Do you have a composition roof that's on the older side? Or are you trying to decide if a composition roof is the right roofing material?
No matter the answer, you need to know how long a composition roof lasts. Knowing the lifespan tells you when you’ll have to replace it and, most importantly, the return you’ll get out of your investment.
However, the answer isn't as straightforward as spitting out a number of years. In fact, composition shingles have specified lifespans, but don't always last that long.
On top of this, there are multiple types of composition shingles and many things that affect how long they last. So, let's weed through all the complexities and make it simple.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand everything that goes into how long a roof lasts. That's why I'll break down how long a composition roof lasts on average, based on shingle type, and more.
By the end of this article, you'll learn:
A composition roof on average lasts around 20 years. However, there are three types of composition shingles.
Each one has it's own advantages and disadvantages, including how long the shingle lasts after installation. So, the one you choose actually determines the lifespan.
How long do the types of composition shingles last? |
|
| 3-tab composition shingles | 15 to 20 years |
| Architectural composition shingles | 20 to 25 years |
| Luxury composition shingles | 30 to 50 years |
Below is more information about the lifespan and the pros and cons of each composition shingle.
3-tab composition shingles should last 15 years with a max of 20 years. They are the cheapest option but also the most inferior shingle and roofing material.
Architectural composition shingles (also called dimensional) should last 20-25 years with proper installation and adequate attic ventilation. This is the most commonly used roofing material in Nashville and the United States in general because of the affordability.
This composition shingle is the go to for homeowners looking for a cost-effective but durable roofing material.
Luxury composition shingles (also called designer or premium) will last 30 years but can get up to 40 or 50 years in the right conditions. Their slate-like design gives them very high curb appeal, but they’re also the longest-lasting asphalt shingle.
At this point, you know how long a composition roof lasts on average and the lifespans of the three composition shingles. As long as everything is done correctly, they should reach their ultimate lifespan.
However, there are many factors that will determine how long your composition roof lasts. Let’s get to the 6 factors that impact how long a composition roof lasts.
The quality of the composition shingle plays a huge role in how long the overall roof lasts. There are multiple composition 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 composition shingle, and invest in quality to ensure your composition roof lasts as long as possible.
The installation quality of the roofing contractor is the biggest factor for how long a composition roof actually lasts. An improperly installed roof is guaranteed to have problems, and will most likely fail prematurely.
There are many things that lead to installation problems, such as poor workmanship, inadequate attic ventilation, improper nailing, and poor weather conditions during installation. If any of this happen, you'll be left with leaks, paying for repairs, and/or experiencing premature failure.
That’s why hiring a reputable roofing contractor is so crucial anytime you get roofing work done.
Your attic’s ventilation system is what allows your home and roof to breathe properly by moving air in and out of your attic. Attic ventilation is absolutely crucial to a roof's lifespan, especially composition shingle roofs.
Without a properly ventilated attic, the damage from trapped hot and cold air damages composition shingles, rots roof decking, and increases your energy bills. While improper attic ventilation is guaranteed to cut a composition roof's lifespan short, it also voids manufacturer warranties and leads to denied insurance claims.
Every roof goes through wear and tear from the weather throughout its life. However, the climate, frequent temperature changes, and extreme weather that hits your area determines how much it impacts a composition roof's lifespan.
This is even more important nowadays with the amount of storms with hail and damaging winds that have destroyed roofs over the last 5 years in the United States. Even if you don’t, hail or strong winds that come with a single storm are enough to weaken the composition shingles' integrity.
While this kind of plays into weather, the direction your roof faces impacts how long composition shingles last. While shingles are made to withstand UV light, 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 composition shingles.
Roof maintenance is a huge factor in how long a composition roof lasts, especially as it gets older. Whether once or twice a year, roof maintenance ensures a roof reaches its full potential.
It catches any potential problems with your roofing materials and prevents future leaks before they start. Without maintenance, a small problem can snowball and turn into an expensive repair and cause damage to the interior of your home.
Roof maintenance is also the perfect chance to clear your roof and gutters of debris. If wet debris is left sitting on your roof, it will shorten the lifespan of composition shingles.
So, you know how long a composition roof lasts and what affects the lifespan. However, most homeowners don't know how old their roof is to determine how old it is.
Luckily, a composition roof shows signs that it's time to replace it.
The signs that a composition roof has reached the end of its lifespan or needs a replacement are:
If your composition roof has any of the signs above or multiple, it's most likely time to replace it. However, you won't know what you need until after an inspection from a reputable roofing contractor.
After reading this article, you now know a composition roof's lifespan, what affects the lifespan, and the signs that it's for a replacement. Remember, most composition roofs last 20 years on average.
However, there are three types of composition shingles, so lifespan varies. And with the all the factors that impact the lifespan, every roof is different.
But once it reaches the end, a composition roof must be replaced before costly leaks show up. Unfortunately, this happens too often because homeowners are worried about pricing.
The truth is, roof replacements aren't cheap. But when you need a new roof the only real option is to replace it.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down how much a composition roof costs to help you understand the budget you'll need.
Check out How Much Does a New Asphalt Roof Cost to learn what you can expect to pay for an asphalt (composition) roof replacement.