How long do architectural asphalt shingles last?
- What affects how long architectural asphalt shingles last?
- How do you know when architectural asphalt shingles need to be replaced?
How long do architectural asphalt shingles last?
Architectural asphalt shingles have a manufacturer-specified lifespan of 30 years. However, they should realistically last around 80-85% of their maximum lifespan.
So, architectural asphalt shingles actually last around 20-25 years as long as they're properly installed. Just know that there are plenty of architectural shingle roofs that don't last this long.
Without a quality shingle, proper installation, and adequate attic ventilation, you won’t get near the 25-year mark. Honestly, you'll be lucky to get 10, maybe 15, years out of your roof without these two crucial roofing practices (more on this next).
But as long as you hire a great roofing contractor and invest in quality, your architectural shingles should get as close as possible to their maximum lifespan.
What affects how long architectural asphalt shingles last?
So, architectural asphalt shingles should last around 20 to 25 years. However, how long they’ll ultimately last comes down to the multiple factors that impact the lifespan.
These factors include:
- Material quality
- Installation quality
- Proper attic ventilation
- The weather in your area
- The direction your asphalt roof faces
- Maintaining your asphalt roof after installation
Quality of the architectural shingle and other components
The quality of the actual shingle and the rest of the components has huge impact in how long architectural shingle roof lasts. There are multiple asphalt shingle brands, and each one has different shingle lines and performance perks that vary in quality.
The quality of the different components that make up the roof system also play a role. So, it's important to invest in quality roof system instead of a mix and match of inferior products.
I understand a low price is tempting, but cheap and/or inferior materials are guaranteed to show up in the finished quality. So, set your budget, choose a quality architectural shingle from a respected manufacturer, and invest in quality to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Installation quality
Installation quality is the main driver for how long an architectural shingle roof lasts. So, an improperly installed architectural shingle stands no chance of reaching its full potential.
Improper installation can be caused by poor workmanship, inadequate attic ventilation, improper nailing, and poor weather conditions during the roof replacement process. If the architectural shingles and other roofing components are improperly installed, you’ll have a roof that needs repairs throughout its life before it prematurely fails.
Unfortunately, this leads to another replacement well before you should need one. Luckily, improper installation can be avoided by hiring a reputable roofing contractor with a strong installation history.
Proper attic ventilation
After installation quality, proper attic ventilation plays the biggest role in how long an architectural shingle lasts. While inadequate attic ventilation is part of improper roof installation, it’s important enough to be on its own.
If your attic isn’t properly ventilated, the trapped air dramatically shortens the life of architectural shingles. For example, poor attic ventilation in the summer causes heat to build up enough to literally burn your roof up, deteriorate the adhesives in the decking, and cause cracked or curled shingles.
No matter if it’s cold air in the winter or hot air in the summer, an architectural asphalt shingle's lifespan will be negatively impacted by an improperly ventilated attic.
The climate and weather in your area
Every roof goes through wear and tear from the weather throughout its life. However, the climate and amount of extreme weather your area can greatly impact the lifespan of architectural shingles.
For example, the shingles experience granular loss a lot quicker in areas with hail storms, which shortens the roof’s lifespan. Luckily, many manufacturers have started making impact-resistant architectural shingles.
Some states even require impact-resistant shingles in general because of frequent hail storms. But no matter what, the more extreme weather architectural shingles are hit with, the more it impacts how long the roof lasts.
Just know that you can file an insurance claim (unless specifically excluded) for hail or wind damage.
The direction your roof faces
Just like the weather, the direction your roof faces impacts how long architectural shingles last. Shingles are made to withstand UV light, but the parts of your roof that are exposed to prolonged sunlight show signs of wear and tear quicker.
For example, if the roof faces east or west, each side gets an equal amount of direct sunlight as the day goes on. But if it faces south, only the south side receives direct sunlight all day while also taking the brunt of the wear and tear from the weather.
This also means part of your roof won’t dry after rain, which allows moss growth and leaves sitting, saturated debris on your roof longer. Not only does this eventually lead to a leak, but it also shortens the lifespan of architectural shingles.
Roof maintenance
After installation, routine roof maintenance plays a crucial role in maximizing the lifespan of architectural shingles. Whether it’s once or twice a year, maintenance ensures you get the most life out of your asphalt roof.
It keeps your roof highly functioning by catching and preventing future leaks before they can start. Without maintenance, a small problem snowballs into an expensive repair and causes damage to the interior of your home.
This is also the perfect chance to clear your roof and gutters of debris, especially in areas that experience build up, like roof valleys. If saturated debris is left sitting, it will definitely shorten the architectural shingles' lifespan and potentially lead to leaks.
How do you know when architectural asphalt shingles need to be replaced?
If you know when the architectural shingles were installed, you can estimate when it's time to replace them based on the number of years that have passed. Unfortunately, it's hard to keep track of the years unless you have the paperwork or know when they were installed.
However, you can get an idea if it's time to replace architectural shingles by looking for the signs that they've reached their lifespan.
These signs include:
- Curling or buckling shingles
- Lack of granules making the shingles look bald
- Missing shingles
- Roof sagging
- Moss covering your roof
- Blistering shingles
- Finding granules in the gutters or on the ground
If your architectural asphalt shingles are showing of any or all of the signs above, it’s most likely time to replace them. However, you won’t know until after a roofer performs an inspection.
How do architectural shingles compare to the other types of asphalt shingles?
After reading this article, you know how long architectural shingles last, the things that affect the lifespan, and the signs that it's time to replace them. At the end of the day, as long as you hire a reputable roofer and invest in quality, an architectural asphalt shingle roof should last last between 20 to 25 years.
But when it's time to replace it, you'll have to decide if you want architectural shingles again or a different asphalt shingle type. Luckily, there are only three options to choose from.
However, they greatly differ in quality, lifespan, warranties, and, most importantly, cost. So, no matter why you're here, it's important to you have all the information needed to confidently choose the right asphalt shingle.
That's why I wrote another article breaking down everything you need to know about the three types of asphalt shingles.
Check out The 3 Types of Asphalt Shingles to learn the pros, cons, warranties, pricing, and much more for each asphalt shingle.
